Romans 6

In verse 11 the phrase ‘consider yourselves’ does not capture the power of Paul’s teaching. The KJV uses the word ‘reckon’ which comes closer. The root of the Greek word Paul used is an accounting term for calculating the total or sum of something. When a shop owner closes for the day the cash register is emptied and counted. The day’s income is calculated, or reckoned. The total income was already a fact before the shop owner counted the money. The money was already in the register. Counting the money only reveals to the shop owner what is already true.

Paul is urging the followers of Christ to consider, reckon what Christ has already accomplished for his people. Remember, what is true for Jesus is true for his people. Jesus has conquered the power of sin and death; so also Jesus’ people.

Paul uses the metaphor of baptism because it is a good way to illustrate what is true. Paul was not literally referring to water baptism. In chapter six he has in mind not the baptism we receive when we join the church; rather this is the baptism by the Holy Spirit into the life of Christ when the believer makes their confession of faith.

Paul is teaching that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! He uses baptism to help us understand that we have died with Christ and we have been raised to new life in Christ.

Paul is urging the followers of Christ to live out of their new identity as the beloved children of God, as Jesus’ people. Just as Joshua called the people of Israel to “choose you this day whom ye will serve” Paul is calling the people of Jesus to remember who they are and to live out of that reality.

When my teenage children would leave the house for an evening out, my parting words to them were, “Remember who you are.” They knew I was reminding them they were the beloved children of God and to behave accordingly. When Martin Luther was feeling pulled by temptation he would shout, “I am baptized!” That was his way of reminding himself he belonged to Jesus and it helped him exercise integrity at the moment of decision.

That last phrase is embedded in me and is what I use to remind myself to live out of the truth of my core identity: I am a child of God.

What helps you choose each day to live out of the reality of your new life in Christ?

What word or phrase in these verses

attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

8-Dec-11      Rom. 7:1-25