A question that comes to mind whenever I happen across one of these “reality” shows is, “what about the changes that really need to be made?” To wit: the changes in our minds and hearts.

I feel certain that all of the participants on these shows do realize some changes in their lives. Perhaps more confidence, better knowledge of how to look and act. These are very positive changes in any life. I think we’ll all agree, however, that what makes us who we are has a lot more to do with what’s inside. Those changes are much harder to make. Just ask anyone who has made a serious effort to stop smoking or change their lifestyle in some way.

I’m preaching on 11/1 from Paul’s letter to the Roman church, the sixth chapter. He has spent a significant amount of time in Romans up to this point explaining our need for the gospel – the good news. In chapter five he wraps up by explaining our need for justification. Our need to be made right with God. To “balance the books” so to speak. This is accomplished by our faith in Jesus Christ.

Having secured our relationship with God through Christ, Paul turns his attention to an obvious and important question: Now what?

How do we live once that reconciliation has been accomplished? Does it matter since God has “fixed” the problem? Paul is emphatically negative in his response. At this point he begins a discussion of sanctification – the ongoing process of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives to transform us into the image of Christ by enabling us to avoid sin, be continually renewed in our spirit and helping us to fulfill God’s plan for our lives.

Brian Wilkerson put it this way: Justification is an act, but sanctification is a process. Justification is a moment-in-time transaction. Sanctification is a lifelong journey. In justification, God declares you to be a righteous person. In sanctification, God develops you into a righteous person.

I invite you to read Romans 6:1-14 and meditate on the following questions.

May God bless you as he continues to work in your life through the Holy Spirit.

1. What do you think the new life God wants for us would look like (v. 4)?
2. According to Romans 6:6-7, what do you think it means that our “old self was crucified”?
3. In what ways are you still a slave to sin?
4. Why would thinking of ourselves as dead to sin help us conquer it?
5. Which statement best represents the truth in Romans 6:6-7?
6. • I have been crucified with Christ; therefore I will never sin again.
   • I have been crucified with Christ; therefore sin has no hold on me.
   • I have been crucified with Christ; therefore I no longer need him to conquer sin.
7. Why did you choose the statement you did? Explain it according to Romans 6:6-7.