Romans 6:1-2
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Introduction: The Misunderstanding of Grace
When Paul wrote the book of Romans, he had just finished describing the incredible grace of God — a grace that forgives every sin, a grace that abounds even where sin abounds.
But then Paul anticipates a dangerous misunderstanding.
He asks,
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”
In other words:
“If grace covers all my sin, then maybe sinning more gives God more glory!”
And Paul’s response is immediate and strong —
“Certainly not!”
Or as the old King James puts it, “God forbid!”
Context Reminder:
In chapter 5, Paul taught that “where sin increased, grace abounded much more.”
Now, he’s showing that grace doesn’t encourage sin — it empowers holiness.
Point 1: The False Idea — Grace as Permission to Sin
Some people think that grace is a get-out-of-jail-free card — that since God forgives, it doesn’t matter how we live.
Illustration:
Imagine a man who’s been pardoned from prison. He walks out free — but instead of living a new life, he goes right back to the crime that put him there.
Would you say he understood the value of mercy? Of course not.
Grace was meant to set him free, not send him back.
Paul is saying the same:
Grace is not a free pass to sin — it’s a new power to live differently.
Point 2: The Strong Answer — “Certainly Not!”
Paul’s response in Greek (mē genoito) is the strongest possible “No!”
It means: “Don’t even think such a thing!”
To Paul, the idea that a believer would use grace as a license to sin is completely unthinkable.
Application Thought:
If God’s grace truly saved us, how can we go back to the very things that nailed Jesus to the cross?
Grace doesn’t lower God’s standard — it lifts our hearts toward holiness.
Point 3: The True Reality — We Have Died to Sin
“How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”
This is not a call to try harder; it’s a call to remember who you are in Christ.
When you accepted Jesus, your old life — your sinful nature — was crucified with Him.
You were buried with Him in baptism and raised to new life by His Spirit.
Romans 6:4 says:
“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life.”
That means sin no longer has authority over you.
It may tempt you, but it cannot rule you — because you belong to another Master: Jesus Christ.
Illustration:
A dead man doesn’t respond to temptation.
If you walked by a coffin with a stack of money or a glass of wine — the person inside doesn’t react.
Why? Because he’s dead to it.
Paul says, “That’s who you are in Christ — dead to sin, alive to God.”
Point 4: The Purpose of Grace — To Empower, Not Excuse
Grace is not soft on sin — it’s strong enough to break sin’s power.
It doesn’t say, “It’s okay, you’re only human.”
It says, “You’re a new creation.”
Titus 2:11–12
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
Grace doesn’t whisper, “Do what you want.”
It shouts, “You’re free to live holy!”
Point 5: The Response — Live the New Life
If you’ve truly received grace, your life will show it.
You will desire to please God — not out of fear, but out of love.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I using grace as an excuse, or as empowerment?
- Do I still flirt with sin, or do I fight it with God’s strength?
- Do people see in me the evidence of a changed life?
Key truth:
Grace doesn’t just forgive what I’ve done; it transforms who I am.
Conclusion: Live as the Free, Not the Bound
When Jesus saves you, He doesn’t just take away your guilt — He gives you new power to live.
Sin used to be your master but now grace reigns through righteousness.
So when temptation comes, you can say:
“I’m not who I used to be. I’ve died to that. I’m alive in Christ.”
Illustration:
Like a butterfly that has left the cocoon — you don’t go back to crawling once you’ve learned to fly.
Final Encouragement
Let’s live as people who have truly died to sin and risen to new life.
Let’s show the world that grace is not a license to sin — it’s the power to live free.
Closing Prayer
“Lord, I thank You for Your amazing grace — grace that saves me, changes me, and sustains me.
Forgive me for the times I’ve treated grace lightly or used it as an excuse.
Teach me to walk as people who have died to sin and are alive in You.
Let my life reflect Your holiness and Your power.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
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