ROMANS 6:1

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?” 

Continuing down a one-way street the wrong way will not get you where you want to go. In fact, it will probably land you in jail or at least with a hefty fine. We can’t claim ignorance when all the signs say “Wrong Way” or “One-Way Street.” You not only endanger your own life but also the lives of others who are trying to drive in the correct direction on the street.

I love how Paul prepares this verse and the next one. If he had been speaking directly to the people, he probably would have asked for a verbal response. I do that sometimes when I preach. I will say, “Can I get an Amen?” Or I may ask them, “Are you with me? Are you listening?” Paul asks these two questions while knowing the answer. He is trying to get the readers to answer these questions themselves. This letter may have been read aloud to an audience. I can just hear them replying, “No, Paul. You’ve taught us better than that.”

APPLICATION

The key word in this verse is the verb “to continue.” Paul never considered the fact that we could be sinless. As long as we have breath we will sin. Paul even called himself the chief of sinners. Sin happens. But this verb is epiménō which comes “(from epí, ‘on, fitting,’ which intensifies ménō, ‘remain, persist’) – properly, continue on with persistence that suits the objective.” (HELPS Word-studies) The point Paul is making is that we should never continue in our sin. Sin for a Christian should be an accident, not a premeditated event.

The same word is used in Acts 12:16 to describe Peter’s actions when he had been released from jail by the angel and was at the door of Mary’s (the mother of John Mark) house. It says, “But Peter continued knocking;…” He wasn’t about to stop until someone opened that door. Persistence. That was good then. Not so much in our verse. We should never have persistent sin.

Paul uses the word in Colossians 1:23 when he writes, “if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast…” Again, this is a positive use of the word. Bottom line – be persistent in your godly lifestyle. Be persistent if your faith. Do NOT be persistent in your sin. God doesn’t want you to sin so He can give you more grace. We’ll see more on that in the next verse.

Father, I praise You that You have given me the ability to continue choosing the right and not the wrong. Help my persistence in this.

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