Quote:
Originally Posted by Pressing-On
Yes, I agree with what you are saying here. I see that. So, where does it begin? Understanding our role in the Kingdom of God, which would then enable us to know that we can walk after the Spirit and not the flesh. It is as though we expect to make mistakes because of our human nature. I also don't think we would want to take it so far as to think we are infallible. So, where do we find a balance and not push ourselves over the top?
I've seen people start out, powerful, in the spirit and end up a wreck, KWIM? The don't seem to be able to find a balance. So, by that example, others pull back in fear. I have so many things to say, but I don't have the time to sit and articulate that as well as I would like.
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I think we have to go back to the cross and allow Paul to "walk us through" his teachings in
Romans 6 so we understand where we are and who we are in Christ. Maybe it is better to say we need to learn who Christ is in us.
Paul hypothetically asked a question people might pose after hearing his words at the end of
Romans 5 saying grace abounds much more where sin abounds. He hypothetically puts himself in the shoes of a listener and asks if that means we should therefore sin that grace may abound. Then he drops a bombshell and says "God forbid we think that way! Why would we even commit sin if we are supposed to be dead to sin?"
Then this makes the reader's jaw drop in awe, and ask if there really is a possibility that we can actually live above a trend of committing sins. So Paul continues to ask, "Don't you know, and have you never learned, that your baptism into Jesus was a baptism into His death?" His death became our deaths when we were baptized into Him. And he said this occurred for the purpose of us living a resurrection life of victory over sin (verse 5).
The reason we get baptized into Jesus' death is because our goal is to have the victory Jesus had when He resurrected. That is why we read in verse 7 that we are freed from sin when we die. Verse 8 says that dying with Jesus simply follows on as naturally as can be to living with Him in His resurrection life he experienced after his death.
So the key is to grasp and let sink in the truths and ramifications of being dead and risen with Christ. This is where we begin. And when we realize we not only died, were buried, resurrected and ascended with Jesus, but we also ARE SEATED WITH HIM IN THE KINGDOM, then is when KINGDOM revelation begins!
And THAT aspect is focused upon in
Eph 1:18 - 2:6.
I believe that is the starting point, See how it focuses on the cross? But it is no longer a single portion revelation that one man, Jesus, died and is now on the throne. It is a double portion revelation that we died with Him and are seated with Him on the throne.
This is all intended to put CONFIDENCE in us that we really can live in kingdom victory! It all focuses on how we are intended to see ourselves as much resurrected and on the throne in victory over sin as Jesus is!
Romans 6:10-11 REALLY drives that home!
If you are studying Romans and are now at chapter 5, you're in for the best part of Romans beginning in chapter 6!
Romans 6 removes our expectation to sin, by showing us and helping us realize we can have confidence by understanding that as much as Jesus died to sin and is alive in resurrection power over sin, SO ARE WE! Once we "get" that concept, we will have the confidence we need.
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