God's Grace

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Well, if God’s going to forgive me anyway, does it really matter if I sin?”

If so, you’re not alone. This question has been around since the early days of Christianity, and it’s one that the apostle Paul tackles head-on in his letter to the Romans.

In the Book of Romans 6:15, Paul declares:

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!”

Romans 6:15

Paul’s response is crystal clear: absolutely not! Let’s look into this verse and see why it’s so important for your life today.

Understanding the Context

To really get what Paul’s saying here, we need to zoom out a bit. In the book of Romans, Paul’s been explaining how we’re saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus, not by following a set of rules (the law). This was revolutionary stuff!

But with this amazing news of God’s grace came a potential misunderstanding.

Some people thought, “If we’re saved by grace no matter what, why not just keep on sinning? God will forgive us anyway, right?”

Paul’s response in this verse is addressing that very mindset. He wants to make sure we don’t miss the point of grace entirely.

Breaking Down the Verse

“What then?”

Paul starts with this question because he knows someone’s going to raise this objection. He’s anticipating the push-back and addressing it head-on.

“Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace?”

Here’s the heart of the matter. Paul’s restating the misguided logic some might use:

“If we’re not bound by the law anymore, and God’s grace covers all our sins, why not just keep sinning?”

“By no means!”

Paul’s answer is emphatic. In the original Greek, it’s a phrase that essentially means, “May it never be!” or “Absolutely not!”

He couldn’t be clearer about how wrong this thinking is.

Why Grace Isn’t a License to Sin

So, why is Paul so adamant that grace isn’t an excuse to keep sinning? Let’s break it down:

1. Grace Changes Us

When we truly understand and accept God’s grace, it transforms us from the inside out. It’s not just a get-out-of-jail-free card; it’s a whole new way of living.

2. We’re New Creations

Paul explains elsewhere that when we come to Christ, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Our old sinful nature doesn’t define us anymore. We have a new identity in Christ.

3. Sin Still Hurts

Even though God forgives us, sin still has consequences. It damages our relationship with God, hurts others, and harms ourselves. Grace doesn’t erase these effects.

4. Grace Empowers Holiness

God’s grace doesn’t just forgive us; it gives us the power to live differently. It’s not about following rules; it’s about being transformed by God’s love.

Living in the Freedom of Grace

So, how do we apply this truth to our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Embrace Your New Identity

Remember, in Christ, you’re not defined by your old sinful nature. You’re a child of God, empowered to live in a new way. Start seeing yourself through this lens.

2. Respond to Grace with Gratitude

Instead of seeing grace as a license to sin, let it motivate you to live in a way that honors God. When you’re tempted to sin, remember the price Jesus paid to set you free.

3. Seek God’s Help

Living free from sin’s control isn’t about willpower; it’s about relying on God’s power. Pray for His help when you face temptation.

4. Focus on Growth, Not Perfection

Remember, becoming more like Christ is a journey. You won’t be perfect overnight, but you can make progress every day.

5. Surround Yourself with Support

Find a community of believers who can encourage you and hold you accountable in your walk with God.

The True Freedom of Grace

Here’s the beautiful irony: When we stop seeing grace as a license to sin and start seeing it as the power to live in freedom, we experience true liberation.

We’re no longer slaves to our old sinful patterns. We’re free to become the people God created us to be.

So the next time you’re tempted to think, “Well, God will forgive me anyway,” remember Paul’s words.

God’s grace isn’t about giving us permission to sin; it’s about empowering us to live in true freedom. It’s not just forgiveness for your past; it’s strength for your present and hope for your future.

Embrace this grace. Let it transform you. And discover the joy of living in the freedom that Christ offers – a freedom that doesn’t lead you back into sin, but propels you forward into a life of purpose, love, and holiness.

Remember, you’re not just forgiven; you’re set free. Now that’s something worth celebrating!

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

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