7-Day Devotional: Living in Resurrection Power (Romans 6:4–5)
This 7-day devotional is designed to help you meditate on the transformative truth of Romans 6:4–5, where Paul teaches that through union with Christ’s death and resurrection, we are buried with Him, raised to new life, and united with Him in His victory. Each day includes a Scripture reading, a reflection, a cross-reference, a practical application, and a prayer to guide you in living out the reality of your new life in Christ.
Key Text: “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:4–5, ESV)
Day 1: Buried with Christ
Scripture: Romans 6:4a – “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death.”
Reflection: The Greek word for baptism, baptizō, means “to immerse.” In the first-century context, baptism was a vivid picture of cleansing and identification. Paul uses it here to describe our spiritual immersion into Christ’s death. When Jesus died, your old self—enslaved to sin—died with Him. This is not just a symbol but a spiritual reality. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Your past, with its guilt and shame, no longer defines you.
Cross-Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Application: Reflect on an area of your life where you still feel defined by your past (e.g., a sin, failure, or label). Write it down, then cross it out, reminding yourself that your old self is dead. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you believe this truth.
Prayer: Father, thank You for crucifying my old self with Christ. Help me to see myself as You see me—forgiven, free, and new. Let me live today in the reality of my union with Jesus’ death. Amen.
Day 2: The Power of His Death
Scripture: Romans 6:6 – “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”
Reflection: The death of your old self means sin no longer has ultimate power over you. In Christ, the “body of sin”—your natural inclination to rebel against God—is rendered powerless. This doesn’t mean you’ll never sin, but it means you’re no longer a slave to it. Colossians 2:12 connects this to baptism: “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith.” Your spiritual burial frees you to live differently.
Cross-Reference: John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Application: Identify a recurring sin you struggle with. Instead of relying on willpower, pray for the Holy Spirit to remind you that sin’s power is broken. Take one practical step today to resist that temptation (e.g., avoiding a trigger or seeking accountability).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for breaking the power of sin through Your death. Empower me by Your Spirit to live in the freedom You’ve won for me. Show me how to walk away from sin today. Amen.
Day 3: Raised to New Life
Scripture: Romans 6:4b – “In order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Reflection: The resurrection isn’t just about Jesus; it’s about you. The same power that raised Christ from the dead now enables you to “walk in newness of life.” The Greek word for “newness” (kainotēs) implies a life that’s qualitatively different—marked by joy, purpose, and holiness. Ephesians 1:19–20 speaks of “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,” which raised Jesus. This power is at work in you today.
Cross-Reference: Ezekiel 36:26 – “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.”
Application: Consider how your life reflects (or doesn’t reflect) this “newness.” Choose one way to live out your new identity today—perhaps by showing kindness, forgiving someone, or spending time in worship.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for raising me to new life with Christ. Fill me with Your Spirit to walk in joy and purpose today. Let my actions reflect the new heart You’ve given me. Amen.
Day 4: A New Direction
Scripture: Romans 6:11 – “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection: Walking in newness of life requires a mindset shift. Paul calls us to “consider” ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. This means intentionally aligning our thoughts with our new reality. You’re not a prisoner to old habits; you’re alive to God’s purposes. Philippians 2:13 assures us, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” God is actively enabling you to live this new life.
Cross-Reference: Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Application: When negative thoughts or temptations arise today, pause and declare, “I am dead to sin and alive to God.” Write down one area where you need to set your mind on “things above” and take a step toward that (e.g., replacing worry with prayer).
Prayer: Lord, help me to see myself as You see me—alive in Christ. Renew my mind to focus on Your truth and purposes. Guide me to live with a new direction today. Amen.
Day 5: United with Christ
Scripture: Romans 6:5 – “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
Reflection: The Greek word for “united” (symphytoi) means “grown together.” Your union with Christ is so intimate that His story—death and resurrection—becomes yours. His victory over sin and death is your victory. Romans 8:11 promises, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.” This power is yours now and forever.
Cross-Reference: John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.”
Application: Reflect on what it means to be “united” with Christ. Spend 10 minutes in prayer, asking Jesus to help you abide in Him. Then, look for one opportunity today to bear fruit (e.g., encouraging someone or serving others).
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for uniting me with You. Help me to abide in You today, drawing on Your strength and victory. Let my life bear fruit that glorifies You. Amen.
Day 6: Living from Victory
Reflection: Because you’re united with Christ, sin no longer rules you. You live under grace, which empowers you to overcome temptation and live for God. 1 Corinthians 15:57 declares, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” You don’t fight for victory; you fight from it. This truth frees you to face trials and temptations with confidence.
Cross-Reference: Hebrews 2:14–15 – “That through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
Application: Identify a situation where you feel defeated (e.g., fear, anger, or addiction). Pray, claiming Christ’s victory over it. Take one bold step today to act from victory (e.g., confronting a fear or seeking help).
Prayer: Father, thank You for the victory I have in Christ. Help me to live from that victory today, trusting in Your grace to overcome sin and fear. Strengthen me to walk boldly in Your power. Amen.
Day 7: Walking Like You’re Alive
Scripture: Colossians 3:1–3 – “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Reflection: You’ve been raised with Christ, so live like it! Your life is now “hidden with Christ in God,” secure and transformed. This calls for a deliberate choice to seek God’s priorities—love, holiness, and mission—over worldly distractions. If you’ve trusted Christ, consider baptism as a public declaration of this reality. If you haven’t, Romans 10:9 invites you: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Cross-Reference: 1 John 5:4 – “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
Application: Evaluate your life: Does it reflect that you’re alive in Christ? Commit to one change this week to “seek the things above” (e.g., prioritizing prayer, serving others, or sharing your faith). If unbaptized, prayerfully consider taking that step.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for making me alive in You. Help me to walk in the reality of my new life, seeking Your kingdom above all else. Guide me to live boldly as Your witness. Amen.
Closing Note: As you complete this devotional, remember that the resurrection isn’t just a past event—it’s the power that transforms your present and secures your future. Live each day in the reality of Romans 6:4–5, walking in the newness of life that is yours in Christ.