Grace is not permission to sin — it is the power to overcome it.
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Romans 6:1–2
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
Some people misunderstand the grace of God. Some think that because God forgives sin, it gives believers permission to continue living any kind of way. In Romans chapter 6, the Apostle Paul addresses this dangerous mindset with a powerful question: "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" His answer is immediate and firm, "God forbid!"
This lesson teaches that salvation is not just about being forgiven; it is also about being changed. When we accept Christ, we are called to live differently. Grace is not a license to sin, but the power to overcome sin.
The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to believers in Rome. In chapter 5, Paul explained that where sin increased, God's grace increased even more. Some people could wrongly assume that if grace increases when sin increases, then continuing in sin would somehow glorify God's grace.
Paul corrects that false idea in chapter 6. He reminds believers that through Christ, they have died to sin and have been given a new life. A true believer should not desire to remain in the same sinful lifestyle after experiencing the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Paul begins with a question that exposes wrong thinking: "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
God's grace is amazing, but it was never intended to excuse sinful living. Grace forgives us, restores us, and teaches us to live holy lives.
Many people want the benefits of salvation without the responsibility of transformation. But God did not save us so we could stay bound by old habits, attitudes, and lifestyles.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Titus 2:11–12
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly…"
INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION
Paul says: "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
When a person accepts Christ, a spiritual change takes place. The old sinful nature no longer has to control their life. This does not mean believers never struggle, but it does mean sin should no longer rule over them.
Being "dead to sin" means we should no longer desire to live in rebellion against God. We now belong to Christ and should pursue holiness.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…"
INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION
Real salvation produces visible change. Our speech, behavior, decisions, and priorities should reflect the work of Christ in our lives.
God does not expect perfection overnight, but He does expect progress. The believer should daily strive to walk closer with God and farther away from sin.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:16
"Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION
This lesson challenges every believer to examine their life honestly. Are we growing spiritually, or are we making excuses for sin? God's grace is precious, but it should lead us toward holiness, not further into disobedience.
Each day we must choose: repentance over rebellion, obedience over compromise, and holiness over sinful habits.
Paul's answer remains clear today: "God forbid!"
As believers, we cannot casually continue in sin while claiming the grace of God. Grace does not encourage sinful living; it empowers righteous living. Because Jesus died for us, we should desire to live for Him.
When we truly understand the sacrifice of Christ, our response should not be, "How much can I get away with?" but rather, "How can I please God with my life?"
Let us walk in the new life Christ has given us and refuse to continue in the things God has delivered us from.
Scan the QR code or copy the link to share with your group.
https://newbethelcwc.com/lessons/lesson.php?id=shall-we-continue