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Sermon #3099

Dead to Sin; Alive to God

A Sermon on Romans 6:11

Originally preached Dec. 12, 1958

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Scripture

Romans 6:11 ESV KJV
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

Sermon Description

Christians are alive unto God in the reign and realm of God. They were dead in sin, but now have been raised together with Christ into an entirely new sphere. But what does it mean to be alive to God? In this sermon on Romans 6:11 titled “Dead to Sin, Alive to God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches about the new relationship the Christian has with God. “The most terrible thing about a life of sin is that you are not open to the blessings of God,” he states. Common graces are not the real blessings of God; they pale in comparison to these spiritual promises. To be alive unto God means to be part of His purpose. Christians are united to Christ because they are now in Him and members of His body. Be encouraged and learn the result of being in God and the importance of the word “never.” The same Spirit that comes upon the Christian was in Christ. God has begun this work in the Christian and He will complete this work. Be dead to sin and alive to Christ. This helps the Christian fight sin through the great assurance and confidence this gospel provides. The joy of the Lord is the Christian’s strength. Rest on the sure and perfect word of God.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. We are now dealing with Romans 6:11 - Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
  2. We have already dealt with the first half of this verse - reckon ye yourselves also likewise to be dead indeed unto sin. This means we are to consider ourselves dead to the power and penalty of sin.
  3. The second half of the verse is positive - alive unto God. This is a glorious truth.
  4. Some commentators only focus on the negative part of the verse and miss the positive. We must consider both parts.
  5. This verse continues to address the false charge brought up in Romans 6:1 - Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? The first half of the answer is no, we are dead to sin. The second half further shows why this is an absurd suggestion.
  6. To be alive unto God means we are in a new relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are no longer under God's wrath but are reconciled to Him.
  7. We are now open to all the blessings of God. We have access to His grace.
  8. We are the special objects of God's concern, attention and purpose. His purpose is to make us holy and blameless.
  9. God's purpose is being worked out in us. We are united to Christ and have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. The Spirit works in us to will and to do God's good pleasure.
  10. The completion of God's purpose in us is certain. Nothing can stop it. God will perfect us and present us holy and blameless.
  11. Realizing we are dead to sin and alive to God will change how we view sin and see ourselves. We will not question our salvation when we sin but know we sin as children of God.
  12. This truth removes our sense of hopelessness in overcoming sin. We know God's power working in us is greater than the power of sin.
  13. This leads to joy and hope as we realize our position in Christ and God's purpose for us.
  14. God's purpose cannot be stopped. We are secure in Christ and destined for glory.
  15. We cannot continue in sin as some suggest. God will discipline us as His children. We belong to Him and He will perfect us.

The Book of Romans

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.