Set Apart by Christ
Romans 6:5–14
It has been said, “It isn’t what you know; it’s who you know.” That sentiment lends itself to the understanding that it is good to have a certain network of people in case you need assistance or perhaps a positive listening ear.
With the reality of Christ in our lives, we have much more than a connection; we are conquerors. When we receive the gift of salvation by grace through faith, we take on the ability to fight the flesh with the help of the Spirit.
In Christ, we are set free from sin’s grip. (5–7)
Paul’s writings in the Book of Romans have long been regarded as some of the richest and most beautiful doctrinal truths in all of Scripture. I often encourage our congregation to underline or make notes in their Bibles, and Romans is a good place to make a habit of this practice.
Because of the price paid by Jesus through His death and resurrection, we too have the power of sin laid to rest.
What a powerful truth to know that our existence is not defined or determined by our sins. The enemy knows our name and calls us by the sins we have committed. The Savior knows our sins and calls us by name.
Genuine, eternal freedom can only be experienced in the completed work of Christ.
In Christ, we are set apart with the promise of eternal life. (8–11)
One thing the believer has in common with the unbeliever is the reality of physical death. The key difference for the believer is that the breath after the last one on earth will be in the presence of Jesus. The nonbeliever will begin an eternity of separation from God.
Each of us has been affected by the death of someone we treasure, and we never fully recover in this life from the loss and void death brings. God made us with emotions and the ability to feel deeply.
When Christ rose victoriously from the tomb, he told death, “You lose!” Is it normal to ponder how and when our deaths may come? Sure. However, our physical deaths only tell half of the story. Our time spent before we die is but a blip on the radar compared to the eternity made possible to us by Jesus.
In Christ, we are set apart to live in righteousness. (12–14)
Since the grave cannot hold us and death won’t have the last say in our lives, let us now live for Him each day. Each decision we make should reflect that we have been bought at an incredible price. Paul writes, “Present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead.”
Our “back from the dead” testimony is made possible only by the grace of Jesus.
How amazing is it that His death gives us life that is not only one day, someday, but life each day to resist sin and its punishment? If you knew you could not die, how would it change your decisions and actions? How you answer that question reveals your heart. If you choose to live selfishly or wastefully, you are not making Christ a priority. If you choose to live with Jesus as your guide, you will be the type of follower who can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
