6 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:1-11 is a central passage in Paul’s argument that our identification with Christ fundamentally alters our relationship with sin. In baptism, we are united with Christ in his death, signifying the death of our sinful nature, and his resurrection, signifying our new life in Christ.
The rhetorical question that begins this passage, “Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound?” is answered unequivocally by Paul: “By no means!” This question arises because Paul has previously argued that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more (Romans 5:20). However, Paul clarifies that this is not an excuse to continue in sin.
In verses 3-4, Paul develops the theme of baptism as participation in Christ’s death and resurrection. The imagery of baptism involves dying (going under the water) and rising (coming up from the water). In this act, we publicly declare our commitment to turn from our old life of sin to a new life in Christ.
Paul expands on this in verses 5-11. We’re united with Christ in a death like his, which is a death to sin’s power because Christ, having died, is free from sin. Likewise, we can consider ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we should no longer let sin reign in our mortal bodies but instead offer ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness.
24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a]30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[b]
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.Read full chapter
It is not always easy to follow in the path of Jesus, sometimes we wander from the path set before us; a winding path, filled with challenges and obstacles, as we navigate a world that may oppose their beliefs. Yet, amidst our struggles, a guiding light illuminates the way, reminding us of the personal sacrifices and rewards of staying true to our values.
Commentary
In Matthew 10:24-39, Jesus outlines the cost of discipleship, clarifying that following Him might lead to division, persecution, and even death.
In verses 24-25, Jesus sets the stage with a principle: A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master. Disciples should expect the same treatment that Jesus receives. If He has been called Beelzebul (a term for the devil), His followers can expect similar accusations.
Verses 26-33 convey courage in the face of opposition. Fear should not deter the disciples because the truth will eventually be revealed, and God, who values them highly, is in control. Acknowledging Jesus before others is crucial, for it has eternal implications.
Verses 34-39 carry some of Jesus’ most challenging words. The call to follow Him may bring division within families, a sword instead of peace. It requires the highest commitment—above even family loyalties. Jesus underscores the weight of the call to discipleship, saying, “Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
These passages describe the cost of aligning oneself with Jesus and His kingdom mission. It may lead to hardships and sacrifices, but it also leads to life in its fullest sense, in a relationship with Him.
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