Dead and yet Alive

Read Romans 6.

Romans 6:11 is a key verse for believers to continue to progress toward maturity in the faith.

Paul explains that Christ died once and now lives forever.  So, those who claim Jesus as their savior have died to their old way of living, have renounced their former life of sin, and now seek to live every minute to please the Lord.  We will never be perfect in this life.  Paul writes of his own struggles in Romans 7.  John reminds us in 1 John 1:8 that a person who says they have no sin is lying.

Believers have been set apart to God for eternity.  That is a done deal.  In the meantime, we must daily face the temptations and tugs that abound to think, speak, and behave as those who do not know the Lord.  What are we to do?

1. We are to surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit's control. (Ephesians 4:17-18)
Believers are not alone to tough it out.  Sin happens when we act on our own instead of yielding ourselves to what God wants.  Romans 6:17 points us in the right direction: "...become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed."

2. When we do sin, quickly agree with God and make it right. (1 John 1:9)
Confess it.  Forsake it.  God then forgives and cleanses us.

3. Etch Romans 6:11 in your memory.
"you"-This is as personal as it can be.
"also"-Just as Christ died and was raised to a new life.
"must"-Acting upon this is not an option, if you are a true follower of Jesus.
"consider yourselves"-How you think about self, habits of sin, and life.
"dead to sin"-A dead person is no longer responsive.  The old life is gone.
"alive to God in Christ Jesus"-Our reason for existence is for His glory and purposes.

4. Be aware that every moment is a decision. 
v. 12-"Let not sin therefore reign" is a choice we make.  Whom will we obey in that moment?
v. 13a-"Do  not present your members to sin" is clear.  Chapter 1 mentions over 20 examples of sin as a starter list.  The next chapters provides severe warnings of God's judgment upon those who pursue such things without repentance and change.
v.13b-"Present yourselves to God" is an act of obedient surrender to do what is right.
"...the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life." (v.22)