What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. If we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
More Than Amazing Grace!
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!
Paul could’ve answered his question posed by those who read this as:
“If you have to ask this question, you just don’t understand grace.”
Most of us still don’t understand grace partly because of its dilution in our church culture or misapplication instead of how otherworldly it is.
Paul had just written that where sin abounds, grace abounds more.
Note he wasn’t saying that grace is what forgives sin, so more sin, no problem.
He says that no matter the level of sin, grace is given to us to overcome.
Triumph not Trump
It isn’t given to us to trump sin like paper covers rock, but for us to triumph over sin as Jesus does.
Maybe said another way is that no matter how strong sin may seem, grace is stronger still!
Grace is stronger than your experiences, weakness, or lack of faith or hope.
Grace is Jesus in action!
No commandment from Jesus is impossible for us unless we try to obey in our power.
Apart from Him, it's impossible to know and do His will.
Abiding in Him, it's possible to know and do His will.
Inherent in each commandment from Him is the ability to do it; He didn’t leave us powerless.
He gives us His grace.
What sin patterns keep you from believing God’s grace is enough?
Can you describe a time when you knew it was God’s grace empowering you?
Lord, You have left us no excuses, for You’ve given us your life and the power of Your resurrection flowing through us. May we live in the fulness of all Your promises. Amen