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What are the implications of being baptized into Jesus?
In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes:
To be baptized into Jesus Christ means that we have been totally united with Christ. Paul used the same wording in 1 Corinthians 10:2 where he referred to the Israelites' being “baptized unto Moses.” The verses following that text show that their baptism meant that they participated in all the privileges that came with being associated with Moses. The argument here is that, since we are justified, we are participants in all the privileges associated with Christ. This union with Christ, therefore, means that we were also baptized into his death. If we are united with Him at all, then that includes uniting with Him in death. Since His death was a total break with the past, our participation in His death produces a total break with our past.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 28.
What is the "old man" in Romans 6:6?
In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes:
In identifying what Paul meant here by old man we must remember that the context emphasizes the total change that takes place at the time of justification. The believer is no longer “in Adam,” but “in Christ.” It seems best to understand our old man as referring to our lives as we lived them before justification. The purpose of the crucifixion of the old man is to break the power of the body of sin. Thus old man and body of sin cannot be synonymous. Some understand the latter as referring to our physical bodies, particularly where the body has become an instrument of sin. Another option is to understand the body of sin as equal to “the body of this death” spoken of in Romans 7:24. The latter would mean that the body of sin is the root of sin from which acts of sin spring. The purpose of both actions is that we should not serve sin. We cannot be recipients of forgiveness without also being recipients of deliverance.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 29.
What is the significance of baptism?
In "God's Word for Today" William Snider writes:
The Epistle to the Romans brings the explanation of the origins of sin and the forgiveness that is available through Christ. The presence of grace by which forgiveness is provided exceeds our comprehension. Some were saying that then perhaps the additional presence of sin brings more of this wonderful grace. Sin does not matter, because God will forgive anyway. In an interesting continuance of this logic, sin is a wonderful thing because sin gives the grace of God a continuing opportunity to operate. In short, sin brings grace. Paul recoiled in holy horror, “God forbid.” The thought was almost blasphemous. Paul argued from baptism that such a thought is totally inconsistent with the work of Christ in the heart of the believer. Baptism is a dividing line in the life of an individual. It marks a departure from the old life and an entrance into a new and different manner of living. Consequently, in a negative understanding, professing to live the new life while practicing the old life is a complete and total contradiction.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 28.
Pray for Absentees
Heavenly Father, I come to You again asking for Your blessing upon our class. I pray especially now for those who were absent from class this past weekend.
I pray for (list each absentee student by name) who missed class this week because (list the reason each student missed, if known).
Father, some of these who missed class this past Sunday could not avoid it because of sickness. We pray for healing for them. Encourage them in their walk with You. Help them, even though they had to miss, to study their lesson and hear Your Holy Spirit’s encouraging voice.
Some of our absentees are out of the area for various reasons - work, vacation, etc. Go with each one wherever they are. Keep them safe. Help them to worship You, even though they are out of their regular routine. Bring them back to us, encouraged in their faith, and on fire for God.
Some who missed did not come because the things of this world are more enticing to them than Your Word. Father, speak to them about their spiritual condition. Help them to see how their love for You is cooling. Convict them of this sin and reignite in them a passion for You, we pray.
Dead to Sin
Lesson 5 - January 1, 2017
Focus Text: Romans 6:1-18
Central Truth: The Christian life is yielded completely to Jesus Christ.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify specific areas of their life which are yielded to God.
Lesson Outline:
- Buried With Christ (Romans 6:1-6)
- Alive With Christ (Romans 6:7-11)
- Yielded to Righteousness (Romans 6:12-18)
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