November 30, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Romans Chapter 6
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
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.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Romans Chapter 6 deals with the transformative new life made possible through baptism and unity with Christ. Paul answers the question of whether grace is a free pass for sin with a decisive no. Instead, he shows that baptism is a symbol of the death of the old life and the beginning of a new, holy life in Christ. The chapter illustrates liberation from sin and the calling to righteousness, where dedication to God leads to a life of holiness that ultimately leads to eternal life.
Commentary
Baptism: Death and New Life (Verses 1–11): Paul begins with the question of whether we should continue living in sin to increase grace. He firmly disagrees and explains that baptism symbolizes being immersed with Christ in his death and being raised with him. This means that our “old self” was crucified with Christ, so we are no longer slaves to sin. Through unity with Christ in death and resurrection, a new life becomes possible—a life dedicated to God.
Liberation from the Dominion of Sin (Verses 12–14): Paul urges believers to give no more room to sin in their lives. He metaphorically describes the body as a battlefield: the members should not serve sin as instruments of injustice, but God as instruments of righteousness. Since believers are no longer under the law but under grace, sin has no power over them.
Slavery: Sin or Righteousness (Verses 15–18): Paul introduces the image of slavery. He explains that every person is either a slave to sin, leading to death, or a slave to righteousness, leading to sanctification and life. Believers are freed by grace and called to use their freedom to serve God.
Fruit of Righteousness and Eternal Life (Verses 19–23): Paul compares the old life in sin with the new life in righteousness. While the fruit of sin is shame and death, dedication to God brings holiness and eternal life. He summarizes that the “wages” of sin is death, while God’s gift is eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Summary
Romans Chapter 6 demonstrates how baptism ends the old identity in sin and begins a new life in Christ. Paul explains that believers are freed from the dominion of sin through the death and resurrection of Christ. They are now called to use their freedom to serve God and produce fruits of righteousness. The chapter clarifies that sin ultimately leads to death, while God’s grace grants eternal life through Jesus Christ. The call is clear: let us no longer live for sin, but for God in a holy, grace-shaped life.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 77—In Pilate’s Judgment Hall
This chapter is based on Matthew 27:2, 11-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-40; John 19:1-16
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter concerning Jesus’ trial before Pilate is a climax of the Gospels, where divine truth and human weakness collide. Pilate faces the challenge of choosing between justice and his own interests, while the Jewish leaders express their hatred through lies and manipulation. The story reveals profound lessons about power, hypocrisy, and the steadfastness of Christ.
Commentary
The Role of Pilate:
Pilate, the Roman governor, appears weak and indecisive, torn between his recognition of Jesus’ innocence and his desire to yield to the demands of the Jewish leaders. His inability to act according to his convictions leads not only to the condemnation of Christ but also to his own moral and political downfall. Pilate’s actions demonstrate how dangerous it is to sacrifice principles for personal gain.
The Attitude of Jesus:
Throughout the trial, Jesus remains calm and majestic. His silence speaks louder than words, and his behavior reflects his complete dedication to the divine plan. He offers Pilate the opportunity to recognize the truth, but Pilate misses the chance. Jesus’ patience and gentleness stand in stark contrast to the shouts of the priests and the crowd.
The Responsibility of the Jewish Leaders:
The priests and elders use lies and false accusations to impose their will. They shout, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25), without understanding the far-reaching consequences of their words. Their rejection of Christ places them and their people under a burden that reverberates through history.
Barabbas or Jesus:
The choice between Barabbas and Jesus is symbolic of the decision each person must make. Barabbas, a murderer and rebel, is preferred, while Jesus, the Savior, is rejected. This choice reflects the tragedy when people reject the truth in favor of what is wrong.
The Consequences:
Pilate tries to distance himself from the guilt by washing his hands in innocence, but his responsibility remains. The decision to condemn Christ becomes a turning point that forever changes human history. At the same time, the story shows the fulfillment of the divine plan to save the world through Jesus’ death.
Summary
The chapter concerning Jesus’ trial before Pilate reveals the deep abysses of human sin and the sublime greatness of divine grace. Pilate’s weakness, the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, and the choice of the crowd teach us that rejecting the truth has devastating consequences. However, Jesus stands firm as the embodiment of grace and truth, fulfilling the plan of redemption even in the face of betrayal and injustice. This chapter challenges us to courageously stand for the truth in our lives and to follow Jesus’ example of patience and dedication.
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