Full Description
Romans 6 is one of the most important texts on Christian living, conversion, and baptism, and it is foundational for Christian ethics. It profoundly challenges widespread cultural assumptions in the West about individual autonomy and what it means to be authentically human. It also challenges believers to live up to their gospel and its implications.
In this exposition of Romans 6, two senior scholars offer guidance on preaching and teaching major Pauline theological concepts. Romans 6 reveals the foundation of Paul's theology and indeed the whole of Christianity: We must die with Christ to live with him. The authors place this important chapter within the context of the entire letter, trace its influence on theology and church doctrine, and show how this classic text can speak afresh to the life of the church today. The book is perfect for sermon preparation and small group study.
The Touchstone Texts series addresses key Bible passages, making high-quality biblical scholarship accessible to the church. The series editor is Stephen B. Chapman, Duke Divinity School.
Contents
Series Preface
1. Hearing Romans 6:1-7:6 as a Statement of the Gospel
Living a New Life in Christ
How Should We Read Romans 6:1-7:6?
Why Are We Reading?
What Are We Reading?
How Shall We Read?
What Shall We Do with What We Read?
2. Romans 6:1-7:6 Within Romans
The Purposes of Romans
The Argument of Romans and the Centrality of Romans 6:1-7:6
The Structure of Romans 6:1-7:6
Theological Characteristics of Romans 6:1-7:6
Literary Characteristics of Romans 6:1-7:6
3. The First Movement (Romans 6:1-14): Dying to Live and to Walk in Newness of Life
Translation of Romans 6:1-14
Baptism and Its Consequences (6:1-4)
Grace Does Not Promote Sin (6:1-2)
Excursus: Understanding Sin
Dying and Rising with Christ (6:3-4)
Excursus: Understanding Baptism
Unpacking Further the Consequences of Baptism (6:5-11)
Baptism, Resurrection, and Justification from Sin (6:5-7)
Excursus: Participation in Christ
Christ's Death and His Life to God (6:8-10)
Reckoning Ourselves Rightly (6:11)
Ending the Reign of Sin (6:12-14)
Acting Against Sin (6:12-13)
Excursus: The Relation of God's Action and Human Action
Excursus: The Mortal Body and Its Desires
Law and Grace (6:14)
4. The Second Movement (Romans 6:15-23): Living Under Grace
Translation of Romans 6:15-23
The Rule and Economy of Grace (6:15, 23)
Law and Grace Again (6:15)
The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God (6:23)
Two Kinds of Slavery (6:16-22)
Slavery and Salvation (6:16)
Excursus: Slavery in the Ancient World
Obedience from the Heart (6:17-18) 156
Speaking in Human Terms (6:19a)
Sanctification and Life (6:19b-22)
Excursus: Understanding Sanctification
Summary: Living Under Grace
5. The Third Movement (Romans 7:1-6): Serving in Newness of Spirit
Translation of Romans 7:1-6
Dying to the Law (7:1-6)
The Analogy of Marriage (7:1-4)
Released from the Law (7:5-6)
Summary: Serving in Newness of Spirit
6. Why Does Romans 6:1-7:6 Matter?
Indexes
