Overview
This sermon by Adrian Rogers explains how Christians can experience victory over sin through identification with Christ, appropriating biblical truth, and yielding to Jesus, all made possible by God’s amazing grace as described in Romans 6:6-13. Rogers emphasizes that God’s plan is for believers to live in continual victory, not defeat, by relying on the power of grace.
Our Identification with Jesus
- Jesus acted on our behalf: when He died, was buried, and rose again, believers were spiritually united with Him in each of these events.
- Through this identification, Christians share in Jesus’ new life and the same power that raised Him from the dead.
- Adrian Rogers notes that Jesus took on our human nature so that we could receive His divine nature, making us one with Him.
- Understanding this union is foundational for living in victory over sin.
Appropriating the Truth in Christ
- Romans 6:11 instructs believers to “reckon” themselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
- “Reckoning” means acting on the truth of what God says—believing and living as though we are truly free from sin’s power.
- This is not a one-time act but a continual, daily practice of faith, affirming our freedom from sin’s penalty.
- Appropriation involves trusting that what God says about our new identity in Christ is true, regardless of feelings or circumstances.
Yielding to Christ for Emancipation
- True victory comes from fully submitting to Christ and allowing Him to work in us.
- God’s work in believers requires their active cooperation; He will not force victory upon us, but we cannot achieve it without Him.
- Yielding means dethroning sin—refusing to let our eyes, ears, hands, or any part of ourselves serve sin any longer.
- Instead, every aspect of our lives should be dedicated to God’s service, making Jesus Lord over all.
- This act of surrender is essential for experiencing the freedom and victory God intends.
Enthroning the Savior
- Romans 6:13 calls believers to present themselves to God as those “alive from the dead,” using their bodies as instruments of righteousness.
- When faced with temptation, the key is to yield to Jesus, allowing His grace to empower us.
- By enthroning Jesus as Lord, we invite His amazing grace to work in us, resulting in abounding victory over sin.
- This ongoing process transforms our lives and enables us to live out God’s purpose.
Application to Life
- Self-examination is encouraged: Do you truly identify with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection?
- Consider whether you are consistently applying the truths you believe and reckoning yourself dead to sin.
- Reflect on whether you have yielded every part of your life to Christ and made Him Lord in all areas.
- Experiencing abounding victory comes from embracing your new identity, daily appropriating God’s truth, and continually surrendering to Jesus’ lordship.
- Living in God’s amazing grace leads to true freedom and victory over sin.