Romans 6:12-23

I. The tyranny of sin (6:12-14)

A. “Sin is personified as a tyrant whose sphere of influence is the human body” (Lard)
B. Lust is an intense desire for something, and in the context of temptation and sin, desire for something that is forbidden
C. The Christian has Jesus as King in his heart – don’t dethrone Him!

II. Law or grace? (6:15-16)

A. The ability to choose sin implies a law of some sort (cf. Romans 8:2)
B. We still must make the choice – obey God, or obey Satan

III. The role of the heart (6:17-19)

A. The heart affects the whole man
B. The greatest command (Mark 12:30; cf. Deut. 6:5)
C. The new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33)
D. Love for the brethren (1 Peter 1:22)

IV. The fruits of obedience (6:20-23)

A. Obedience to sin (of which we should be “now ashamed”) leads to death
B. Obedience to righteousness (holiness) leads to eternal life