In this message from Romans 6, Pastor Devon Ortiz unpacks the Apostle Paul’s powerful teaching on the believer’s relationship with sin, grace, and righteous living. The chapter opens with a crucial question: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” Paul responds with a firm “God forbid”, emphasizing that grace is not a license to sin but a transformative power that brings about a new life in Christ.

Pastor Ortiz walks the congregation through Paul’s argument that salvation results in a radical transformation. A Christian is not merely forgiven but born again, buried with Christ through baptism, and raised to walk in newness of life. If someone continues to live the same way after salvation, Pastor Ortiz warns, it’s likely there was no true conversion at all. Salvation leads to sanctification.

Paul uses the analogy of crucifixion to explain that the “old man” (our sinful nature) is dead, and therefore should no longer control us. In verse 11, the term “reckon” is highlighted—not as a feeling, but as a fact-based understanding that we are dead to sin and alive to God. The believer must mentally and spiritually consider themselves separated from sin and fully alive in Christ.

The message addresses the reality of addictive sins—from anger and lying to pornography and cursing—and shows that these are not uncontrollable. Pastor Ortiz emphasizes that we often continue in these sins because we feel drawn to them. However, scripture calls us to think, not just feel. Believers must not allow sin to reign in their lives or yield their members (body parts) as instruments of unrighteousness. Instead, they must yield to God, offering themselves daily as living sacrifices.

Pastor Ortiz draws a parallel to Old Testament sacrifices, reminding us that while animal sacrifices are no longer needed, we are still called to offer our lives—our thoughts, choices, and bodies—as living sacrifices unto God. The Christian life is one of submission, discipline, and consistency, not driven by legalism but by love for Christ.

The message challenges Christians to ask the right questions—not “Is this wrong?” but “Is this good? Does it glorify God?” Living under grace is about pursuing what is God-honoring, not looking for loopholes.

He closes with a strong reminder from verse 23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Sin offers no real reward—only shame and death. But life in Christ offers holiness, joy, and eternal reward.

Throughout the sermon, Pastor Ortiz urges listeners to yield, replace sin with Scripture, and create spiritual grooves in their life through a consistent walk with God. True transformation comes not through forced habits, but from a heart that loves Christ and desires to reflect His righteousness.

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