Crucified with Christ: Freedom from the Power of Sin
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Scripture
"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."
Introduction
Paul’s declaration in Romans 6:6 unveils the heart of the Christian life: our union with Christ in His death breaks sin’s dominion over us. This verse doesn’t describe a legal pardon alone—it proclaims a fundamental identity transformation. By exploring the original Greek, key theological terms, and Paul’s broader argument in Romans, we see how this truth reshapes our understanding of sin, death, and new life in Christ.
Definition of the Biblical Theme: Union with Christ & Liberation from Sin
Old Self (ho palaios anthrōpos, ὁ παλαιὸς ἄνθρωπος): our pre‑conversion, sin‑dominated nature.
Crucified with Him (sunestaurōthē sun autō, συνεσταυρώθη σὺν αὐτῷ): united in Jesus’ death.
Body of Sin (sōma tēs hamartias, σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας): the flesh as sin’s instrument.
Done Away With (lytōthē, λυτρωθῇ): ransomed, released by Christ’s work.
Slaves to Sin (huperetoumen tē hamartia, ὑπηρετοῦμεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ): former bondage now ended.
Exposition
“We know that…”
Paul begins with certainty: this is an experiential reality for every believer, not mere theory.
“…our old self was crucified with him”
Greek Insight
sunestaurōthē: “was crucified together.” Our identification with Christ’s death nullifies our old nature’s power.
Theological Note
God’s justice against sin is satisfied in Christ, and our union with His crucifixion deals a death blow to our old, sin‑ruled identity.
“…so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with”
Greek Insight
sōma tēs hamartias & lytōthē: the sinful body is ransomed—released from sin’s dominion, not merely forgiven.
“…that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”
Greek Insight
huperetoumen tē hamartia: formerly under sin’s tyranny, we now serve righteousness.
Historical and Cultural Context
Paul wrote to a Roman church facing moral laxity and Jewish–Gentile tensions. Grounding new identity in union with Christ’s death redirected believers from law‑keeping to empowered life in righteousness—a revolutionary emancipation metaphor for both Jews and Gentiles.
Application
Count Yourself Dead to Sin
Practice: Memorize Romans 6:6. When tempted, affirm: “My old self is crucified with Christ; I am no longer under sin’s power.”
Offer Your “Members” to Righteousness
Practice: Present daily choices—speech, actions, thoughts—as offerings to God (Rom 6:13), choosing the new self in Christ.
Renew Your Mind
Practice: Immerse yourself in Scripture (Rom 12:2), replacing flesh‑driven thoughts with truths about your union with Christ.
Engage Community Accountability
Practice: Partner with believers for mutual encouragement—share struggles and victories, reminding each other sin’s slavery is broken.
Walk in the Spirit
Practice: Depend on the Holy Spirit’s power (Gal 5:16) to produce righteousness rather than fleshly deeds.
Additional Scriptures to Consider
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Romans 6:3‑5 (NIV): “all of us… baptized into his death… we too may live a new life.”
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Galatians 2:20 (NIV): “I have been crucified with Christ… but Christ lives in me…”
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Colossians 3:9‑10 (NIV): “you have taken off your old self… and have put on the new self…”
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1 Peter 2:24 (NIV): “by his wounds you have been healed.”
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Ephesians 4:22‑24 (NIV): “to put off your old self… and put on the new self…”
Closing Thoughts
Romans 6:6 reminds us the Christian life is rooted in Christ’s death on our behalf. Our old, sin‑enslaved nature was crucified with Him, and our identity is rewoven in freedom. Embrace this truth daily: you serve righteousness, not sin.
Thought-Provoking Questions
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Identity in Christ: How does knowing your old self was crucified with Christ change your view of past failures and temptations?
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Slavery vs. Freedom: In what areas do you still feel enslaved by sin? How can you claim freedom in Christ through prayer and Scripture?
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Righteousness as Service: What does “offer your members as instruments of righteousness” look like practically? Identify one habit to replace with a righteous practice.
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Community and Accountability: Who can you partner with for mutual encouragement, reminding each other of this freedom?
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