Victory Over Sin
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. Think of a time when you conquered a bad habit. Describe how this made you feel.
Bible Reading
Read Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of
sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but
ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin,
ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh:
for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your
members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end
everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. Why should Christians avoid sinning?
3. What are the consequences of sin?
Question 3. The results of sin are described in Ezra 9:6, 7; Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 23:29–35; Isaiah 1:4–7;
59:2; Hosea 5:5–7 and Matthew 13:15.
4. What are the results of obeying God?
Question 4. The results of obedience to God are described in Exodus 19:5, 6; Deuteronomy 5:29; Proverbs
23:17, 18; Matthew 12:50; John 14:23; James 1:25 and 1 John 3:22–24.
5. What example did Paul use to help the Romans understand his point?
6. What does it mean to be a slave of God?
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
Imagine being thrown in jail on suspicion of a charge, left there, virtually forgotten, while the system, ever
so slowly caught up with you. You get sick. You're treated harshly. Abused. Assaulted. Would you begin to entertain
that feeling of lostness and hopelessness?
Back to the question: “How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” Who would volunteer to be dumped in a
jail for another series of months, having been there and suffered the consequences of such a setting? His point:
Then why would emancipated slaves who have been freed from sin and shame return to live under that same domination
any longer?…
We have been programmed to think, I know I am going to sin, to fail … to fall short today. Since this is true
I need to be ready to find cleansing. You have not been programmed to yield yourself unto God as those who have
power over sin.
How much better to begin each day thinking victory, not defeat; to awake to grace, not shame; to encounter each
temptation with thoughts like, Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior. I am your child—liberated and depending on Your
power. Therefore, Christ, this is Your day, to be lived for Your glory. Work through my eyes, my mouth, and through
my thoughts and actions to carry out Your victory. And, Lord, do that all day long.
(From The Grace Awakening by Charles Swindoll)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. Why do you think people choose to be slaves to sin?
8. Why do believers continue to struggle with sin?
Question 8. Encourage participants to read these verses about dealing with temptation: Matthew 26:41;
1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 6:1 and Hebrews 2:17, 18; 4:14–16.
9. What are the benefits of being slaves of righteousness?
Prayer
Father, we know we can live a new life free from the bondage of sin because of the death and resurrection of
your Son. You have won the victory over sin and death. Father, we ask you to be the master of our lives. Protect
us from the evil one and the temptations of this world. We invite the purifying power of your Holy Spirit to cleanse
our lives. May we stay blameless until the day of your return.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
What changes do I need to make to live a more godly life?
Additional Questions
10. Why do we let sin control areas of our lives?
11. What can a believer do to break free from sin?
12. How does this passage challenge your attitude toward sin in your life?
For more Bible passages on victory over sin, see John 1:29; 8:34–36; 1 John 1:7; 3:4–9; 5:18.
To complete the book of Romans during this twelve-part study, read Romans 6:1–23.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of Romans by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing. Published by Word.
