Sermon Outline 2.23.25

Title: If You’re Dead, Act Like It!

Text: Romans 6:1-11

Theme: Paul doesn’t say, "Try harder." He says: you’re dead to sin—live like it!

I. Introduction

• As Christians, our identity is rooted in Christ’s death & resurrection.
• If you’ve been raised, you need to start walking.

II. The Abuse of Grace (vv. 1-2)

• Grace is not a license to sin—it’s the power to walk in holiness
• Titus 2:11-12 – For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
• Grace does not excuse sin—it trains us to reject it.

III. Your Identity Has Changed (vv. 3-4)

• Baptism isn’t just a ritual—it’s a declaration that we are united with Christ
• Gal 2:20 – I've been crucified with Christ. It's no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
• Our old self is dead, and Christ is now our life.
• You’ve been given a new identity in Christ—why would you still live the old way?

IV. Christ’s Death and Resurrection Change Everything (vv. 5-7)

• If you haven’t died to sin, how can you expect to live in Christ?”
• This is why so many people are stagnant in their faith—bogged down, not moving...
• Colossians 3:1-3 – If then you've been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not things on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
• You don’t have to be a slave to sin anymore and fight a losing battle

V. The Reign of Christ Over Death (vv. 8-10)

• Jesus’ resurrection isn't a feel-good story—it was a declaration of absolute victory
• Hebrews 2:14-15 – Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

VI. Consider Yourselves Dead to Sin, Alive to God (v. 11)

• If you’re dead to sin, stop entertaining it! Stop making excuses for it
• Christianity isn't about trying harder—it’s about living out what Christ has already done.
• Ephesians 4:22-24 – Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires... and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
• We need to stop resurrecting what God put in the grave

VII. Conclusion: Live in the Power of Resurrection