Romans 6 Bible study guide: Dead to Sin, Alive to God

Open with

What is a habit you have tried to break? What made it hard?

Read together

Romans 6:1-14, then Romans 6:15-23. If you are leading, read the plain-words note on Romans 6 first (linked below).

Discussion questions

1. Paul asks, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" (v. 1). Why might someone think free forgiveness means it doesn't matter how we live?

2. In verses 3 and 4 Paul describes baptism as being buried with Christ and raised to "live a new life." If you are baptised, what did it mean to you? If not, what does this picture say to you?

3. Verse 11 says to "count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God." What would it look like to see yourself that way on an ordinary day?

4. Verse 13 says to offer every part of yourself to God as "an instrument of righteousness." What parts of your life, like your time, phone, words or body, are hardest to hand over?

5. Paul says everyone is a slave to something (vv. 16 to 18). What things do people our age end up serving without realising it?

6. Verse 23: "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life." What is the difference between wages and a gift, and why does Paul use both words?

For our lives this week

Choose one area where an old habit still has a hold on you. Each time it pulls at you this week, remind yourself: "I belong to God now."

Close in prayer

Thank God for new life in Jesus. Ask for strength to live as who you now are, and grace when you fall.

Leader tip

Christians understand baptism differently, so you don't need to settle that here. Keep the focus on the new life it points to.