The Great News of the Gospel – Part 12

<p><em>We’re under grace, so why not just sin?</em> Paul’s answer in Romans 6 is essentially this: Look at you! You’ve got an obedient heart now, and you’re addicted to righteousness. You’ll never be happy sinning, because sin is hard work with no real payoff! I love this chapter, because it reveals the true nature of God’s counsel. There’s no guilt, no manipulation, and no fear. Instead, God gives you a <em>healthy</em> motivation to avoid sin and bear fruit. And it has everything to do with <em>who you are</em> now! I’m sure by now you’ve heard a lot of religious guilt trips. It’s time to ditch that whole shame game and enjoy lasting motivation brought to you by the God of the universe! <strong>Discussion Questions for Romans 6:15-23:</strong></p> <ol> <li>What is the radical question asked in verse 15?</li> <li>What is the rationale given in verse 16?</li> <li>What does Paul say happened to you in verse 17?</li> <li>In your own words, explain verse 18. Be specific.</li> <li>What is the parallel draw in verse 19?</li> <li>What two key words in verse 21 offer reasons not to sin? Are they persuasive for you?</li> <li>How is “enslaved to God” a synonym for sanctification in verse 22?</li> <li>Verse 23 talks about the “wages” of sin. How is sin hard work? Is expressing Jesus hard work? Why or why not?</li> </ol>