Thank you for this brief exposition of that lovely passage in Romans 6. It is helping me in preparing a talk for Christians who are unsure about how to talk to folk who do not accept Christ and who believe that their futue after death is secure because they have 'led a good life'.
One of my favorite passages in the Bible. So many have a limited view of baptism (baptism as one’s decision to follow Jesus). But Paul is reminding us of the true meaning of it. It’s the other way around. We are buried and raised with Jesus. It’s all about what Jesus has done for us. Happy Easter, all.
I appreciate Prof. Wright’s reminder that we are already participating in the new creation by being “In Christ.” As he said: “We are with Him in the tomb and now we are raised from the dead” time stamp 2:29. However, I also want to offer that my struggle with sins - though the frequency of the struggles has diminished over the years I have been walking with the Lord (51 years) - I would not say it was like snow in April… unless you would say there are snow flurries every day. But He is with me and continues to help me take more thoughts captive to the obedience of Jesus. 2 Cor 10:5. Thank you for providing these great though provoking devotions!
Very good. The idea of being participants in the crucifixion and resurrection seems to often be run past too quickly (even by myself). A participant in the crucifixion entails a radical relinquishment of the self to embrace suffering motivated by love (rather than suffering as another form of self promotion). This, to me, is the heart of it all and the beauty of God who touches life of the creation in all its ugliness and in its great depths of creational suffering. There, in the worst place imaginable, is God. A creator who loves all. And resurrects to new life. For years I missed the part of being and becoming a humble co participant in this same activity.
I was particularly struck by the comparison to an out of season snow fall. These always melt quickly in my part of the world. To be buried with Christ means we take our Baptismal vows seriously. I now see them more like my marital vows.
We are no longer living in sin because we have been buried with Christ and have been raised within the newness of life. Yesterday a couple got baptized and this is a reminder of the church that we are to walk in the newness of life.
Yes! When Jesus is our Lord, we want to please Him. We love Him and want to do what He wants, but sometimes that cookie jar is just too tempting. I hope you got your spot of tea. I have had mine yet, either.
There are sins ... and then there are sins. It's not the bing sins which generally trouble Christians - murder, adultery, stealing, lying - it's the small, little sins we commit daily like losing patience, like eating too much, like being jealous or prideful of a small achievement. The list is long. These small sins corrode our hearts and souls, and it's only through daily prayerful the help of our Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit that we can hope to evade these traps set for us by the Great Deceiver. Since we're not saints, since we fall daily, Easter means also that we can get up from those falls because Jesus has his hand reaching out to us, pulling us up.
Perhaps it might be that we can often overlook or rationalise the ways we fall short daily as insignificant compared to... Appreciate the reminder and encouragement to guard against corrosion and to seek the Lord's help with the 'big' and 'small' things.
Does this passage deviate from what John 3 teaches that one must be born from above to see the kingdom? This seems to reference baptism enough to remind the first century world of a need for a ritual to seal the deal , if you will. It reads like a new circumcision .. I don’t believe that because of the overwhelming OT and teaching of Jesus himself, but the 6th of Romans seems out of step with other passages.
I dig the analogy of snow in Spring. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this wonderful insight. We are blessed by these little talks
Thank you for this brief exposition of that lovely passage in Romans 6. It is helping me in preparing a talk for Christians who are unsure about how to talk to folk who do not accept Christ and who believe that their futue after death is secure because they have 'led a good life'.
One of my favorite passages in the Bible. So many have a limited view of baptism (baptism as one’s decision to follow Jesus). But Paul is reminding us of the true meaning of it. It’s the other way around. We are buried and raised with Jesus. It’s all about what Jesus has done for us. Happy Easter, all.
Good words--yes, coming through the waters as a sign of new creation in the present!
Happy Easter, and thank you!
This message was absolutely spot on. You really filled in some gaps for me. Thank you!!!
A much needed reminder. Happy Easter!
This series has been very meaningful.
I appreciate Prof. Wright’s reminder that we are already participating in the new creation by being “In Christ.” As he said:
“We are with Him in the tomb and now we are raised from the dead” time stamp 2:29.
However, I also want to offer that my struggle with sins - though the frequency of the struggles has diminished over the years I have been walking with the Lord (51 years) - I would not say it was like snow in April… unless you would say there are snow flurries every day. But He is with me and continues to help me take more thoughts captive to the obedience of Jesus. 2 Cor 10:5.
Thank you for providing these great though provoking devotions!
Appreciate your transparency (we can relate!) and the reminder that God is an ever-present help in the midst of the tensions and struggles.
We are having snow for Easter so a timely message. I wish it were even more rare.
Holy Saturday, I think it would be good to reflect in silence what we have died to
Very good. The idea of being participants in the crucifixion and resurrection seems to often be run past too quickly (even by myself). A participant in the crucifixion entails a radical relinquishment of the self to embrace suffering motivated by love (rather than suffering as another form of self promotion). This, to me, is the heart of it all and the beauty of God who touches life of the creation in all its ugliness and in its great depths of creational suffering. There, in the worst place imaginable, is God. A creator who loves all. And resurrects to new life. For years I missed the part of being and becoming a humble co participant in this same activity.
I was particularly struck by the comparison to an out of season snow fall. These always melt quickly in my part of the world. To be buried with Christ means we take our Baptismal vows seriously. I now see them more like my marital vows.
Thanks for sharing!
Where are you joining from?
God bless you and happy Easter!
We are no longer living in sin because we have been buried with Christ and have been raised within the newness of life. Yesterday a couple got baptized and this is a reminder of the church that we are to walk in the newness of life.
Wow, that was really a good explanation!
Thank you, Pastor 🙏🏻🫶
Being united with Christ in His death!
Such amazing grace! 4:07
Might help all to re-read our Baptismal Covenant and pray for those who will be Baptized this coming Easter Morning.
Yes! When Jesus is our Lord, we want to please Him. We love Him and want to do what He wants, but sometimes that cookie jar is just too tempting.
I hope you got your spot of tea. I have had mine yet, either.
There are sins ... and then there are sins. It's not the bing sins which generally trouble Christians - murder, adultery, stealing, lying - it's the small, little sins we commit daily like losing patience, like eating too much, like being jealous or prideful of a small achievement. The list is long. These small sins corrode our hearts and souls, and it's only through daily prayerful the help of our Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit that we can hope to evade these traps set for us by the Great Deceiver.
Since we're not saints, since we fall daily, Easter means also that we can get up from those falls because Jesus has his hand reaching out to us, pulling us up.
Perhaps it might be that we can often overlook or rationalise the ways we fall short daily as insignificant compared to...
Appreciate the reminder and encouragement to guard against corrosion and to seek the Lord's help with the 'big' and 'small' things.
Does this passage deviate from what John 3 teaches that one must be born from above to see the kingdom? This seems to reference baptism enough to remind the first century world of a need for a ritual to seal the deal , if you will. It reads like a new circumcision .. I don’t believe that because of the overwhelming OT and teaching of Jesus himself, but the 6th of Romans seems out of step with other passages.