Romans: Law, Obedience, and Sanctification: Holiness and Obedience

Have You Been Crucified? - Part 1

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: New Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2022-08-15

Synopsis: In this sermon, Pastor John Weaver expounds Galatians 2:20 and Romans 6 to explain the believer's union with Christ in His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. He argues that Christians have been crucified with Christ positionally, meaning the 'old man'—what we were in Adam—has been put to death, breaking the dominion of sin. Believers are commanded to continually reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God, refusing to obey sin's usurped authority. The message emphasizes that while sin remains, its power is broken, and we are not obligated to sin.

[John Weaver] Chapter 2 in verse 20. Here's a passage that practically everyone can quote, and yet it is so little understood. In Galatians 2 in verse 20, the Apostle Paul said, I'm crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." The title of the message is, Have You Been Crucified? Crucifixion is an awful death any way that one is crucified. Moreover, crucifixion is often identified with individuals who are cursed. In fact, the Word of God says, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree. And of course, crucifixion was always reserved for the very worst criminals. It was a very painful and disgraceful death. Crucifixion was reserved basically for slaves, for disgraced soldiers, for Christians, and also for criminal malefactors. The Roman citizens, of course, were exempt from crucifixion. So even from the earliest accounts of history, a crucifixion was considered an absolutely horrible form of death.

[John Weaver] It was very shameful. It was very brutal. Probably crucifixion originated with the Assyrians, with the Babylonians not too far behind. It was used systematically by the Persians up into the 6th century BC. Alexander the Great brought it into his territory in the 4th century B.C. and the Venetians introduced it into Rome in the 3rd century B.C. and the Romans then perfected crucifixion for 500 years until it was finally abolished by Constantine I in the 4th century A.D. The Assyrians who probably started crucifixion were very cruel and very wicked.

[John Weaver] They often held mass executions They love to impale their victims on large stakes in order to strike terror and fear into the population. In other words, if you mess with us, or if you disobey us, or if you rebel against us, this is going to be the way that you die.

[John Weaver] Now, originally, crucifixion was accomplished by impalement upon a stake. The stake was pounded into the ground, driven into the ground, planted in the ground very firmly with the top part of the stake sharpened. So the individual who's going to be crucified, the soldiers did one of two things. Number one, they lifted him up over the stake and brought him down with great power and force on that stake. And the stake then would have gone up through the anus into the bowels and they would left him there writhing in pain until he died.

[John Weaver] The second way of impalement was they would take the man and slant him a little bit and impale him right under the ribcage, where it would be hitting his diaphragm. And of course, the weight of your body, regardless of how you were impaled, would certainly push down on that stake, increasing the pain, increasing the agony. And it was a very slow and very terrifying death. Here's a fact that you probably have never thought of. But crucifixion was also used by a man by the name of Veotipes, T-E-P-E-S, better known as Count Dracula.

[John Weaver] And the truth of the matter is he actually did exist. He was known as Prince Vlad the Impaler. And he literally impaled thousands of Ottoman Turks and killed them. So impalement was indeed the choice of the Assyrians but yet they would change the mode of crucifixion in order to increase the horror and the pain in that crucifixion. When the Romans developed crucifixion and the way our Lord was crucified, it was not a kinder, gentler form of crucifixion. It was something that would increase the pain and prolong the agony and the death as well. Usually, when we think of crucifixion, we think of the way that our Lord was crucified. Of course, the St. Andrew's Cross, which is on the battle flag of the Confederate Army, was because Andrew was crucified upside down and he did not believe that he was or should be crucified the way that Christ was crucified. And so that St. Andrew's Cross is known as the X.

[John Weaver] I want to give you a brief account of crucifixion, especially the Roman crucifixion, from a medical journal. Here it is. This is from the National Library of Medicine, titled, The History and Pathology of Crucifixion. I want you to listen just to the first statement here. Death occurred usually after six hours to four days. depending on how you were crucified. So death usually occurred after six hours to four days, was due to multifactorial pathology, after effects of compulsory scourging and maiming, hemorrhage and dehydration, causing hypovolemic shock and pain. But the most important factor was progressive asphyxia caused by impairment of respiratory movement, resulted an eczema, exaggerated hypovolemic shock. Death was probably commonly precipitated by cardiac arrest caused by vasovagal reflexes initiated in her ollie, among other things, by severe anaexemia, severe pain, body blows, and breaking of the large bones. The attending Roman guards could only leave the site after the victim had died and were known to precipitate Participate death by means of deliberately fracturing of the tibia or the fibula, spear stab wounds into the heart, or sharp blows to the front of the chest, or a smoking fire built at the foot

[John Weaver] of the cross to asphyxiate the victim. Now, allow me to ask the question again, which is the title of the message, have you been crucified? And I can hear the response now, no. And according to the description that you just gave me, I do not want to be crucified. But the truth is this. If you are a Christian, you have been crucified. You simply may not know it. You may not have understood it. You may not have applied it. But the scripture teaches very plainly that as Christians, we have been crucified. That is why the Apostle Paul said in Galatians 2 and verse 20, I am crucified with Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, in the Greek, it is a perfect active indicative. It is indicative, means that it's absolutely true. It is a factual statement. It is a perfect active in the fact. It means this had happened once in the past, and it also now has a continuing application. So the answer to the question, have you been crucified? No, we have not been literally or physically crucified, but we have been crucified with Jesus Christ because he is our head and we are his body. Now, Jesus Christ was our representative, just like the first Adam was our representative. So if you look in your Bibles very quickly to first Corinthians chapter 15, 1 Corinthians chapter 15.

[John Weaver] And let's begin reading there with verse 45. 1 Corinthians chapter 15 and verse 45. Note, if you would, here we have about the first Adam and the last Adam. Jesus Christ is called the second man. He's also called the last Adam. So we fell in the first Adam. He was our federal head, our representative. And now the Bible says this, and so it is written, the first man, Adam, was made a living soul. The last Adam, that is Jesus Christ, was made a quickening spirit. How be it that was not first, which is spiritual, but that which is natural, and afterwards, that which is spiritual. The first man, that is Adam, is of the earth earthy. The second man, that's the Lord Jesus, is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy. and is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly." I want you to note in this passage that Jesus Christ is called the second man. He's also called the last Adam. He's called the second man because he was the second man chronologically to sustain a federal headship and relationship with a people.

[John Weaver] He is called the last Adam Because there will never ever be another individual who will have a federal headship and be a representative of a people. So, the first Adam, we were in him when we fell. And the second Adam, or the last Adam, we were in him as well.

[John Weaver] Now, I want to show you some scriptures just to set the stage for us. I want you to understand, what I'm trying to emphasize right now is our oneness with Jesus Christ. our oneness in Jesus Christ. So if you will look in your Bibles very quickly to the book of Ephesians chapter 2 Ephesians chapter 2 Galatians Ephesians chapter 2 and look if you would please at verses 4 through 6 Ephesians 2 beginning there with verse 4 the Word of God says but God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. By grace you were saved, and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it's the gift of God. Now if you would turn right over to the book of Colossians.

[John Weaver] Note if you would now in this passage we have been raised and seated with the Lord Jesus Christ. Now in the book of Colossians chapter 2 look if you would please at verse 12. The Bible says buried with him in baptism wherein also you were risen with him through the faith of the operation of God who raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross." So again, here the Scripture's telling us that we were buried with Him in baptism, we are also risen with Him, And if you will turn in your Bibles now to the book of Romans chapter 6. And I want to ask you to mark Romans chapter 6. We're going to come back and look at this passage in greater detail.

[John Weaver] But right now, let me just read verses 3 through 5. Again, right now, the only thing I'm trying to emphasize is our oneness with Jesus Christ. Notice if you would, Romans chapter 6 verse 3. Know you not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father Even so we also should walk in newness of life For we have been planted together in the likeness of his death We shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection So scripture then is affirming our oneness with and our oneness in Jesus Christ. So here's the truth.

[John Weaver] When he was crucified, we were crucified. When he was buried, we were buried. When he was raised from the dead, we were raised from the dead. When he was seated at the right hand of God, we also were seated at the right hand of God the Father with him because he is our head. and we are His body. Whatever happens to the head happens to the body as well.

[John Weaver] So the emphasis now is this. We're not only one with Christ, we're one in Christ. So if you would turn back in your Bibles to John chapter 17, which is the high priestly prayer of our Lord, and look if you would please at verses 20 and 21. John 17, verses 20 and 21. And notice what our Lord says in this prayer. In verse 20, he says, Neither pray I for these alone, that is, his then living disciples, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word, that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, and that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. So we're one, not only with Christ, but we're one in Christ as well. It was John Gill who said this, listen carefully, Christ sustained the persons of all his people.

[John Weaver] And what he did and suffered was in their name and on their account. And so they were crucified and suffered with him as they are said to be buried with him and to be risen with him. and to sit together in heavenly places in Him."

[John Weaver] Now, I want to just pause and tell you very quickly, and there's a reason for this, three books that really changed my life and helped me. And these books are outside of the Bible. They're certainly based upon the Bible. The Bible would be first. But I'm just simply pointing out the Lord sovereignly used these books in my life, and I'm going to give them to you chronologically.

[John Weaver] the way God gave them to me. Now, that does not mean I sat down and read this book and then the second book and the third book. No, there's a large amount of time in between, sometimes several years. But I'm just simply pointing out the fact these books are the ones that God used outside of the Bible. The first one was The Sovereignty of God by Arthur W. Pink. I read that book three times. I never will forget the very first time I read that book.

[John Weaver] I took my pen, I put it in the margin. No, no, no, not true, not true. The second time I read that book, I marked out all those things and left a few question marks. And the third time I read that book, I thought, why did I ever argue with it begin with? It's nothing with scripture. And it was from that book that I actually learned who God really was, that God is the sovereign. God is the supreme one. God is the all sufficient one. God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. And whatever God does is right, holy, just, and righteous. So, that book basically showed me who the God of Scripture really and truly was. The second book that God used was this, The Institutes of Biblical Law by R.J. Rushdoony. As I read that book, I understood the proper application of the law of God to my life. And when I saw that God's law was to be my standard for rule and practice, not for justification, but for my sanctification, it is true the agent in sanctification is the Holy Spirit, but God's law is that which gives us direction.

[John Weaver] There's no such thing as a holy sanctified thief or murderer or adulterer. No, if we're going to be holy and sanctified and obedient, we must keep God's law.

[John Weaver] Now, so I'm just simply saying when I saw the proper relationship of the law to my life, it changed the way I live and it changed my thinking. The third book that really changed me and gave me great encouragement was Romans 6 by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. Now, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones was from England, He was actually a medical doctor before he became a pastor and a preacher.

[John Weaver] He was an excellent scholar. I was able to hear him preach when he was at the pastor of Westminster in England. I was able to even visit him in his home when I visited England. He was a tremendous preacher, a tremendous scholar. He has a whole series of books on the book of Romans. He has a whole series of books on the book of Ephesians. And one of his books, since he was a medical doctor, is Spiritual Depression, Its Causes and Cures, which is an excellent book, which I've recommended to a lot of people. But it was his single volume on Romans chapter 6 that opened my eyes to the truth that I'm going to be teaching today.

[John Weaver] And that is that we are not under the lordship and the dominion to sin. We're not under the bondage to sin. Sin is not my Lord, Jesus Christ is my Lord. I do not have to obey sin because sin has absolutely no dominion over me. I must obey Jesus Christ who is my Lord.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to go back in your Bibles to Romans chapter 6 because I'm going to be using Romans chapter 6 to explain to you Galatians chapter 2 and verse 20. And today I'm only going to get to trying to explain I am crucified with Christ. So we must understand that position. So look if you would in Romans chapter 6 and let's read the first two verses.

[John Weaver] Paul asks, 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?

[John Weaver] Now I want you to note that the Apostle asks two questions in verse 1. The first question is, what shall we say then? That is, what shall we say to those things that he actually taught us in Romans chapter 5? And then he asks this question or poses it, shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? So the two questions that are asked in verse 1 are answered for us in verse 3 with another question. Or verse 2 it is. So look in verse 2. He says, God forbid, how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein? Now let me just stop and look at verse 2. He says, God forbid.

[John Weaver] The construction of that simply means this. Perish the thought. Don't even let it enter into your mind. Don't even begin thinking like this. Paul uses this phrase a number of times in the Bible. And anytime you see the phrase, God forbid, it means don't even think that way. Don't even begin to think that way. So he asked, shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid, perish a thought. Then he asked this, how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein? So the next logical question that you and I would have to ask is how in the world did we become dead to sin?

[John Weaver] Well, that is answered for us in verse three. He says, no, you not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death.

[John Weaver] Now, you're going to see this phrase and the Apostle Paul's writings several times. In fact, you'll see it again in verse 16, where he says, no, you not. And now he says it here in verse three. No, you not. It's a very interesting Greek word that is translated. No, you not. Agonoeo is the word, and it literally means to be ignorant, to not understand, or to live ignorantly, or I would say be an ignoramus. Actually, when the Apostle Paul says, no you not, that is a polite way of him saying, stop being stupid. Stop being an ignoramus. You must understand this. You must grasp this. So that's what he's saying. No, you not. Don't be ignorant on this. No, you not.

[John Weaver] That so many of us, as we're baptized into Jesus Christ, we're baptized into his death. So he's telling us that this is a principle that you and I must grasp. We must understand that we were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the death of Jesus Christ. We are one with him and we are one in him.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to notice the implication of that truth in verse four. Look at verse four. Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Now, when he begins in verse four with the word therefore, you have to understand that therefore is a conclusion that is drawn on the previous three verses. So if you understand the first three verses, he now makes this conclusion in verse four, therefore, that is in light of the fact that our oneness with Christ, therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death. Now watch that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father, even so, We also should walk in newness of life. So he is saying, if you understand that we have been crucified with Christ, that we have died in Christ, that we were buried in Christ, you should now also understand that we have been raised to newness of life in the Lord Jesus Christ as well.

[John Weaver] Now look in verse five, he says this again a little differently. If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death We shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection Now look at verse 5 again He's laying this out for us very clearly But he then he makes this statement for if we've been planted together in the likeness of his death We shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection Now let me tell you the certainty of verse 5.

[John Weaver] When you study Greek, you're going to find there are two words for if. You can have if, which would be a with the indicative mode, or eon with the subjunctive mode. Eon with the subjunctive mode is always a question So to demonstrate that, I could look at Gary and say, if you're going to town tomorrow, I'd like to go with you. What is that saying? That's saying he may or may not go, but if he does go, I'd like to go with him. OK. Here's a with the indicative, since you're going to town tomorrow, I want to ride with you. So a with the indicative is a fact. It is a reality. It is not a question. Now, hang on. I want you to look at verse 5 again. For if we have been planted together, you can translate the word if, a with indicative, as like this. For since we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection. Now, this a with indicative mode is found many places in the Bible.

[John Weaver] One of them is in Matthew chapter four. You remember when our Lord had been in the wilderness and had fasted 40 days at night and now he's being tempted of the devil and the devil asked him and he said to him, if thou be the son of God, turn these stones in the bread. If you're the son of God, jump off the temple. When Satan said, if, it was not a question, Satan knew that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. And what he was saying was this, since you are the son of God, prove it, turn these stones into bread, show the world that you're the son of God. Since you're the son of God, jump off this temple. Prove it, since you are that. That's exactly what the Apostle Paul is saying in verse 5 of Romans chapter 6.

[John Weaver] For since we have been planted together in likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection. So here is what the Apostle Paul is telling us. He's telling us to stop being stupid. And he is saying that we have to live up to reality. Because we are no longer the dead man We are now the living man in the lord jesus christ because we are now in the likeness of his resurrection the likeness of his resurrection in verse five Is equal to walking in the newness of life in verse four So now watch this look at verse look at verse five He says for if or for since we have been planted together in the likeness of his death. We shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection." So, since we are truly crucified with Christ, and buried with Christ, it is inevitable that we are raised or resurrected together with Christ. So when you look at verse 5, one dies and one lives. One is dead and buried with Christ, and the other is raised and newness of life in the resurrection of Christ.

[John Weaver] So that brings you to this question, who died and who lives? Well, the answer to that is verse six. Look what he says. Knowing this, just stop right there. Knowing this, he is saying here is something you absolutely must know. You must grasp this. You must understand this. Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him That the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin So he says knowing this and you and I are going to live a life of victory in our Christian life Here is something that we must know we cannot be ignorant of this truth What you cannot be ignorant of is that our old man was crucified with Jesus Christ. Now, the old man does not refer to our carnal nature. Well, what in the world does the old man refer to? The old man refers to what we were in Adam. Since you're in Romans, look in Romans chapter 5 and verse 12. Here we have Adam, the first Adam. Wherefore, as by one man Sin entered into the world and death by sin.

[John Weaver] And so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned. So Adam, who is our federal head and representative, when he sinned, we sinned. When he fell, we fell. And through him, death came into the world. And so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned. And the phrase all have sinned is an Aries passive. which means it happened once and for all, and it's over with. Well, when did everyone sin once and for all? And that is in the fall with Adam. So we were one with him, we sinned with him, we fell with him.

[John Weaver] Skip down to verse 19, you'll see it again. For as by one man's disobedience, that's Adam, many were made sinners. So by the obedience of one, that's the Lord Jesus, shall many be made righteous. So the old man is what I was in Adam. I am no longer what I was in Adam. I'm now a new man in the Lord Jesus Christ. I have a new life. I have a new humanity. The old man was crucified once and for all. And so what he is saying is this, do not go on living as if you are the old man. You're not the old man. That old man is dead. So therefore, you must put off the characteristics of that old man because he's dead. Now, I'm going to explain this like this. Let's suppose that you and I have a loved one.

[John Weaver] It could be a husband, it could be a wife, could be a brother, sister, mother, father, to be a child. And our loved one dies. And instead of burying the corpse, we keep that loved one in our living room, in a casket, and every day we go in, this dead loved one, we brush the teeth, we comb the hair, We give them a sponge bath. We put on fresh clothes every day.

[John Weaver] You would say someone would have to be insane to do that. That's true. That's exactly true. But that's exactly what the Apostle Paul is saying. He's saying we're no longer that old man, and we need to put off the characteristics of that old man. I'm going to show you just momentarily. But it was Martin Luther, the reformer, who said this. There are only two men in the world. Christ and Adam.

[John Weaver] And all others hang from their girdles. So what he was saying is that you're either in Adam or you're in Christ. You cannot be in Adam and be in Christ. No. You cannot be in Christ and be in Adam. There are only two men, Christ and Adam. So if you're in Adam, you're lost, you're condemned, you're under the wrath of God. If you're in Christ, you have been forgiven, you have been justified. you're on your way to be glorified, but they're basically only two men. So clearly then, if we are in Christ, we're no longer in Adam, because that old man was crucified. So therefore, we have to put off the characteristics of the dead man. We do not nourish or nurture the dead man. We do not keep putting fresh clothes on a dead man.

[John Weaver] So look in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Ephesians chapter 4. Galatians, Ephesians. Look in Ephesians chapter 4 and let's begin reading there with verse 21. Ephesians 4 verse 21. The scripture says, If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus. Now watch. That you put off concerning the former conversation or conduct The old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lust, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Now, he tells you a lot of the characteristics of the old man that have to be put off, beginning in verse 25. Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor, for he remembers one of another.

[John Weaver] be angry and sin not let not the sun go down upon your wrath neither give place to the devil let him that stole steal no more rather let him labor working with his hands the thing which is good that he may give to have to give to him that needeth let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers and grieve not the holy spirit of god whereby you're sealed on the day of your redemption In other words, everything from verse 25 down through verse 30 is to be put off. And then here's what's to be put on. And well, verse 31 has to be put off too. He said, let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. Here's what's to be put on and be kind one to another. Tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you." So he says you have to put off the old man and all the characteristics, and you have to put on the new man with the new characteristics.

[John Weaver] Now, if you look in your Bibles to the book of Colossians chapter 3, Colossians chapter 3, and look, if you would, beginning there with verse 9. Colossians 3 and verse 9. The Bible says, Watch it. Here it is, the put off and put on again. Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.

[John Weaver] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond or free, but Christ is all and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another. If any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is a bond of perfectness." So, he is saying, here are things that are to be put off, and here are things that are to be put on.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to turn back to the book of Galatians, And look in chapter 5 and verse 24. Galatians 5 and verse 24. Remember the old man has all these affections and lusts. He says this, Galatians 5 verse 24, And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Wow. So who died? And the answer is, that old man that I was in Adam, he is gone, he is dead. That old man was under the curse of the law. That old man was under the condemnation of God. That old man was under the wrath of God. That old man was the epitome of sin and wickedness and rebellion.

[John Weaver] He was characterized by a depraved nature, and he acted out that depraved nature consistently and constantly. That old man was crucified. He did not crucify himself. He was crucified in Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to go back to Romans chapter six, if you would, please, because I want to ask you a question based upon Romans six and verse six. Remember now, he said, this is something you must know, knowing this.

[John Weaver] Now watch, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him. So here's my question. Why then was our old man crucified with Jesus Christ? Well, here's the answer. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, here's why, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Wow! The old man and the new man are opposites. The new man is the man with the repaired image of God in his life. The old man is the one with the depraved image of Adam in his life. So he says, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Christ. Why? That the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. So we died in Jesus Christ. We were crucified in Jesus Christ. And the answer is as to why. And it is so that we might become dead to sin and alive unto God through the righteousness that is in Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now look at verse seven. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Dead men do not sin. Dead men are not even tempted to sin. If you showed me a dead drunkard, and I had the best bottle of whiskey the world could ever produce, and I could shake that bottle in front of him, would he be tempted to drink it? And the answer is no, he's dead. If I found a dead thief, and I showed him an absolutely perfect plan where he could rob a bank, and escape without any difficulty whatsoever, and no one would ever know that he robbed the bank, would he be tempted to rob the bank? The answer is no, because he's dead. Likewise, if I found an adulterer who was dead and I showed him the most beautiful woman in the world, would he be tempted? And the answer is no, because he is dead.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to hang on with me. I'm going to finish this thought in just a moment. But I want you to look at now at verses 8 through 10. In verses 8 through 10, we have really a recapitulation of what Paul has already taught. But he's using Jesus Christ as the illustration. So look in verse 8.

[John Weaver] Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. He's already drawn that conclusion previously. You remember that. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, death being raised from the dead, dieth no more, death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once, but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God." So verses 8 through 10 then is a restatement of the truth that Paul has already enunciated in verses 1 through 7 is what it amounts to. But now he's saying, we know that we were crucified in Jesus Christ. We know that we died in Jesus Christ. We know that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Listen carefully. And because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, death has no more dominion over him. Death has been broken by Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] He is not going to die anymore. What is he now? He is living by the power of God the Father. He is alive forevermore.

[John Weaver] Now, here's what he's telling us, and I'm going to show it to you just for a moment. He says, knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more, death hath no more dominion over him, for in that he died, he died unto sin once, but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Now, since we're dead with Christ, Here's a good question. If my old man has been crucified with Christ, and I'm dead to sin, why do I have so much trouble with sin in my body, in my mind, and in my flesh? And here's the answer. The Bible's going to give you the answer. Because We do not count ourselves dead in Christ and alive in Christ. We do not reckon ourselves dead in Christ and alive in Christ.

[John Weaver] For instance, look at it in verse 11. He says, likewise, whoa, whoa, wait a minute. Likewise, the word likewise means in this manner or after this manner. After what manner? Well, he just gave you the illustration of Jesus Christ in verses 8 through 10, just like Jesus Christ died unto death and imputed sin only once and was raised from the dead by the glory of God the Father to walk in newness of life and to honor Him and to be seated by Him. Yes. Likewise, in like manner, just like this happened to Jesus Christ, He's saying it should happen to us. Likewise, watch it now. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Likewise, reckon ye. Now, the word reckon is from the Greek word logizomai. And it literally means to think, to impute, to reckon, to account, to decide, and to determine. So he says, likewise, count, reckon, impute, determine yourself to be dead and dead unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Let me spell this out for you. Verse 11, Paul is telling us to make application in our personal lives of that which happened to us in Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, let me tell you something about the word Logitimai. First of all, it is a present imperative. An imperative means it is a command. So, if I said to Alice, Alice, get up and shut the door. If I said that, that's a command. If I looked at Alice and said, Alice, would you please get up and close the door. That's a question. I'm asking her to do something if she would be pleased to do it. Well, a command is an imperative and He is commanding us to count ourselves dead indeed unto sin. Since it is a present, it means something that we are to be doing constantly and continually.

[John Weaver] We have to do it over and over and over. I'm going to deal with this just in a few minutes. But I've been asked so many times, why do I have to fight so much in my Christian life? Why do I have to fight to keep my mind pure? Why do I have to fight to stave off the lust of my flesh and the desires of my mind? Why? Why do I have to fight? Well, here is why.

[John Weaver] Because we have been commanded to constantly and continually reckon ourselves dead, indeed, unto sin. Here's the third thing about the word logizomai. The word logizomai is a word that deals with factuality. It is a word that deals with reality. It is not a word of supposition. So if I ask Steve, Steve, how much money do you have in your bank account? And he said, oh, I've got 50, 60, 70 bucks. I don't really remember. That's not logizomai. That's guessing. But if I asked Steve, how much money do you have in your bank account?

[John Weaver] And he said, I have 7,150. Are you sure? I'm absolutely positive. I don't have 7,149. I don't have 7,151. I have 7,150. That's low gizomai. It is something that deals with reality. It's something that deals with factuality. It's not guessing. So when he says, likewise, You're commanded to be continually counting yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. That is a reality. That is something that we must do consistently and constantly.

[John Weaver] So here are two questions. Number one, what can sin do with a dead man? And the answer is nothing. Number two, what can sin do with a man who is alive in Jesus Christ? And the answer is absolutely Nothing. So the apostle Paul is telling us that we are to be constantly and consistently reckoning, counting ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, I'm going to cover one more verse today. I want you to look at it in verse 12. He says, let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lust thereof. There are several things I must point out. The very first one is this. I want you to notice what this verse does not say. It does not say, let not sin therefore be in your mortal body. Sin is in us. We are sinners. We may be saved sinners, but sin is in us.

[John Weaver] We will not be perfected until we have our glorified bodies. That is a fact. Everything that we do is tainted with sin. Even our prayers are tainted with sin. Because many times our prayers are totally selfish. And we don't ask in faith. We don't ask according to the Word of God. We don't ask for God's honor and God's glory. We are sinners. He did not say, let not sin therefore be in your mortal bodies. Here's what He did say. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies.

[John Weaver] that you should obey it in the lust thereof." Now, the word for reign there is βασιλεύω in the Greek, and it literally means to exercise kingly power or to rule and reign as a king. So, here is what he is saying. King's sin has been dethroned. Sin is not our Lord. Sin is not our king. Sin has no right to command. It has no right to exercise kingly power. And just as the lordship and kingship and dominion of sin have been broken and has no right to rule us and no right to command us, it has no right to even make suggestions or tempt us.

[John Weaver] And any attempt to do so should be considered by us as illegal and usurped authority. Hmm. Consequently, sin has no right to command. and we have no duty to obey." That's what he's saying. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lust thereof. Now when he says that you should not obey in the lust thereof, one of the Greek word there is apakuao, and it literally means to listen, to hearken, to obey. So when sin knocks on our door, we have no duty to answer the door. We have no obligation to open the door and let sin in.

[John Weaver] Here's what Paul is teaching us. Sin is in us, but its power is broken. Its right to command is gone. When we were unsaved, when sin commanded, we jumped. We did exactly what sin wanted us to do. But God says, no, no. Now that power is gone. That old man has been crucified, and the dominion and the power of sin is no more. It is broken. Even the Apostle John recognized this when he wrote in 1 John 2 and verse 1, My little children, these things write unto you that you sin not.

[John Weaver] So here is a position that you have to understand. We may be sinners, but we are not obligated to sin. We do not have to sin. Just because sin tempts me, or tries to seduce me, does not mean that I have to obey. Gary could come up to me and say, Pastor, I have a wonderful idea of how we can make lots and lots of money. All we have to do is start defrauding people, and we'll start with Steve first. He's got plenty of money, we'll get his. Really? I can say, Gary, I'm not interested in that. I'm not going to steal, for the Bible says, thou shalt not steal.

[John Weaver] Here's an unclean thought that comes in my mind. I'm not going to sit here and think, wow, yeah, no, no, no. I'm going to say, Lord, I don't want that thought. That is not my thought. I reject it. I refuse it. I purposely and deliberately place my mind upon the Lord Jesus Christ, upon His Word, and I ask you for the mind of Christ. Just because some thought flies through my mind, and if you ever prayed, I can assure you thoughts go through your mind.

[John Weaver] Where did that thing come from? I never even thought about that. That wasn't anywhere near in my... But there it is. And you have to deal with it and say, Lord, that's not mine. I don't want it. I will not have it. I want the mind of Jesus Christ. This is what he's saying. Likewise, reckon you yourselves also to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Then he said, let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies that you should obey it in the lust thereof. We have no duty. We have no obligation to obey sin. We are sinners. We are not perfect, but we do not have to sin, we have the right to overrule it because its power has been broken.

[John Weaver] So here are some applications. The first one is this. If you desire to live a holy, godly, sanctified and obedient life and to walk in newness of life, you must learn to consistently, constantly, continually Reckon yourself to be dead in deed of the sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ. And so to answer the question that I've been asked so many times, which I hinted upon earlier, why do I have to fight so much?

[John Weaver] Just to keep my mind pure or to keep my body pure. Why do I have to fight so much? Because the Christian life is a warfare. That is why. And the Apostle Paul said, what? I die how often? Help me out. Daily. And some of us must die not just daily, we must die hourly. And minute by minute and moment by moment. Because we are fighting to keep our minds pure, our bodies pure.

[John Weaver] It is a struggle for everyone. Not everyone has the same temptations. Not everyone has the same inclinations. But everyone is tempted. But we do not have to yield to those temptations. The second application is this. We must also consider that to fail to reckon and count ourselves dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ is a denial of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Because we're in essence saying he didn't deliver us from the bondage of sin. We're helpless. We have to sin. We have to do what sin? No, no, no, no. It is a denial of the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] So we have to come to this conclusion. Sin does not control us. Sin is not to dominate us. Sin is not to rule over us. We have a new Lord. We have a new king. We have a new ruler, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. So we must count ourselves dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, you're going to ask me, how do I manifest, how do I demonstrate, how do I know that I'm alive unto God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ?

[John Weaver] And my answer would be, you need to be here next week to hear that truth. Remember this, here's the rest of that verse, I only covered I'm crucified with Christ. Paul said, I'm crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live yet. Not I, but Christ live within me and the life that I now live. I live by the faith of the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. Likewise, reckon you yourselves also to be dead indeed in the sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to Thee.

[John Weaver] We thank You for Your Word. We thank You for Your truth. And Lord, help us as You have commanded us not to be ignorant. And help us, Lord, when You say, knowing this, that we grasp it, we understand it, we apply it, we make it ours. And help us, Lord, to know that we are indeed dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

[John Weaver] Give us Your grace and Your mercy and Your understanding. In Thy name we pray, Amen.

[John Weaver] so so

Have You Been Crucified? - Part 1

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	rtQFwo1knUY
Subject	New Testament Studies
Course	Romans: Law, Obedience, and Sanctification: Holiness and Obedience
Genre	Sermon
Date	2022-08-15
Dictation Name
Book	Book 179: Have You Been Crucified? — Chapter 1
Source Timed Segments	78

Formatted Transcript

Introduction: The Question of Crucifixion

Weaver introduces Galatians 2:20 and asks, 'Have you been crucified?' He describes the historical horror of crucifixion, emphasizing its shame and brutality.

Chapter 2, verse 20. Here's a passage that practically everyone can quote, and yet it is so little understood. In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul said,

Scripture Reading — Galatians 2:20

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

The title of the message is, "Have You Been Crucified?" Crucifixion is an awful death any way that one is crucified. Moreover, crucifixion is often identified with individuals who are cursed. In fact, the Word of God says, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree." And of course, crucifixion was always reserved for the very worst criminals. It was a very painful and disgraceful death. Crucifixion was reserved basically for slaves, for disgraced soldiers, for Christians, and also for criminal malefactors. The Roman citizens, of course, were exempt from crucifixion. So even from the earliest accounts of history, a crucifixion was considered an absolutely horrible form of death.

It was very shameful. It was very brutal. Probably crucifixion originated with the Assyrians, with the Babylonians not too far behind. It was used systematically by the Persians up into the 6th century BC. Alexander the Great brought it into his territory in the 4th century B.C., and the Venetians introduced it into Rome in the 3rd century B.C., and the Romans then perfected crucifixion for 500 years until it was finally abolished by Constantine I in the 4th century A.D. The Assyrians, who probably started crucifixion, were very cruel and very wicked. They often held mass executions. They loved to impale their victims on large stakes in order to strike terror and fear into the population. In other words, if you mess with us, or if you disobey us, or if you rebel against us, this is going to be the way that you die.

Historical Background of Crucifixion

A detailed account of crucifixion's origins with the Assyrians, its use by various empires, and the Roman method, including a medical description of death by crucifixion.

Now, originally, crucifixion was accomplished by impalement upon a stake. The stake was pounded into the ground, driven into the ground, planted in the ground very firmly with the top part of the stake sharpened. So the individual who's going to be crucified, the soldiers did one of two things. Number one, they lifted him up over the stake and brought him down with great power and force on that stake. And the stake then would have gone up through the anus into the bowels and they would leave him there writhing in pain until he died. The second way of impalement was they would take the man and slant him a little bit and impale him right under the ribcage, where it would be hitting his diaphragm. And of course, the weight of your body, regardless of how you were impaled, would certainly push down on that stake, increasing the pain, increasing the agony. And it was a very slow and very terrifying death. Here's a fact that you probably have never thought of. But crucifixion was also used by a man by the name of Vlad Tepes, T-E-P-E-S, better known as Count Dracula.

And the truth of the matter is he actually did exist. He was known as Prince Vlad the Impaler. And he literally impaled thousands of Ottoman Turks and killed them. So impalement was indeed the choice of the Assyrians, but yet they would change the mode of crucifixion in order to increase the horror and the pain in that crucifixion. When the Romans developed crucifixion and the way our Lord was crucified, it was not a kinder, gentler form of crucifixion. It was something that would increase the pain and prolong the agony and the death as well. Usually, when we think of crucifixion, we think of the way that our Lord was crucified. Of course, the St. Andrew's Cross, which is on the battle flag of the Confederate Army, was because Andrew was crucified upside down and he did not believe that he was or should be crucified the way that Christ was crucified. And so that St. Andrew's Cross is known as the X.

I want to give you a brief account of crucifixion, especially the Roman crucifixion, from a medical journal. Here it is. This is from the National Library of Medicine, titled, "The History and Pathology of Crucifixion." I want you to listen just to the first statement here. "Death occurred usually after six hours to four days," depending on how you were crucified. So death usually occurred after six hours to four days, was due to multifactorial pathology: after effects of compulsory scourging and maiming, hemorrhage and dehydration, causing hypovolemic shock and pain. But the most important factor was progressive asphyxia caused by impairment of respiratory movement, resulting in anoxemia, exaggerated hypovolemic shock. Death was probably commonly precipitated by cardiac arrest caused by vasovagal reflexes initiated in her oili, among other things, by severe anoxemia, severe pain, body blows, and breaking of the large bones. The attending Roman guards could only leave the site after the victim had died and were known to precipitate death by means of deliberately fracturing of the tibia or the fibula, spear stab wounds into the heart, or sharp blows to the front of the chest, or a smoking fire built at the foot of the cross to asphyxiate the victim.

Now, allow me to ask the question again, which is the title of the message: Have you been crucified? And I can hear the response now, "No." And according to the description that you just gave me, I do not want to be crucified. But the truth is this: If you are a Christian, you have been crucified. You simply may not know it. You may not have understood it. You may not have applied it. But the Scripture teaches very plainly that as Christians, we have been crucified. That is why the Apostle Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ."

The Believer's Positional Crucifixion with Christ

Weaver explains that Christians have been crucified with Christ because He is our federal head, just as Adam was. Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 15, Ephesians 2, Colossians 2, and Romans 6 show our oneness with Christ.

Now, in the Greek, it is a perfect active indicative. It is indicative, means that it's absolutely true. It is a factual statement. It is a perfect active in the fact. It means this had happened once in the past, and it also now has a continuing application. So the answer to the question, "Have you been crucified?" No, we have not been literally or physically crucified, but we have been crucified with Jesus Christ because He is our head and we are His body. Now, Jesus Christ was our representative, just like the first Adam was our representative. So if you look in your Bibles very quickly to 1 Corinthians chapter 15.

And let's begin reading there with verse 45. 1 Corinthians chapter 15 and verse 45. Note, if you would, here we have about the first Adam and the last Adam. Jesus Christ is called the second man. He's also called the last Adam. So we fell in the first Adam. He was our federal head, our representative. And now the Bible says this:

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly."

I want you to note in this passage that Jesus Christ is called the second man. He's also called the last Adam. He's called the second man because He was the second man chronologically to sustain a federal headship and relationship with a people.

He is called the last Adam because there will never ever be another individual who will have a federal headship and be a representative of a people. So, the first Adam, we were in him when we fell. And the second Adam, or the last Adam, we were in Him as well. Now, I want to show you some scriptures just to set the stage for us. I want you to understand, what I'm trying to emphasize right now is our oneness with Jesus Christ, our oneness in Jesus Christ. So if you will look in your Bibles very quickly to the book of Ephesians chapter 2. Galatians, Ephesians chapter 2, and look if you would please at verses 4 through 6. Ephesians 2 beginning there with verse 4, the Word of God says:

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 2:4-8

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Now if you would turn right over to the book of Colossians.

Note if you would now in this passage we have been raised and seated with the Lord Jesus Christ. Now in the book of Colossians chapter 2, look if you would please at verse 12. The Bible says:

Scripture Reading — Colossians 2:12-14

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross."

So again, here the Scripture's telling us that we were buried with Him in baptism, we are also risen with Him. And if you will turn in your Bibles now to the book of Romans chapter 6. And I want to ask you to mark Romans chapter 6. We're going to come back and look at this passage in greater detail.

But right now, let me just read verses 3 through 5. Again, right now, the only thing I'm trying to emphasize is our oneness with Jesus Christ. Notice if you would, Romans chapter 6 verse 3:

Scripture Reading — Romans 6:3-5

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."

So Scripture then is affirming our oneness with and our oneness in Jesus Christ. So here's the truth.

When He was crucified, we were crucified. When He was buried, we were buried. When He was raised from the dead, we were raised from the dead. When He was seated at the right hand of God, we also were seated at the right hand of God the Father with Him because He is our head and we are His body. Whatever happens to the head happens to the body as well.

So the emphasis now is this: We're not only one with Christ, we're one in Christ. So if you would turn back in your Bibles to John chapter 17, which is the high priestly prayer of our Lord, and look if you would please at verses 20 and 21. John 17, verses 20 and 21. And notice what our Lord says in this prayer. In verse 20, He says:

Scripture Reading — John 17:20-21

"Neither pray I for these alone,"

that is, His then living disciples,

Scripture Reading — John 17:20-21

"but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."

So we're one, not only with Christ, but we're one in Christ as well. It was John Gill who said this, listen carefully: "Christ sustained the persons of all his people.

And what he did and suffered was in their name and on their account. And so they were crucified and suffered with him as they are said to be buried with him and to be risen with him and to sit together in heavenly places in Him."

Three Influential Books

Weaver shares three books that shaped his understanding: Pink's 'The Sovereignty of God,' Rushdoony's 'Institutes of Biblical Law,' and Lloyd-Jones' 'Romans 6,' which opened his eyes to freedom from sin's dominion.

the way God gave them to me. Now, that does not mean I sat down and read this book and then the second book and the third book. No, there's a large amount of time in between, sometimes several years. But I'm just simply pointing out the fact these books are the ones that God used outside of the Bible. The first one was "The Sovereignty of God" by Arthur W. Pink. I read that book three times. I never will forget the very first time I read that book.

I took my pen, I put it in the margin. "No, no, no, not true, not true." The second time I read that book, I marked out all those things and left a few question marks. And the third time I read that book, I thought, "Why did I ever argue with it to begin with? It's nothing but Scripture." And it was from that book that I actually learned who God really was, that God is the sovereign. God is the supreme one. God is the all-sufficient one. God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. And whatever God does is right, holy, just, and righteous. So, that book basically showed me who the God of Scripture really and truly was. The second book that God used was this: "The Institutes of Biblical Law" by R.J. Rushdoony. As I read that book, I understood the proper application of the law of God to my life. And when I saw that God's law was to be my standard for rule and practice, not for justification, but for my sanctification, it is true the agent in sanctification is the Holy Spirit, but God's law is that which gives us direction.

There's no such thing as a holy sanctified thief or murderer or adulterer. No, if we're going to be holy and sanctified and obedient, we must keep God's law. Now, so I'm just simply saying when I saw the proper relationship of the law to my life, it changed the way I live and it changed my thinking. The third book that really changed me and gave me great encouragement was "Romans 6" by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. Now, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones was from England. He was actually a medical doctor before he became a pastor and a preacher.

He was an excellent scholar. I was able to hear him preach when he was the pastor of Westminster in England. I was able to even visit him in his home when I visited England. He was a tremendous preacher, a tremendous scholar. He has a whole series of books on the book of Romans. He has a whole series of books on the book of Ephesians. And one of his books, since he was a medical doctor, is "Spiritual Depression, Its Causes and Cures," which is an excellent book, which I've recommended to a lot of people. But it was his single volume on Romans chapter 6 that opened my eyes to the truth that I'm going to be teaching today.

And that is that we are not under the lordship and the dominion of sin. We're not under the bondage to sin. Sin is not my Lord, Jesus Christ is my Lord. I do not have to obey sin because sin has absolutely no dominion over me. I must obey Jesus Christ who is my Lord.

Exposition of Romans 6:1-7

Weaver exegetes Romans 6:1-7, showing that believers are dead to sin, baptized into Christ's death, and the old man was crucified so that the body of sin might be destroyed and we no longer serve sin.

Paul asks, "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?"

Now I want you to note that the Apostle asks two questions in verse 1. The first question is, "What shall we say then?" That is, what shall we say to those things that he actually taught us in Romans chapter 5? And then he asks this question or poses it, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" So the two questions that are asked in verse 1 are answered for us in verse 2 with another question. So look in verse 2. He says, "God forbid, how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?" Now let me just stop and look at verse 2. He says, "God forbid." The construction of that simply means this: Perish the thought. Don't even let it enter into your mind. Don't even begin thinking like this. Paul uses this phrase a number of times in the Bible. And anytime you see the phrase "God forbid," it means don't even think that way. Don't even begin to think that way. So he asked, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid, perish the thought." Then he asked this, "How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?" So the next logical question that you and I would have to ask is, how in the world did we become dead to sin?

Well, that is answered for us in verse 3. He says, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" Now, you're going to see this phrase in the Apostle Paul's writings several times. In fact, you'll see it again in verse 16, where he says, "Know ye not." And now he says it here in verse 3. "Know ye not." It's a very interesting Greek word that is translated "know ye not." Agnoeo is the word, and it literally means to be ignorant, to not understand, or to live ignorantly, or I would say be an ignoramus. Actually, when the Apostle Paul says, "Know ye not," that is a polite way of him saying, "Stop being stupid. Stop being an ignoramus. You must understand this. You must grasp this." So that's what he's saying. "Know ye not. Don't be ignorant on this. Know ye not.

That so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death." So he's telling us that this is a principle that you and I must grasp. We must understand that we were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the death of Jesus Christ. We are one with Him and we are one in Him. Now, I want you to notice the implication of that truth in verse 4. Look at verse 4. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Now, when he begins in verse 4 with the word "therefore," you have to understand that "therefore" is a conclusion that is drawn on the previous three verses. So if you understand the first three verses, he now makes this conclusion in verse 4: "Therefore," that is, in light of the fact of our oneness with Christ, "therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death." Now watch: "that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." So he is saying, if you understand that we have been crucified with Christ, that we have died in Christ, that we were buried in Christ, you should now also understand that we have been raised to newness of life in the Lord Jesus Christ as well.

Now look in verse 5, he says this again a little differently. "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Now look at verse 5 again. He's laying this out for us very clearly. But then he makes this statement: "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Now let me tell you the certainty of verse 5.

When you study Greek, you're going to find there are two words for "if." You can have "if" which would be "ei" with the indicative mode, or "ean" with the subjunctive mode. "Ean" with the subjunctive mode is always a question. So to demonstrate that, I could look at Gary and say, "If you're going to town tomorrow, I'd like to go with you." What is that saying? That's saying he may or may not go, but if he does go, I'd like to go with him. OK. Here's "ei" with the indicative: "Since you're going to town tomorrow, I want to ride with you." So "ei" with the indicative is a fact. It is a reality. It is not a question. Now, hang on. I want you to look at verse 5 again. "For if we have been planted together," you can translate the word "if," "ei" with indicative, as like this: "For since we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection." Now, this "ei" with indicative mode is found many places in the Bible.

One of them is in Matthew chapter 4. You remember when our Lord had been in the wilderness and had fasted forty days and nights and now He's being tempted of the devil and the devil asked Him and he said to Him, "If thou be the Son of God, turn these stones into bread. If you're the Son of God, jump off the temple." When Satan said "if," it was not a question. Satan knew that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. And what he was saying was this: "Since you are the Son of God, prove it. Turn these stones into bread. Show the world that you're the Son of God. Since you're the Son of God, jump off this temple. Prove it, since you are that." That's exactly what the Apostle Paul is saying in verse 5 of Romans chapter 6.

"For since we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." So here is what the Apostle Paul is telling us. He's telling us to stop being stupid. And he is saying that we have to live up to reality. Because we are no longer the dead man. We are now the living man in the Lord Jesus Christ because we are now in the likeness of His resurrection. The likeness of His resurrection in verse 5 is equal to walking in the newness of life in verse 4. So now watch this. Look at verse 5. He says, "For if" or "for since we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." So, since we are truly crucified with Christ, and buried with Christ, it is inevitable that we are raised or resurrected together with Christ. So when you look at verse 5, one dies and one lives. One is dead and buried with Christ, and the other is raised in newness of life in the resurrection of Christ.

So that brings you to this question: Who died and who lives? Well, the answer to that is verse 6. Look what he says. "Knowing this," just stop right there. "Knowing this," he is saying here is something you absolutely must know. You must grasp this. You must understand this. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." So he says "knowing this,

Scripture Reading — Romans 6:6

" and you and I are going to live a life of victory in our Christian life. Here is something that we must know. We cannot be ignorant of this truth. What you cannot be ignorant of is that our old man was crucified with Jesus Christ. Now, the old man does not refer to our carnal nature. Well, what in the world does the old man refer to? The old man refers to what we were in Adam. Since you're in Romans, look in Romans chapter 5 and verse 12. Here we have Adam, the first Adam. "

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin.

And so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." So Adam, who is our federal head and representative, when he sinned, we sinned. When he fell, we fell. And through him, death came into the world. And so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. And the phrase "all have sinned" is an aorist passive, which means it happened once and for all, and it's over with. Well, when did everyone sin once and for all? And that is in the fall with Adam. So we were one with him, we sinned with him, we fell with him.

Skip down to verse 19, you'll see it again. "For as by one man's disobedience," that's Adam, "many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one," that's the Lord Jesus, "shall many be made righteous." So the old man is what I was in Adam. I am no longer what I was in Adam. I'm now a new man in the Lord Jesus Christ. I have a new life. I have a new humanity. The old man was crucified once and for all. And so what he is saying is this: Do not go on living as if you are the old man. You're not the old man. That old man is dead. So therefore, you must put off the characteristics of that old man because he's dead. Now, I'm going to explain this like this. Let's suppose that you and I have a loved one.

It could be a husband, it could be a wife, could be a brother, sister, mother, father, or a child. And our loved one dies. And instead of burying the corpse, we keep that loved one in our living room, in a casket, and every day we go in, this dead loved one, we brush the teeth, we comb the hair, we give them a sponge bath. We put on fresh clothes every day. You would say someone would have to be insane to do that. That's true. That's exactly true. But that's exactly what the Apostle Paul is saying. He's saying we're no longer that old man, and we need to put off the characteristics of that old man. I'm going to show you just momentarily. But it was Martin Luther, the reformer, who said this: "There are only two men in the world: Christ and Adam.

And all others hang from their girdles." So what he was saying is that you're either in Adam or you're in Christ. You cannot be in Adam and be in Christ. No. You cannot be in Christ and be in Adam. There are only two men, Christ and Adam. So if you're in Adam, you're lost, you're condemned, you're under the wrath of God. If you're in Christ, you have been forgiven, you have been justified, you're on your way to be glorified, but they're basically only two men. So clearly then, if we are in Christ, we're no longer in Adam, because that old man was crucified. So therefore, we have to put off the characteristics of the dead man. We do not nourish or nurture the dead man. We do not keep putting fresh clothes on a dead man.

So look in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Ephesians chapter 4. Galatians, Ephesians. Look in Ephesians chapter 4 and let's begin reading there with verse 21. Ephesians 4 verse 21. The Scripture says:

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:21-32

"If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Now, he tells you a lot of the characteristics of the old man that have to be put off, beginning in verse 25.

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:21-32

"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." In other words, everything from verse 25 down through verse 30 is to be put off. And then here's what's to be put on. And well, verse 31 has to be put off too. He said, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." Here's what's to be put on: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." So he says you have to put off the old man and all the characteristics, and you have to put on the new man with the new characteristics.

Now, if you look in your Bibles to the book of Colossians chapter 3, Colossians chapter 3, and look, if you would, beginning there with verse 9. Colossians 3 and verse 9. The Bible says, watch it. Here it is, the put off and put on again.

Scripture Reading — Colossians 3:9-14

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."

So, he is saying, here are things that are to be put off, and here are things that are to be put on.

Now, I want you to turn back to the book of Galatians, and look in chapter 5 and verse 24. Galatians 5 and verse 24. Remember the old man has all these affections and lusts. He says this, Galatians 5 verse 24:

Scripture Reading — Galatians 5:24

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

Wow. So who died? And the answer is, that old man that I was in Adam, he is gone, he is dead. That old man was under the curse of the law. That old man was under the condemnation of God. That old man was under the wrath of God. That old man was the epitome of sin and wickedness and rebellion.

He was characterized by a depraved nature, and he acted out that depraved nature consistently and constantly. That old man was crucified. He did not crucify himself. He was crucified in Christ.

Now, I want you to go back to Romans chapter 6, if you would, please, because I want to ask you a question based upon Romans 6 and verse 6. Remember now, he said, this is something you must know, "knowing this." Now watch: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him." So here's my question. Why then was our old man crucified with Jesus Christ? Well, here's the answer. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him," here's why: "that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Wow! The old man and the new man are opposites. The new man is the man with the repaired image of God in his life. The old man is the one with the depraved image of Adam in his life. So he says, "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Christ." Why? "That the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." So we died in Jesus Christ. We were crucified in Jesus Christ. And the answer is as to why. And it is so that we might become dead to sin and alive unto God through the righteousness that is in Jesus Christ.

Now look at verse 7. "For he that is dead is freed from sin." Dead men do not sin. Dead men are not even tempted to sin. If you showed me a dead drunkard, and I had the best bottle of whiskey the world could ever produce, and I could shake that bottle in front of him, would he be tempted to drink it? And the answer is no, he's dead. If I found a dead thief, and I showed him an absolutely perfect plan where he could rob a bank, and escape without any difficulty whatsoever, and no one would ever know that he robbed the bank, would he be tempted to rob the bank? The answer is no, because he's dead. Likewise, if I found an adulterer who was dead and I showed him the most beautiful woman in the world, would he be tempted? And the answer is no, because he is dead.

Now, I want you to hang on with me. I'm going to finish this thought in just a moment. But I want you to look at now at verses 8 through 10. In verses 8 through 10, we have really a recapitulation of what Paul has already taught. But he's using Jesus Christ as the illustration. So look in verse 8. "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him." He's already drawn that conclusion previously. You remember that. "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God." So verses 8 through 10 then is a restatement of the truth that Paul has already enunciated in verses 1 through 7 is what it amounts to. But now he's saying, we know that we were crucified in Jesus Christ. We know that we died in Jesus Christ. We know that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Listen carefully. And because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, death has no more dominion over him. Death has been broken by Jesus Christ.

The Illustration of Christ's Death and Resurrection (Romans 6:8-10)

Paul uses Christ as the pattern: He died to sin once and lives to God. Death no longer has dominion over Him, and likewise, believers are to live in newness of life.

He is not going to die anymore. What is he now? He is living by the power of God the Father. He is alive forevermore.

Now, here's what he's telling us, and I'm going to show it to you just for a moment. He says, "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God." Now, since we're dead with Christ, here's a good question. If my old man has been crucified with Christ, and I'm dead to sin, why do I have so much trouble with sin in my body, in my mind, and in my flesh? And here's the answer. The Bible's going to give you the answer. Because we do not count ourselves dead in Christ and alive in Christ. We do not reckon ourselves dead in Christ and alive in Christ.

The Command to Reckon (Romans 6:11)

Weaver explains the Greek word logizomai as a present imperative command to continually count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, based on factual reality, not supposition.

For instance, look at it in verse 11. He says, "Likewise," whoa, whoa, wait a minute. "Likewise," the word "likewise" means in this manner or after this manner. After what manner? Well, he just gave you the illustration of Jesus Christ in verses 8 through 10, just like Jesus Christ died unto death and imputed sin only once and was raised from the dead by the glory of God the Father to walk in newness of life and to honor Him and to be seated by Him. Yes. "Likewise," in like manner, just like this happened to Jesus Christ, He's saying it should happen to us. "Likewise," watch it now. "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." "Likewise reckon ye." Now, the word "reckon" is from the Greek word logizomai. And it literally means to think, to impute, to reckon, to account, to decide, and to determine. So he says, "Likewise, count, reckon, impute, determine yourself to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ."

Let me spell this out for you. Verse 11, Paul is telling us to make application in our personal lives of that which happened to us in Jesus Christ. Now, let me tell you something about the word logizomai. First of all, it is a present imperative. An imperative means it is a command. So, if I said to Alice, "Alice, get up and shut the door." If I said that, that's a command. If I looked at Alice and said, "Alice, would you please get up and close the door?" That's a question. I'm asking her to do something if she would be pleased to do it. Well, a command is an imperative and He is commanding us to count ourselves dead indeed unto sin. Since it is a present, it means something that we are to be doing constantly and continually.

We have to do it over and over and over. I'm going to deal with this just in a few minutes. But I've been asked so many times, why do I have to fight so much in my Christian life? Why do I have to fight to keep my mind pure? Why do I have to fight to stave off the lust of my flesh and the desires of my mind? Why? Why do I have to fight? Well, here is why.

Because we have been commanded to constantly and continually reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin. Here's the third thing about the word logizomai. The word logizomai is a word that deals with factuality. It is a word that deals with reality. It is not a word of supposition. So if I ask Steve, "Steve, how much money do you have in your bank account?" And he said, "Oh, I've got 50, 60, 70 bucks. I don't really remember." That's not logizomai. That's guessing. But if I asked Steve, "How much money do you have in your bank account?"

And he said, "I have $7,150." "Are you sure?" "I'm absolutely positive. I don't have $7,149. I don't have $7,151. I have $7,150." That's logizomai. It is something that deals with reality. It's something that deals with factuality. It's not guessing. So when he says, "Likewise, you're commanded to be continually counting yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." That is a reality. That is something that we must do consistently and constantly.

So here are two questions. Number one, what can sin do with a dead man? And the answer is nothing. Number two, what can sin do with a man who is alive in Jesus Christ? And the answer is absolutely nothing. So the Apostle Paul is telling us that we are to be constantly and consistently reckoning, counting ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sin's Dethroned Reign (Romans 6:12)

Sin is not to reign in our mortal bodies; its kingly power is broken. We have no duty to obey its lusts. Temptation does not necessitate sin.

Now, I'm going to cover one more verse today. I want you to look at it in verse 12. He says, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." There are several things I must point out. The very first one is this. I want you to notice what this verse does not say. It does not say, "Let not sin therefore be in your mortal body." Sin is in us. We are sinners. We may be saved sinners, but sin is in us.

We will not be perfected until we have our glorified bodies. That is a fact. Everything that we do is tainted with sin. Even our prayers are tainted with sin. Because many times our prayers are totally selfish. And we don't ask in faith. We don't ask according to the Word of God. We don't ask for God's honor and God's glory. We are sinners. He did not say, "Let not sin therefore be in your mortal bodies." Here's what He did say: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies.

that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." Now, the word for "reign" there is basileuō in the Greek, and it literally means to exercise kingly power or to rule and reign as a king. So, here is what he is saying. King Sin has been dethroned. Sin is not our Lord. Sin is not our king. Sin has no right to command. It has no right to exercise kingly power. And just as the lordship and kingship and dominion of sin have been broken and has no right to rule us and no right to command us, it has no right to even make suggestions or tempt us.

And any attempt to do so should be considered by us as illegal and usurped authority. Hmm. Consequently, sin has no right to command, and we have no duty to obey. That's what he's saying. "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." Now when he says "that ye should not obey in the lusts thereof," one of the Greek words there is hypakouō, and it literally means to listen, to hearken, to obey. So when sin knocks on our door, we have no duty to answer the door. We have no obligation to open the door and let sin in.

Here's what Paul is teaching us. Sin is in us, but its power is broken. Its right to command is gone. When we were unsaved, when sin commanded, we jumped. We did exactly what sin wanted us to do. But God says, "No, no. Now that power is gone. That old man has been crucified, and the dominion and the power of sin is no more. It is broken." Even the Apostle John recognized this when he wrote in 1 John 2:1, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not."

So here is a position that you have to understand. We may be sinners, but we are not obligated to sin. We do not have to sin. Just because sin tempts me, or tries to seduce me, does not mean that I have to obey. Gary could come up to me and say, "Pastor, I have a wonderful idea of how we can make lots and lots of money. All we have to do is start defrauding people, and we'll start with Steve first. He's got plenty of money, we'll get his." Really? I can say, "Gary, I'm not interested in that. I'm not going to steal, for the Bible says, 'Thou shalt not steal.'"

Here's an unclean thought that comes in my mind. I'm not going to sit here and think, "Wow, yeah." No, no, no. I'm going to say, "Lord, I don't want that thought. That is not my thought. I reject it. I refuse it. I purposely and deliberately place my mind upon the Lord Jesus Christ, upon His Word, and I ask You for the mind of Christ." Just because some thought flies through my mind—and if you ever prayed, I can assure you thoughts go through your mind.

"Where did that thing come from? I never even thought about that. That wasn't anywhere near in my..." But there it is. And you have to deal with it and say, "Lord, that's not mine. I don't want it. I will not have it. I want the mind of Jesus Christ." This is what he's saying. "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ." Then he said, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." We have no duty. We have no obligation to obey sin. We are sinners. We are not perfect, but we do not have to sin. We have the right to overrule it because its power has been broken.

Applications and Conclusion

Weaver applies the truth: we must continually reckon ourselves dead to sin; failure to do so denies Christ's work. The Christian life is a warfare, but sin's dominion is broken. He previews the next part on living by faith.

So here are some applications. The first one is this: If you desire to live a holy, godly, sanctified and obedient life and to walk in newness of life, you must learn to consistently, constantly, continually reckon yourself to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ. And so to answer the question that I've been asked so many times, which I hinted upon earlier, why do I have to fight so much? Just to keep my mind pure or to keep my body pure. Why do I have to fight so much? Because the Christian life is a warfare. That is why. And the Apostle Paul said, "What? I die how often?" Help me out. "Daily." And some of us must die not just daily, we must die hourly. And minute by minute and moment by moment. Because we are fighting to keep our minds pure, our bodies pure.

It is a struggle for everyone. Not everyone has the same temptations. Not everyone has the same inclinations. But everyone is tempted. But we do not have to yield to those temptations. The second application is this: We must also consider that to fail to reckon and count ourselves dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ is a denial of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Because we're in essence saying He didn't deliver us from the bondage of sin. We're helpless. We have to sin. We have to do what sin says. No, no, no, no. It is a denial of the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So we have to come to this conclusion: Sin does not control us. Sin is not to dominate us. Sin is not to rule over us. We have a new Lord. We have a new king. We have a new ruler, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. So we must count ourselves dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, you're going to ask me, how do I manifest, how do I demonstrate, how do I know that I'm alive unto God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ?

And my answer would be, you need to be here next week to hear that truth. Remember this, here's the rest of that verse, I only covered "I am crucified with Christ." Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to Thee. We thank You for Your Word. We thank You for Your truth. And Lord, help us as You have commanded us not to be ignorant. And help us, Lord, when You say, "Knowing this," that we grasp it, we understand it, we apply it, we make it ours. And help us, Lord, to know that we are indeed dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Give us Your grace and Your mercy and Your understanding. In Thy name we pray, Amen.

Study Guide

Major Themes

Union with Christ in His Death and Resurrection

Summary: Believers are one with Christ; when He was crucified, buried, and raised, we were with Him. This positional truth is foundational for Christian living.

Evidence: When He was crucified, we were crucified. When He was buried, we were buried. When He was raised from the dead, we were raised from the dead. (13:26.4-13:53.0)

The Old Man Crucified

Summary: The 'old man' is what we were in Adam—under sin's dominion. That old man was crucified with Christ, breaking sin's power.

Evidence: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (29:30-30:17)

Reckoning Ourselves Dead to Sin

Summary: The Greek word logizomai is a present imperative command to continually count, reckon, or determine ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, based on reality.

Evidence: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (44:01-45:01)

Sin's Dominion Broken

Summary: Sin no longer has kingly authority over believers. Its power is dethroned, and we have no obligation to obey its lusts.

Evidence: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (48:31-49:41)

The Necessity of Continual Warfare

Summary: The Christian life is a daily, even hourly, battle against sin. We must constantly reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God.

Evidence: Because the Christian life is a warfare. That is why. And the Apostle Paul said, 'What? I die how often?' Help me out. 'Daily.' (54:59-55:26)

Key Arguments

Christians have been crucified with Christ positionally.

Summary: Because Christ is our federal head, His crucifixion is our crucifixion. This is a factual, once-for-all event with continuing application.

Evidence: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. (00:01-01:36) and the Greek perfect active indicative explanation (07:44-08:34).

The old man was crucified to destroy the body of sin.

Summary: The purpose of our co-crucifixion was to render the body of sin inoperative, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Evidence: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (29:30-30:17)

Believers must continually reckon themselves dead to sin.

Summary: The command to 'reckon' (logizomai) is a present imperative, meaning we must constantly and repeatedly count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God.

Evidence: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (44:01-45:01) and explanation of logizomai (45:18-48:01).

Sin's reign is broken; we are not obligated to obey.

Summary: Sin may be present, but its kingly authority is dethroned. We have no duty to obey its lusts, and any attempt to rule is usurped.

Evidence: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (48:31-49:41) and explanation of basileuō (49:42-50:27).

Failure to reckon is a denial of Christ's work.

Summary: If we do not count ourselves dead to sin, we deny that Christ delivered us from sin's bondage, implying we are still helpless.

Evidence: We must also consider that to fail to reckon and count ourselves dead indeed unto sin... is a denial of the person and work of Jesus Christ. (55:27-56:14)

Scripture References

Galatians 2:20

Context: The key verse of the sermon: 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...'

1 Corinthians 15:45-49

Context: Contrast between the first Adam and the last Adam (Christ) as federal heads.

Ephesians 2:4-8

Context: We have been quickened, raised, and seated with Christ, showing our oneness with Him.

Colossians 2:12-14

Context: Buried with Him in baptism, risen with Him, and our trespasses forgiven.

Romans 6:3-5

Context: Baptized into Christ's death, buried with Him, and raised to walk in newness of life.

John 17:20-21

Context: Jesus prays for believers to be one in Him and the Father, emphasizing union.

Romans 6:1-2

Context: Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?

Romans 6:3-4

Context: Baptized into Christ's death and buried with Him, raised to walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:5

Context: If (since) we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.

Romans 6:6

Context: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed.

Romans 5:12

Context: By one man sin entered the world, and death by sin; all sinned in Adam.

Romans 5:19

Context: By one man's disobedience many were made sinners; by Christ's obedience many made righteous.

Ephesians 4:21-32

Context: Put off the old man and put on the new man, with specific characteristics to discard and adopt.

Colossians 3:9-14

Context: Put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new man, with virtues like mercy, kindness, and love.

Galatians 5:24

Context: They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Romans 6:7

Context: For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Romans 6:8-10

Context: If we be dead with Christ, we shall also live with Him; Christ died to sin once and lives to God.

Romans 6:11

Context: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:12

Context: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

1 John 2:1

Context: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.

Historical References

Assyrians and Babylonians

Context: Crucifixion probably originated with the Assyrians, with Babylonians close behind; they used impalement for mass executions to strike terror.

Persians, Alexander the Great, Venetians, Romans

Context: Crucifixion used systematically by Persians (6th century BC), brought by Alexander (4th century BC), introduced to Rome by Venetians (3rd century BC), perfected by Romans for 500 years until abolished by Constantine I (4th century AD).

Vlad Tepes (Count Dracula)

Context: Known as Prince Vlad the Impaler, he impaled thousands of Ottoman Turks, illustrating the historical use of impalement.

St. Andrew's Cross

Context: Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross because he felt unworthy to be crucified like Christ; this cross is on the Confederate battle flag.

National Library of Medicine article

Context: Weaver reads from 'The History and Pathology of Crucifixion' describing death by crucifixion, including asphyxia and methods to hasten death.

John Gill

Context: Quoted: 'Christ sustained the persons of all his people. And what he did and suffered was in their name and on their account.'

Arthur W. Pink, 'The Sovereignty of God'

Context: Weaver read this book three times; it taught him the sovereignty of God.

R.J. Rushdoony, 'The Institutes of Biblical Law'

Context: This book showed Weaver the proper application of God's law for sanctification.

Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, 'Romans 6'

Context: Lloyd-Jones' volume on Romans 6 opened Weaver's eyes to the truth that sin's dominion is broken.

Martin Luther

Context: Quoted: 'There are only two men in the world: Christ and Adam. And all others hang from their girdles.'

Important Quotes

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Significance: The foundational verse of the sermon, introducing the theme of co-crucifixion with Christ.

When He was crucified, we were crucified. When He was buried, we were buried. When He was raised from the dead, we were raised from the dead.

Significance: Succinctly states the believer's union with Christ in His redemptive acts.

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Significance: Key verse explaining the purpose of the old man's crucifixion: to break sin's power.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Significance: The central command of the passage, calling believers to continually count themselves dead to sin.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Significance: The practical outworking: sin's reign is dethroned; we are not to let it rule.

Sin is in us, but its power is broken. Its right to command is gone.

Significance: Clarifies that while sin remains, its dominion is destroyed; believers are not obligated to obey.

Discussion Questions

What does it mean that the 'old man' was crucified with Christ, and how does this differ from our daily experience of sin?

Context: Weaver explains the old man as what we were in Adam, crucified positionally, yet we still struggle with sin.

How does understanding our union with Christ in His death and resurrection change the way we view temptation?

Context: Weaver argues that dead men are not tempted; we must reckon ourselves dead to sin.

What does it mean to 'reckon' ourselves dead to sin, and why is this a command rather than a suggestion?

Context: Weaver explains logizomai as a present imperative, a continual, factual reckoning.

In what ways might we be 'nourishing the dead man' by putting on the characteristics of the old man?

Context: Weaver uses the illustration of keeping a dead loved one in the living room, paralleling Ephesians 4 and Colossians 3.

How does the truth that sin's reign is broken affect our response when we do sin?

Context: Weaver emphasizes that sin has no right to command, and we have no duty to obey; this should lead to repentance and renewed reckoning.

Why is the Christian life described as a warfare, and how does the command to 'reckon' equip us for that battle?

Context: Weaver addresses the struggle against sin and the need for daily, even momentary, reckoning.

How can we practically 'put off' the old man and 'put on' the new man in our daily lives?

Context: Weaver lists specific sins to put off and virtues to put on from Ephesians 4 and Colossians 3.

What does it mean to be 'alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord,' and how will that be developed in the next part of the message?

Context: Weaver ends by previewing the rest of Galatians 2:20, focusing on living by faith.

Applications

Continually reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God.

Summary: Believers must constantly and repeatedly count themselves dead to sin and alive to God, based on the reality of their union with Christ.

Evidence: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (44:01-45:01) and explanation of present imperative (45:18-46:34).

Refuse to obey sin's usurped authority.

Summary: Since sin's reign is broken, believers have no duty to obey its lusts. When tempted, they should reject the thought and turn to Christ.

Evidence: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (48:31-49:41) and illustration of refusing sinful suggestions (52:06-53:29).

Put off the characteristics of the old man.

Summary: Believers should actively discard the behaviors and attitudes of the old man, such as lying, stealing, and bitterness, as listed in Ephesians 4 and Colossians 3.

Evidence: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man... (33:57-34:56) and specific commands (34:57-35:53).

Put on the characteristics of the new man.

Summary: Believers should actively adopt Christ-like virtues: kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness, and love.

Evidence: And that ye put on the new man... (33:57-34:56) and Colossians 3:12-14 (36:28-37:06).

Recognize the Christian life as a daily warfare.

Summary: Expect a constant battle against sin; dying daily is normal. This warfare is fought by continually reckoning ourselves dead to sin.

Evidence: Because the Christian life is a warfare... And some of us must die not just daily, we must die hourly. (54:59-55:26).

Do not deny Christ's victory by living as if sin still dominates.

Summary: Failing to reckon ourselves dead to sin is a practical denial of Christ's deliverance. We must live in the reality of His victory.

Evidence: We must also consider that to fail to reckon... is a denial of the person and work of Jesus Christ. (55:27-56:14).

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T21:45:04Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T13:37:33Z

Clean Transcript

Have You Been Crucified? - Part 1

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

Chapter 2, verse 20. Here's a passage that practically everyone can quote, and yet it is so little understood. In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." The title of the message is, "Have You Been Crucified?" Crucifixion is an awful death any way that one is crucified. Moreover, crucifixion is often identified with individuals who are cursed. In fact, the Word of God says, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree." And of course, crucifixion was always reserved for the very worst criminals. It was a very painful and disgraceful death. Crucifixion was reserved basically for slaves, for disgraced soldiers, for Christians, and also for criminal malefactors. The Roman citizens, of course, were exempt from crucifixion. So even from the earliest accounts of history, a crucifixion was considered an absolutely horrible form of death.
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It was very shameful. It was very brutal. Probably crucifixion originated with the Assyrians, with the Babylonians not too far behind. It was used systematically by the Persians up into the 6th century BC. Alexander the Great brought it into his territory in the 4th century B.C., and the Venetians introduced it into Rome in the 3rd century B.C., and the Romans then perfected crucifixion for 500 years until it was finally abolished by Constantine I in the 4th century A.D. The Assyrians, who probably started crucifixion, were very cruel and very wicked.
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They often held mass executions. They loved to impale their victims on large stakes in order to strike terror and fear into the population. In other words, if you mess with us, or if you disobey us, or if you rebel against us, this is going to be the way that you die.
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Now, originally, crucifixion was accomplished by impalement upon a stake. The stake was pounded into the ground, driven into the ground, planted in the ground very firmly with the top part of the stake sharpened. So the individual who's going to be crucified, the soldiers did one of two things. Number one, they lifted him up over the stake and brought him down with great power and force on that stake. And the stake then would have gone up through the anus into the bowels and they would leave him there writhing in pain until he died.
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The second way of impalement was they would take the man and slant him a little bit and impale him right under the ribcage, where it would be hitting his diaphragm. And of course, the weight of your body, regardless of how you were impaled, would certainly push down on that stake, increasing the pain, increasing the agony. And it was a very slow and very terrifying death. Here's a fact that you probably have never thought of. But crucifixion was also used by a man by the name of Vlad Tepes, T-E-P-E-S, better known as Count Dracula.
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And the truth of the matter is he actually did exist. He was known as Prince Vlad the Impaler. And he literally impaled thousands of Ottoman Turks and killed them. So impalement was indeed the choice of the Assyrians, but yet they would change the mode of crucifixion in order to increase the horror and the pain in that crucifixion. When the Romans developed crucifixion and the way our Lord was crucified, it was not a kinder, gentler form of crucifixion. It was something that would increase the pain and prolong the agony and the death as well. Usually, when we think of crucifixion, we think of the way that our Lord was crucified. Of course, the St. Andrew's Cross, which is on the battle flag of the Confederate Army, was because Andrew was crucified upside down and he did not believe that he was or should be crucified the way that Christ was crucified. And so that St. Andrew's Cross is known as the X.
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I want to give you a brief account of crucifixion, especially the Roman crucifixion, from a medical journal. Here it is. This is from the National Library of Medicine, titled, "The History and Pathology of Crucifixion." I want you to listen just to the first statement here. "Death occurred usually after six hours to four days," depending on how you were crucified. So death usually occurred after six hours to four days, was due to multifactorial pathology: after effects of compulsory scourging and maiming, hemorrhage and dehydration, causing hypovolemic shock and pain. But the most important factor was progressive asphyxia caused by impairment of respiratory movement, resulting in anoxemia, exaggerated hypovolemic shock. Death was probably commonly precipitated by cardiac arrest caused by vasovagal reflexes initiated in her oili, among other things, by severe anoxemia, severe pain, body blows, and breaking of the large bones. The attending Roman guards could only leave the site after the victim had died and were known to precipitate death by means of deliberately fracturing of the tibia or the fibula, spear stab wounds into the heart, or sharp blows to the front of the chest, or a smoking fire built at the foot of the cross to asphyxiate the victim.
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Now, allow me to ask the question again, which is the title of the message: Have you been crucified? And I can hear the response now, "No." And according to the description that you just gave me, I do not want to be crucified. But the truth is this: If you are a Christian, you have been crucified. You simply may not know it. You may not have understood it. You may not have applied it. But the Scripture teaches very plainly that as Christians, we have been crucified. That is why the Apostle Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ."
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Now, in the Greek, it is a perfect active indicative. It is indicative, means that it's absolutely true. It is a factual statement. It is a perfect active in the fact. It means this had happened once in the past, and it also now has a continuing application. So the answer to the question, "Have you been crucified?" No, we have not been literally or physically crucified, but we have been crucified with Jesus Christ because He is our head and we are His body. Now, Jesus Christ was our representative, just like the first Adam was our representative. So if you look in your Bibles very quickly to 1 Corinthians chapter 15.
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And let's begin reading there with verse 45. 1 Corinthians chapter 15 and verse 45. Note, if you would, here we have about the first Adam and the last Adam. Jesus Christ is called the second man. He's also called the last Adam. So we fell in the first Adam. He was our federal head, our representative. And now the Bible says this: "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly." I want you to note in this passage that Jesus Christ is called the second man. He's also called the last Adam. He's called the second man because He was the second man chronologically to sustain a federal headship and relationship with a people.
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He is called the last Adam because there will never ever be another individual who will have a federal headship and be a representative of a people. So, the first Adam, we were in him when we fell. And the second Adam, or the last Adam, we were in Him as well.
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Now, I want to show you some scriptures just to set the stage for us. I want you to understand, what I'm trying to emphasize right now is our oneness with Jesus Christ, our oneness in Jesus Christ. So if you will look in your Bibles very quickly to the book of Ephesians chapter 2. Galatians, Ephesians chapter 2, and look if you would please at verses 4 through 6. Ephesians 2 beginning there with verse 4, the Word of God says: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Now if you would turn right over to the book of Colossians.
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Note if you would now in this passage we have been raised and seated with the Lord Jesus Christ. Now in the book of Colossians chapter 2, look if you would please at verse 12. The Bible says: "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." So again, here the Scripture's telling us that we were buried with Him in baptism, we are also risen with Him. And if you will turn in your Bibles now to the book of Romans chapter 6. And I want to ask you to mark Romans chapter 6. We're going to come back and look at this passage in greater detail.
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But right now, let me just read verses 3 through 5. Again, right now, the only thing I'm trying to emphasize is our oneness with Jesus Christ. Notice if you would, Romans chapter 6 verse 3: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." So Scripture then is affirming our oneness with and our oneness in Jesus Christ. So here's the truth.
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When He was crucified, we were crucified. When He was buried, we were buried. When He was raised from the dead, we were raised from the dead. When He was seated at the right hand of God, we also were seated at the right hand of God the Father with Him because He is our head and we are His body. Whatever happens to the head happens to the body as well.
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So the emphasis now is this: We're not only one with Christ, we're one in Christ. So if you would turn back in your Bibles to John chapter 17, which is the high priestly prayer of our Lord, and look if you would please at verses 20 and 21. John 17, verses 20 and 21. And notice what our Lord says in this prayer. In verse 20, He says: "Neither pray I for these alone," that is, His then living disciples, "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." So we're one, not only with Christ, but we're one in Christ as well. It was John Gill who said this, listen carefully: "Christ sustained the persons of all his people.
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And what he did and suffered was in their name and on their account. And so they were crucified and suffered with him as they are said to be buried with him and to be risen with him and to sit together in heavenly places in Him."
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Now, I want to just pause and tell you very quickly, and there's a reason for this, three books that really changed my life and helped me. And these books are outside of the Bible. They're certainly based upon the Bible. The Bible would be first. But I'm just simply pointing out the Lord sovereignly used these books in my life, and I'm going to give them to you chronologically.
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the way God gave them to me. Now, that does not mean I sat down and read this book and then the second book and the third book. No, there's a large amount of time in between, sometimes several years. But I'm just simply pointing out the fact these books are the ones that God used outside of the Bible. The first one was "The Sovereignty of God" by Arthur W. Pink. I read that book three times. I never will forget the very first time I read that book.
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I took my pen, I put it in the margin. "No, no, no, not true, not true." The second time I read that book, I marked out all those things and left a few question marks. And the third time I read that book, I thought, "Why did I ever argue with it to begin with? It's nothing but Scripture." And it was from that book that I actually learned who God really was, that God is the sovereign. God is the supreme one. God is the all-sufficient one. God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. And whatever God does is right, holy, just, and righteous. So, that book basically showed me who the God of Scripture really and truly was. The second book that God used was this: "The Institutes of Biblical Law" by R.J. Rushdoony. As I read that book, I understood the proper application of the law of God to my life. And when I saw that God's law was to be my standard for rule and practice, not for justification, but for my sanctification, it is true the agent in sanctification is the Holy Spirit, but God's law is that which gives us direction.
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There's no such thing as a holy sanctified thief or murderer or adulterer. No, if we're going to be holy and sanctified and obedient, we must keep God's law.
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Now, so I'm just simply saying when I saw the proper relationship of the law to my life, it changed the way I live and it changed my thinking. The third book that really changed me and gave me great encouragement was "Romans 6" by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. Now, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones was from England. He was actually a medical doctor before he became a pastor and a preacher.
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He was an excellent scholar. I was able to hear him preach when he was the pastor of Westminster in England. I was able to even visit him in his home when I visited England. He was a tremendous preacher, a tremendous scholar. He has a whole series of books on the book of Romans. He has a whole series of books on the book of Ephesians. And one of his books, since he was a medical doctor, is "Spiritual Depression, Its Causes and Cures," which is an excellent book, which I've recommended to a lot of people. But it was his single volume on Romans chapter 6 that opened my eyes to the truth that I'm going to be teaching today.
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And that is that we are not under the lordship and the dominion of sin. We're not under the bondage to sin. Sin is not my Lord, Jesus Christ is my Lord. I do not have to obey sin because sin has absolutely no dominion over me. I must obey Jesus Christ who is my Lord.
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Now, I want you to go back in your Bibles to Romans chapter 6 because I'm going to be using Romans chapter 6 to explain to you Galatians chapter 2 and verse 20. And today I'm only going to get to trying to explain "I am crucified with Christ." So we must understand that position. So look if you would in Romans chapter 6 and let's read the first two verses.
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Paul asks, "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?"
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Now I want you to note that the Apostle asks two questions in verse 1. The first question is, "What shall we say then?" That is, what shall we say to those things that he actually taught us in Romans chapter 5? And then he asks this question or poses it, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" So the two questions that are asked in verse 1 are answered for us in verse 2 with another question. So look in verse 2. He says, "God forbid, how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?" Now let me just stop and look at verse 2. He says, "God forbid."
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The construction of that simply means this: Perish the thought. Don't even let it enter into your mind. Don't even begin thinking like this. Paul uses this phrase a number of times in the Bible. And anytime you see the phrase "God forbid," it means don't even think that way. Don't even begin to think that way. So he asked, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid, perish the thought." Then he asked this, "How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?" So the next logical question that you and I would have to ask is, how in the world did we become dead to sin?
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Well, that is answered for us in verse 3. He says, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"
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Now, you're going to see this phrase in the Apostle Paul's writings several times. In fact, you'll see it again in verse 16, where he says, "Know ye not." And now he says it here in verse 3. "Know ye not." It's a very interesting Greek word that is translated "know ye not." Agnoeo is the word, and it literally means to be ignorant, to not understand, or to live ignorantly, or I would say be an ignoramus. Actually, when the Apostle Paul says, "Know ye not," that is a polite way of him saying, "Stop being stupid. Stop being an ignoramus. You must understand this. You must grasp this." So that's what he's saying. "Know ye not. Don't be ignorant on this. Know ye not.
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That so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death." So he's telling us that this is a principle that you and I must grasp. We must understand that we were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the death of Jesus Christ. We are one with Him and we are one in Him.
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Now, I want you to notice the implication of that truth in verse 4. Look at verse 4. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Now, when he begins in verse 4 with the word "therefore," you have to understand that "therefore" is a conclusion that is drawn on the previous three verses. So if you understand the first three verses, he now makes this conclusion in verse 4: "Therefore," that is, in light of the fact of our oneness with Christ, "therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death." Now watch: "that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." So he is saying, if you understand that we have been crucified with Christ, that we have died in Christ, that we were buried in Christ, you should now also understand that we have been raised to newness of life in the Lord Jesus Christ as well.
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Now look in verse 5, he says this again a little differently. "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Now look at verse 5 again. He's laying this out for us very clearly. But then he makes this statement: "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Now let me tell you the certainty of verse 5.
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When you study Greek, you're going to find there are two words for "if." You can have "if" which would be "ei" with the indicative mode, or "ean" with the subjunctive mode. "Ean" with the subjunctive mode is always a question. So to demonstrate that, I could look at Gary and say, "If you're going to town tomorrow, I'd like to go with you." What is that saying? That's saying he may or may not go, but if he does go, I'd like to go with him. OK. Here's "ei" with the indicative: "Since you're going to town tomorrow, I want to ride with you." So "ei" with the indicative is a fact. It is a reality. It is not a question. Now, hang on. I want you to look at verse 5 again. "For if we have been planted together," you can translate the word "if," "ei" with indicative, as like this: "For since we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection." Now, this "ei" with indicative mode is found many places in the Bible.
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One of them is in Matthew chapter 4. You remember when our Lord had been in the wilderness and had fasted forty days and nights and now He's being tempted of the devil and the devil asked Him and he said to Him, "If thou be the Son of God, turn these stones into bread. If you're the Son of God, jump off the temple." When Satan said "if," it was not a question. Satan knew that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. And what he was saying was this: "Since you are the Son of God, prove it. Turn these stones into bread. Show the world that you're the Son of God. Since you're the Son of God, jump off this temple. Prove it, since you are that." That's exactly what the Apostle Paul is saying in verse 5 of Romans chapter 6.
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"For since we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." So here is what the Apostle Paul is telling us. He's telling us to stop being stupid. And he is saying that we have to live up to reality. Because we are no longer the dead man. We are now the living man in the Lord Jesus Christ because we are now in the likeness of His resurrection. The likeness of His resurrection in verse 5 is equal to walking in the newness of life in verse 4. So now watch this. Look at verse 5. He says, "For if" or "for since we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." So, since we are truly crucified with Christ, and buried with Christ, it is inevitable that we are raised or resurrected together with Christ. So when you look at verse 5, one dies and one lives. One is dead and buried with Christ, and the other is raised in newness of life in the resurrection of Christ.
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So that brings you to this question: Who died and who lives? Well, the answer to that is verse 6. Look what he says. "Knowing this," just stop right there. "Knowing this," he is saying here is something you absolutely must know. You must grasp this. You must understand this. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." So he says "knowing this," and you and I are going to live a life of victory in our Christian life. Here is something that we must know. We cannot be ignorant of this truth. What you cannot be ignorant of is that our old man was crucified with Jesus Christ. Now, the old man does not refer to our carnal nature. Well, what in the world does the old man refer to? The old man refers to what we were in Adam. Since you're in Romans, look in Romans chapter 5 and verse 12. Here we have Adam, the first Adam. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin.
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And so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." So Adam, who is our federal head and representative, when he sinned, we sinned. When he fell, we fell. And through him, death came into the world. And so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. And the phrase "all have sinned" is an aorist passive, which means it happened once and for all, and it's over with. Well, when did everyone sin once and for all? And that is in the fall with Adam. So we were one with him, we sinned with him, we fell with him.
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Skip down to verse 19, you'll see it again. "For as by one man's disobedience," that's Adam, "many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one," that's the Lord Jesus, "shall many be made righteous." So the old man is what I was in Adam. I am no longer what I was in Adam. I'm now a new man in the Lord Jesus Christ. I have a new life. I have a new humanity. The old man was crucified once and for all. And so what he is saying is this: Do not go on living as if you are the old man. You're not the old man. That old man is dead. So therefore, you must put off the characteristics of that old man because he's dead. Now, I'm going to explain this like this. Let's suppose that you and I have a loved one.
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It could be a husband, it could be a wife, could be a brother, sister, mother, father, or a child. And our loved one dies. And instead of burying the corpse, we keep that loved one in our living room, in a casket, and every day we go in, this dead loved one, we brush the teeth, we comb the hair, we give them a sponge bath. We put on fresh clothes every day.
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You would say someone would have to be insane to do that. That's true. That's exactly true. But that's exactly what the Apostle Paul is saying. He's saying we're no longer that old man, and we need to put off the characteristics of that old man. I'm going to show you just momentarily. But it was Martin Luther, the reformer, who said this: "There are only two men in the world: Christ and Adam.
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And all others hang from their girdles." So what he was saying is that you're either in Adam or you're in Christ. You cannot be in Adam and be in Christ. No. You cannot be in Christ and be in Adam. There are only two men, Christ and Adam. So if you're in Adam, you're lost, you're condemned, you're under the wrath of God. If you're in Christ, you have been forgiven, you have been justified, you're on your way to be glorified, but they're basically only two men. So clearly then, if we are in Christ, we're no longer in Adam, because that old man was crucified. So therefore, we have to put off the characteristics of the dead man. We do not nourish or nurture the dead man. We do not keep putting fresh clothes on a dead man.
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So look in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Ephesians chapter 4. Galatians, Ephesians. Look in Ephesians chapter 4 and let's begin reading there with verse 21. Ephesians 4 verse 21. The Scripture says: "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Now, he tells you a lot of the characteristics of the old man that have to be put off, beginning in verse 25. "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
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Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." In other words, everything from verse 25 down through verse 30 is to be put off. And then here's what's to be put on. And well, verse 31 has to be put off too. He said, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." Here's what's to be put on: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." So he says you have to put off the old man and all the characteristics, and you have to put on the new man with the new characteristics.
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Now, if you look in your Bibles to the book of Colossians chapter 3, Colossians chapter 3, and look, if you would, beginning there with verse 9. Colossians 3 and verse 9. The Bible says, watch it. Here it is, the put off and put on again. "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."
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"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." So, he is saying, here are things that are to be put off, and here are things that are to be put on.
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Now, I want you to turn back to the book of Galatians, and look in chapter 5 and verse 24. Galatians 5 and verse 24. Remember the old man has all these affections and lusts. He says this, Galatians 5 verse 24: "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Wow. So who died? And the answer is, that old man that I was in Adam, he is gone, he is dead. That old man was under the curse of the law. That old man was under the condemnation of God. That old man was under the wrath of God. That old man was the epitome of sin and wickedness and rebellion.
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He was characterized by a depraved nature, and he acted out that depraved nature consistently and constantly. That old man was crucified. He did not crucify himself. He was crucified in Christ.
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Now, I want you to go back to Romans chapter 6, if you would, please, because I want to ask you a question based upon Romans 6 and verse 6. Remember now, he said, this is something you must know, "knowing this."
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Now watch: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him." So here's my question. Why then was our old man crucified with Jesus Christ? Well, here's the answer. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him," here's why: "that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Wow! The old man and the new man are opposites. The new man is the man with the repaired image of God in his life. The old man is the one with the depraved image of Adam in his life. So he says, "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Christ." Why? "That the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." So we died in Jesus Christ. We were crucified in Jesus Christ. And the answer is as to why. And it is so that we might become dead to sin and alive unto God through the righteousness that is in Jesus Christ.
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Now look at verse 7. "For he that is dead is freed from sin." Dead men do not sin. Dead men are not even tempted to sin. If you showed me a dead drunkard, and I had the best bottle of whiskey the world could ever produce, and I could shake that bottle in front of him, would he be tempted to drink it? And the answer is no, he's dead. If I found a dead thief, and I showed him an absolutely perfect plan where he could rob a bank, and escape without any difficulty whatsoever, and no one would ever know that he robbed the bank, would he be tempted to rob the bank? The answer is no, because he's dead. Likewise, if I found an adulterer who was dead and I showed him the most beautiful woman in the world, would he be tempted? And the answer is no, because he is dead.
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Now, I want you to hang on with me. I'm going to finish this thought in just a moment. But I want you to look at now at verses 8 through 10. In verses 8 through 10, we have really a recapitulation of what Paul has already taught. But he's using Jesus Christ as the illustration. So look in verse 8.
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"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him." He's already drawn that conclusion previously. You remember that. "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God." So verses 8 through 10 then is a restatement of the truth that Paul has already enunciated in verses 1 through 7 is what it amounts to. But now he's saying, we know that we were crucified in Jesus Christ. We know that we died in Jesus Christ. We know that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Listen carefully. And because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, death has no more dominion over him. Death has been broken by Jesus Christ.
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He is not going to die anymore. What is he now? He is living by the power of God the Father. He is alive forevermore.
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Now, here's what he's telling us, and I'm going to show it to you just for a moment. He says, "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God." Now, since we're dead with Christ, here's a good question. If my old man has been crucified with Christ, and I'm dead to sin, why do I have so much trouble with sin in my body, in my mind, and in my flesh? And here's the answer. The Bible's going to give you the answer. Because we do not count ourselves dead in Christ and alive in Christ. We do not reckon ourselves dead in Christ and alive in Christ.
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For instance, look at it in verse 11. He says, "Likewise," whoa, whoa, wait a minute. "Likewise," the word "likewise" means in this manner or after this manner. After what manner? Well, he just gave you the illustration of Jesus Christ in verses 8 through 10, just like Jesus Christ died unto death and imputed sin only once and was raised from the dead by the glory of God the Father to walk in newness of life and to honor Him and to be seated by Him. Yes. "Likewise," in like manner, just like this happened to Jesus Christ, He's saying it should happen to us. "Likewise," watch it now. "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." "Likewise reckon ye." Now, the word "reckon" is from the Greek word logizomai. And it literally means to think, to impute, to reckon, to account, to decide, and to determine. So he says, "Likewise, count, reckon, impute, determine yourself to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ."
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Let me spell this out for you. Verse 11, Paul is telling us to make application in our personal lives of that which happened to us in Jesus Christ.
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Now, let me tell you something about the word logizomai. First of all, it is a present imperative. An imperative means it is a command. So, if I said to Alice, "Alice, get up and shut the door." If I said that, that's a command. If I looked at Alice and said, "Alice, would you please get up and close the door?" That's a question. I'm asking her to do something if she would be pleased to do it. Well, a command is an imperative and He is commanding us to count ourselves dead indeed unto sin. Since it is a present, it means something that we are to be doing constantly and continually.
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We have to do it over and over and over. I'm going to deal with this just in a few minutes. But I've been asked so many times, why do I have to fight so much in my Christian life? Why do I have to fight to keep my mind pure? Why do I have to fight to stave off the lust of my flesh and the desires of my mind? Why? Why do I have to fight? Well, here is why.
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Because we have been commanded to constantly and continually reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin. Here's the third thing about the word logizomai. The word logizomai is a word that deals with factuality. It is a word that deals with reality. It is not a word of supposition. So if I ask Steve, "Steve, how much money do you have in your bank account?" And he said, "Oh, I've got 50, 60, 70 bucks. I don't really remember." That's not logizomai. That's guessing. But if I asked Steve, "How much money do you have in your bank account?"
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And he said, "I have $7,150." "Are you sure?" "I'm absolutely positive. I don't have $7,149. I don't have $7,151. I have $7,150." That's logizomai. It is something that deals with reality. It's something that deals with factuality. It's not guessing. So when he says, "Likewise, you're commanded to be continually counting yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." That is a reality. That is something that we must do consistently and constantly.
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So here are two questions. Number one, what can sin do with a dead man? And the answer is nothing. Number two, what can sin do with a man who is alive in Jesus Christ? And the answer is absolutely nothing. So the Apostle Paul is telling us that we are to be constantly and consistently reckoning, counting ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Now, I'm going to cover one more verse today. I want you to look at it in verse 12. He says, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." There are several things I must point out. The very first one is this. I want you to notice what this verse does not say. It does not say, "Let not sin therefore be in your mortal body." Sin is in us. We are sinners. We may be saved sinners, but sin is in us.
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We will not be perfected until we have our glorified bodies. That is a fact. Everything that we do is tainted with sin. Even our prayers are tainted with sin. Because many times our prayers are totally selfish. And we don't ask in faith. We don't ask according to the Word of God. We don't ask for God's honor and God's glory. We are sinners. He did not say, "Let not sin therefore be in your mortal bodies." Here's what He did say: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies.
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that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." Now, the word for "reign" there is basileuō in the Greek, and it literally means to exercise kingly power or to rule and reign as a king. So, here is what he is saying. King Sin has been dethroned. Sin is not our Lord. Sin is not our king. Sin has no right to command. It has no right to exercise kingly power. And just as the lordship and kingship and dominion of sin have been broken and has no right to rule us and no right to command us, it has no right to even make suggestions or tempt us.
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And any attempt to do so should be considered by us as illegal and usurped authority. Hmm. Consequently, sin has no right to command, and we have no duty to obey. That's what he's saying. "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." Now when he says "that ye should not obey in the lusts thereof," one of the Greek words there is hypakouō, and it literally means to listen, to hearken, to obey. So when sin knocks on our door, we have no duty to answer the door. We have no obligation to open the door and let sin in.
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Here's what Paul is teaching us. Sin is in us, but its power is broken. Its right to command is gone. When we were unsaved, when sin commanded, we jumped. We did exactly what sin wanted us to do. But God says, "No, no. Now that power is gone. That old man has been crucified, and the dominion and the power of sin is no more. It is broken." Even the Apostle John recognized this when he wrote in 1 John 2:1, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not."
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So here is a position that you have to understand. We may be sinners, but we are not obligated to sin. We do not have to sin. Just because sin tempts me, or tries to seduce me, does not mean that I have to obey. Gary could come up to me and say, "Pastor, I have a wonderful idea of how we can make lots and lots of money. All we have to do is start defrauding people, and we'll start with Steve first. He's got plenty of money, we'll get his." Really? I can say, "Gary, I'm not interested in that. I'm not going to steal, for the Bible says, 'Thou shalt not steal.'"
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Here's an unclean thought that comes in my mind. I'm not going to sit here and think, "Wow, yeah." No, no, no. I'm going to say, "Lord, I don't want that thought. That is not my thought. I reject it. I refuse it. I purposely and deliberately place my mind upon the Lord Jesus Christ, upon His Word, and I ask You for the mind of Christ." Just because some thought flies through my mind—and if you ever prayed, I can assure you thoughts go through your mind.
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"Where did that thing come from? I never even thought about that. That wasn't anywhere near in my..." But there it is. And you have to deal with it and say, "Lord, that's not mine. I don't want it. I will not have it. I want the mind of Jesus Christ." This is what he's saying. "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ." Then he said, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." We have no duty. We have no obligation to obey sin. We are sinners. We are not perfect, but we do not have to sin. We have the right to overrule it because its power has been broken.
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So here are some applications. The first one is this: If you desire to live a holy, godly, sanctified and obedient life and to walk in newness of life, you must learn to consistently, constantly, continually reckon yourself to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ. And so to answer the question that I've been asked so many times, which I hinted upon earlier, why do I have to fight so much?
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Just to keep my mind pure or to keep my body pure. Why do I have to fight so much? Because the Christian life is a warfare. That is why. And the Apostle Paul said, "What? I die how often?" Help me out. "Daily." And some of us must die not just daily, we must die hourly. And minute by minute and moment by moment. Because we are fighting to keep our minds pure, our bodies pure.
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It is a struggle for everyone. Not everyone has the same temptations. Not everyone has the same inclinations. But everyone is tempted. But we do not have to yield to those temptations. The second application is this: We must also consider that to fail to reckon and count ourselves dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ is a denial of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Because we're in essence saying He didn't deliver us from the bondage of sin. We're helpless. We have to sin. We have to do what sin says. No, no, no, no. It is a denial of the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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So we have to come to this conclusion: Sin does not control us. Sin is not to dominate us. Sin is not to rule over us. We have a new Lord. We have a new king. We have a new ruler, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. So we must count ourselves dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, you're going to ask me, how do I manifest, how do I demonstrate, how do I know that I'm alive unto God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ?
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And my answer would be, you need to be here next week to hear that truth. Remember this, here's the rest of that verse, I only covered "I am crucified with Christ." Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to Thee.
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We thank You for Your Word. We thank You for Your truth. And Lord, help us as You have commanded us not to be ignorant. And help us, Lord, when You say, "Knowing this," that we grasp it, we understand it, we apply it, we make it ours. And help us, Lord, to know that we are indeed dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
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Give us Your grace and Your mercy and Your understanding. In Thy name we pray, Amen.
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so so
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T21:45:04Z

Have You Been Crucified? - Part 1

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

In this sermon, Pastor John Weaver expounds Galatians 2:20 and Romans 6 to explain the believer's union with Christ in His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. He argues that Christians have been crucified with Christ positionally, meaning the 'old man'—what we were in Adam—has been put to death, breaking the dominion of sin. Believers are commanded to continually reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God, refusing to obey sin's usurped authority. The message emphasizes that while sin remains, its power is broken, and we are not obligated to sin.

Introduction: The Question of Crucifixion

Weaver introduces Galatians 2:20 and asks, 'Have you been crucified?' He describes the historical horror of crucifixion, emphasizing its shame and brutality.

Chapter 2, verse 20. Here's a passage that practically everyone can quote, and yet it is so little understood. In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul said,

Scripture Reading — Galatians 2:20

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Historical Background of Crucifixion

A detailed account of crucifixion's origins with the Assyrians, its use by various empires, and the Roman method, including a medical description of death by crucifixion.

The Believer's Positional Crucifixion with Christ

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly."

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 2:4-8

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Now if you would turn right over to the book of Colossians.

Note if you would now in this passage we have been raised and seated with the Lord Jesus Christ. Now in the book of Colossians chapter 2, look if you would please at verse 12. The Bible says:

Scripture Reading — Colossians 2:12-14

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross."

But right now, let me just read verses 3 through 5. Again, right now, the only thing I'm trying to emphasize is our oneness with Jesus Christ. Notice if you would, Romans chapter 6 verse 3:

Scripture Reading — Romans 6:3-5

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."

So Scripture then is affirming our oneness with and our oneness in Jesus Christ. So here's the truth.

Scripture Reading — John 17:20-21

"Neither pray I for these alone,"

that is, His then living disciples,

Scripture Reading — John 17:20-21

"but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."

So we're one, not only with Christ, but we're one in Christ as well. It was John Gill who said this, listen carefully: "Christ sustained the persons of all his people.

Three Influential Books

Exposition of Romans 6:1-7

Paul asks, "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?"

Scripture Reading — Romans 6:6

" and you and I are going to live a life of victory in our Christian life. Here is something that we must know. We cannot be ignorant of this truth. What you cannot be ignorant of is that our old man was crucified with Jesus Christ. Now, the old man does not refer to our carnal nature. Well, what in the world does the old man refer to? The old man refers to what we were in Adam. Since you're in Romans, look in Romans chapter 5 and verse 12. Here we have Adam, the first Adam. "

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin.

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:21-32

"If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Now, he tells you a lot of the characteristics of the old man that have to be put off, beginning in verse 25.

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:21-32

"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Scripture Reading — Colossians 3:9-14

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."

So, he is saying, here are things that are to be put off, and here are things that are to be put on.

Scripture Reading — Galatians 5:24

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

He was characterized by a depraved nature, and he acted out that depraved nature consistently and constantly. That old man was crucified. He did not crucify himself. He was crucified in Christ.

The Illustration of Christ's Death and Resurrection (Romans 6:8-10)

Paul uses Christ as the pattern: He died to sin once and lives to God. Death no longer has dominion over Him, and likewise, believers are to live in newness of life.

He is not going to die anymore. What is he now? He is living by the power of God the Father. He is alive forevermore.

The Command to Reckon (Romans 6:11)

Weaver explains the Greek word logizomai as a present imperative command to continually count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, based on factual reality, not supposition.

Sin's Dethroned Reign (Romans 6:12)

Sin is not to reign in our mortal bodies; its kingly power is broken. We have no duty to obey its lusts. Temptation does not necessitate sin.

Applications and Conclusion

Give us Your grace and Your mercy and Your understanding. In Thy name we pray, Amen.

Have You Been Crucified? - Part 1

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	rtQFwo1knUY
Subject	New Testament Studies
Course	Romans: Law, Obedience, and Sanctification: Holiness and Obedience
Genre	Sermon
Date	2022-08-15
Dictation Name
Book	Book 179: Have You Been Crucified? — Chapter 1
Source Timed Segments	78

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: The Question of Crucifixion: Weaver introduces Galatians 2:20 and asks, 'Have you been crucified?' He describes the historical horror of crucifixion, emphasizing its shame and brutality.
Historical Background of Crucifixion: A detailed account of crucifixion's origins with the Assyrians, its use by various empires, and the Roman method, including a medical description of death by crucifixion.
The Believer's Positional Crucifixion with Christ: Weaver explains that Christians have been crucified with Christ because He is our federal head, just as Adam was. Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 15, Ephesians 2, Colossians 2, and Romans 6 show our oneness with Christ.
Three Influential Books: Weaver shares three books that shaped his understanding: Pink's 'The Sovereignty of God,' Rushdoony's 'Institutes of Biblical Law,' and Lloyd-Jones' 'Romans 6,' which opened his eyes to freedom from sin's dominion.
Exposition of Romans 6:1-7: Weaver exegetes Romans 6:1-7, showing that believers are dead to sin, baptized into Christ's death, and the old man was crucified so that the body of sin might be destroyed and we no longer serve sin.
The Illustration of Christ's Death and Resurrection (Romans 6:8-10): Paul uses Christ as the pattern: He died to sin once and lives to God. Death no longer has dominion over Him, and likewise, believers are to live in newness of life.
The Command to Reckon (Romans 6:11): Weaver explains the Greek word logizomai as a present imperative command to continually count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, based on factual reality, not supposition.
Sin's Dethroned Reign (Romans 6:12): Sin is not to reign in our mortal bodies; its kingly power is broken. We have no duty to obey its lusts. Temptation does not necessitate sin.
Applications and Conclusion: Weaver applies the truth: we must continually reckon ourselves dead to sin; failure to do so denies Christ's work. The Christian life is a warfare, but sin's dominion is broken. He previews the next part on living by faith.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Christians have been crucified with Christ positionally.

Because Christ is our federal head, His crucifixion is our crucifixion. This is a factual, once-for-all event with continuing application.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. (00:01-01:36) and the Greek perfect active indicative explanation (07:44-08:34).

The old man was crucified to destroy the body of sin.

The purpose of our co-crucifixion was to render the body of sin inoperative, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (29:30-30:17)

Believers must continually reckon themselves dead to sin.

The command to 'reckon' (logizomai) is a present imperative, meaning we must constantly and repeatedly count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (44:01-45:01) and explanation of logizomai (45:18-48:01).

Sin's reign is broken; we are not obligated to obey.

Sin may be present, but its kingly authority is dethroned. We have no duty to obey its lusts, and any attempt to rule is usurped.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (48:31-49:41) and explanation of basileuō (49:42-50:27).

Failure to reckon is a denial of Christ's work.

If we do not count ourselves dead to sin, we deny that Christ delivered us from sin's bondage, implying we are still helpless.

We must also consider that to fail to reckon and count ourselves dead indeed unto sin... is a denial of the person and work of Jesus Christ. (55:27-56:14)

Scripture References

Galatians 2:20: The key verse of the sermon: 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...'
1 Corinthians 15:45-49: Contrast between the first Adam and the last Adam (Christ) as federal heads.
Ephesians 2:4-8: We have been quickened, raised, and seated with Christ, showing our oneness with Him.
Colossians 2:12-14: Buried with Him in baptism, risen with Him, and our trespasses forgiven.
Romans 6:3-5: Baptized into Christ's death, buried with Him, and raised to walk in newness of life.
John 17:20-21: Jesus prays for believers to be one in Him and the Father, emphasizing union.
Romans 6:1-2: Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?
Romans 6:3-4: Baptized into Christ's death and buried with Him, raised to walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:5: If (since) we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.
Romans 6:6: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed.
Romans 5:12: By one man sin entered the world, and death by sin; all sinned in Adam.
Romans 5:19: By one man's disobedience many were made sinners; by Christ's obedience many made righteous.
Ephesians 4:21-32: Put off the old man and put on the new man, with specific characteristics to discard and adopt.
Colossians 3:9-14: Put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new man, with virtues like mercy, kindness, and love.
Galatians 5:24: They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Romans 6:7: For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Romans 6:8-10: If we be dead with Christ, we shall also live with Him; Christ died to sin once and lives to God.
Romans 6:11: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:12: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
1 John 2:1: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.

Historical References

Assyrians and Babylonians: Crucifixion probably originated with the Assyrians, with Babylonians close behind; they used impalement for mass executions to strike terror.
Persians, Alexander the Great, Venetians, Romans: Crucifixion used systematically by Persians (6th century BC), brought by Alexander (4th century BC), introduced to Rome by Venetians (3rd century BC), perfected by Romans for 500 years until abolished by Constantine I (4th century AD).
Vlad Tepes (Count Dracula): Known as Prince Vlad the Impaler, he impaled thousands of Ottoman Turks, illustrating the historical use of impalement.
St. Andrew's Cross: Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross because he felt unworthy to be crucified like Christ; this cross is on the Confederate battle flag.
National Library of Medicine article: Weaver reads from 'The History and Pathology of Crucifixion' describing death by crucifixion, including asphyxia and methods to hasten death.
John Gill: Quoted: 'Christ sustained the persons of all his people. And what he did and suffered was in their name and on their account.'
Arthur W. Pink, 'The Sovereignty of God': Weaver read this book three times; it taught him the sovereignty of God.
R.J. Rushdoony, 'The Institutes of Biblical Law': This book showed Weaver the proper application of God's law for sanctification.
Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, 'Romans 6': Lloyd-Jones' volume on Romans 6 opened Weaver's eyes to the truth that sin's dominion is broken.
Martin Luther: Quoted: 'There are only two men in the world: Christ and Adam. And all others hang from their girdles.'

Important Quotes

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The foundational verse of the sermon, introducing the theme of co-crucifixion with Christ.

When He was crucified, we were crucified. When He was buried, we were buried. When He was raised from the dead, we were raised from the dead.

Succinctly states the believer's union with Christ in His redemptive acts.

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Key verse explaining the purpose of the old man's crucifixion: to break sin's power.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The central command of the passage, calling believers to continually count themselves dead to sin.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

The practical outworking: sin's reign is dethroned; we are not to let it rule.

Sin is in us, but its power is broken. Its right to command is gone.

Clarifies that while sin remains, its dominion is destroyed; believers are not obligated to obey.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

What does it mean that the 'old man' was crucified with Christ, and how does this differ from our daily experience of sin?

[Context]

Weaver explains the old man as what we were in Adam, crucified positionally, yet we still struggle with sin.

[Question]

How does understanding our union with Christ in His death and resurrection change the way we view temptation?

[Context]

Weaver argues that dead men are not tempted; we must reckon ourselves dead to sin.

[Question]

What does it mean to 'reckon' ourselves dead to sin, and why is this a command rather than a suggestion?

[Context]

Weaver explains logizomai as a present imperative, a continual, factual reckoning.

[Question]

In what ways might we be 'nourishing the dead man' by putting on the characteristics of the old man?

[Context]

Weaver uses the illustration of keeping a dead loved one in the living room, paralleling Ephesians 4 and Colossians 3.

[Question]

How does the truth that sin's reign is broken affect our response when we do sin?

[Context]

Weaver emphasizes that sin has no right to command, and we have no duty to obey; this should lead to repentance and renewed reckoning.

[Question]

Why is the Christian life described as a warfare, and how does the command to 'reckon' equip us for that battle?

[Context]

Weaver addresses the struggle against sin and the need for daily, even momentary, reckoning.

[Question]

How can we practically 'put off' the old man and 'put on' the new man in our daily lives?

[Context]

Weaver lists specific sins to put off and virtues to put on from Ephesians 4 and Colossians 3.

[Question]

What does it mean to be 'alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord,' and how will that be developed in the next part of the message?

[Context]

Weaver ends by previewing the rest of Galatians 2:20, focusing on living by faith.

Applications

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