STB116 | BSE | Romans 6: Set Free from Sin | Cultivate Relationships

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION - Nathan and Pastor Scott Frerking explore Romans 6, emphasizing that we are truly dead to sin but still have a choice of lordship—either sin (rebellion) or obedience (Jesus). They discuss the reality that we are always bearing fruit, and the type of fruit reveals whom we have been serving.

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) INTRODUCTION
(06:41) ROMANS 6.1-14
(51:58) ROMANS 6.15-23
(1:03:50) ACTIVATION STEPS

— EPISODE NOTES —
ROMANS 6.1-14: WE ARE DEAD TO SIN... REALLY?
Those of us who have received Jesus (as Savior and Lord) consider ourselves dead to sin — sin no longer has a draw or hold on us (Romans 6.2). Our habitual inclinations are rendered powerless when we live in Jesus (through his Spirit) (Romans 6.6).
• See also 1 John 2.1; Galatians 2.20; 5.24.

Romans 6.12-14 – Our weapons (our physical bodies) reveal who our master is:
• The enemy and the kingdom of darkness to spread unhealthy relational living.
• Jesus and the kingdom of light to spread healthy relational living.

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): If salvation is more than just forgiveness — if it actually involves dying to an old, unhealthy way of thinking and behaving — how should that reshape the way we think about grace, sin, and discipleship?

ROMANS 6.15-23 - CHOOSE YOUR LORD: SIN (REBELLION) OR OBEDIENCE
We are designed to produce fruit — fruit is present no matter what. However, what we serve reveals what we trust and determines the kind of fruit we will produce:
• If sin, we exponentially develop more sin leading to death (relational, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual).
• If obedience, we exponentially develop sanctification (purity and life).
• See also Matthew 6.24; John 8.34; 2 Peter 2.17-19; Galatians 5.16-24.

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): What masters (think: fears, worries, anxieties, or doubts) compete for your attention and affection? These can often be identified by who and what we try to control and what occupies our thoughts, time, and attention.

ACTIVATION STEPS
From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:

STEP #1 - ASSESS YOUR FRUIT (Romans 6.20-23):
The fruit (our own physical, emotional, or mental outcomes) can often reveal the source of our words and actions. Take a moment to reflect on the past week. Ask the Holy Spirit: When or with whom do I feel powerless, out of control, or a victim? When or with whom have I lacked healthy fruit (think: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control, etc.)? Why were these attributes not present in that moment?

STEP #2 - ENTRUST YOURSELF TO YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER (Romans 6.13):
Our words and actions reveal who we trust — either God or not God. Ask the Holy Spirit: What lies have I believed about God that have led me to this unhealthy fruit?

STEP #3 - SUBMIT & SERVE YOUR TRUE MASTER (Romans 6.22):
You are designed to bear fruit in line with your Heavenly Father’s character. This week, whenever you feel fear, worry, anxiety, or doubt, ask the Holy Spirit: What does it look like to trust and submit to You in this moment?

— EPISODE LINKS —
• Website & Resources: https://cultivaterelationships.com