Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Romans 6:11 – Alive To God In Christ Jesus – Growing As Disciples
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 (NIV)
Count
Count, now that is a very important word. Why is that? I’m going to let you answer that question. I want you to think deeply about your answer. I think you are giving me a clue. Yes, I am. Counting on something relates to what I believe. Yes, it does. What I believe will determine all my thoughts, words and actions. Yes, it will. So, I should be very careful about how I count in life. If I don’t count properly my life will not add up to all that you have prepared for me. Incorrect counting will prevent me from living the life that you have called me to live. Yes, it will.
Let’s talk more about counting. What do you count as true? I’m not sure what you mean. Do you count my word and what I say to you as being true? Yes, I certainly count your word as being completely reliable and true. Do you believe that all my promises are true? Yes, I do. What do you count as true when my word and your experience don’t seem to match? Can you give me some examples? Sure, I can. My word says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” does it not? Yes, it does. You know where this is headed don’t you? Yes, I do. There have been plenty of times that I have looked at all my gifts, talents and abilities and then told you there was no way that I could do what you were asking me to do. What does that sound like to you? It sounds like incorrect counting. Good answer. I have made the mistake of counting on myself rather than counting on you. Yes, you have. Would you like another example of incorrect counting? Yes, I would. My word says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Can you tell me where this is headed? Yes, I can. Go right ahead. I have been quite a worrier. That sounds like an understatement. I have been a tremendous worrier. That’s more like it. Is your worrying a good example of incorrect counting? Yes, I have counted on myself to get me through trials in life. The more I have relied on myself, the more I have worried. You want me to count on you by turning every worry of mine into a prayer to you. Yes, I do. By now I should be a tremendous prayer based on how many worries I could have turned into prayers. Now, that’s a thought.
Let’s talk about your counting yourself as being dead to sin and alive to me. Why is it so important for you to believe that you are dead to sin and alive to me? You died on the cross for my sins. Yes, I did. You broke the power that sin had on my life. Yes, I did. You set me free from sin so I could live a new life in you. Yes, I did. You made me alive to you. Yes, I did. You want me to live out in my experience all that you have done for me. Yes, I do. If I don’t believe or correctly count on all that you have done for me then I will not be able to live a life that is dead to sin and alive to you. No, you will not. But, I do believe and I am counting on you. I do know that you have made me alive to you and dead to sin. Yes, I know. I am and will continue to offer myself up to you as an instrument of righteous that you can use. I am counting on you using me for your kingdom and your glory. Yes, you are and you can count on me to do that in and through your life.
Lord, thank you that you have made me dead to sin. Sin has no power over me. Thank you that you have made me alive to you. I will continually offer myself to you as an instrument of righteousness you can use for your glory. Amen
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GREAT REMINDER – THANKS