Overcoming Death
Romans 5:12-21
One of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it confronts us with the reality of death. As Christopher Bullock quipped back in 1716, "'tis impossible to be sure of any thing but Death and Taxes." Apart from the gospel, there is very little, if any, hope when we think about the vulnerability of our own lives and the lives of our loved ones.
Fortunately, the gospel directly addresses the problem of death. In this week's sermon, we will unpack how the gospel is not only concerned with death, but has already overcome it. Though death may cause us sorrow, it does not have the final say thanks to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will look at key 3 truths that Paul reveals inRomans 5.12-21.
First, we will see how the gospel is fully sensitive to the devastating impact of death (Rom 5.12, 14, 17). Moreover, even in the life of Jesus, he experienced great sorrow over the temporary death of Lazarus (John 11.35) and his own death (Matt 27.46). Therefore, we do not have to cope with death by minimizing its pain or numbing ourselves.
Second, Paul explains that death is not a consequence of our human nature. Instead, it is a consequence of our sinful nature. This is important so that we understand that death was not God's original intention, but was instead brought upon by our own sinful tendency toward God. More specifically, Paul explains that all of us are represented by Adam and his sin. Therefore, as we live under the headship of Adam, we are all sinners and therefore prone to death (Rom 5.12, 14, 15, 17).
The third point, however, is the good news! Death has been overcome by the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. In his great love, Jesus took the punishment of all of our death and sin, and gave us his perfect righteousness so that we can have eternal life (5.15-19, 21). Therefore, if we submit to this good news, then we no longer live under the headship of Adam; instead, we are now represented by Jesus Christ.
Read Romans 5.12-21.
1. In what ways are you encouraged that Jesus Christ understands the devastating pain that comes from death? How can this help you to be more loving toward those who are in grief?
2. Why is it important to understand that death is not a consequence of our human nature, but is a consequence of our sinful nature?
3. Should we be surprised that Jesus Christ willingly took the punishment of all of our death and sin, so that we can have his obedience, righteousness, and everlasting life? What are some specific ways that we can respond to this radical act of love this week?
4. Share with each other what it personally means to you that you are no longer under the headship of Adam (which leads to death), but you are now under the headship of Jesus Christ (which leads to eternal life).
