Dead to Sin & Alive In Christ – It’s Not a Spectator Sport

Alive in Christ: Not a Spectator Sport

In this powerful message from Romans 5–6, Justin Younger calls believers to examine what it truly means to live alive in Christ—not as spectators, but through a surrendered and obedient life shaped by real relationship with Jesus. This sermon confronts passive Christianity and invites listeners into a deeper understanding of identity, freedom, and transformation in Christ.

Romans teaches that righteousness is received, not earned. Justin reminds us that when someone is born again, their identity fundamentally changes. We are no longer defined as sinners trying to do better. Instead, we are sons and daughters who have died with Christ and been raised to walk in newness of life. To live alive in Christ begins with trusting what Scripture says about who we are in Him.

Righteousness Received, Not Earned

A central theme of this message is the biblical truth that righteousness cannot be achieved through effort, discipline, or religious performance. Instead, Jesus gives righteousness as a gift. While believers do grow in obedience and maturity over time, no one becomes more righteous by striving harder. Growth flows from relationship, not pressure or performance.

Because of this foundation, believers are freed from guilt-driven faith. As a result, they are reoriented toward living alive in Christ with confidence, rooted in grace rather than fear.

Beyond Sunday: A Daily Relationship With Jesus

This sermon challenges the idea that church attendance alone sustains spiritual life. Justin speaks clearly about the danger of living spiritually empty throughout the week and relying on Sunday gatherings to feel close to God again. God desires daily fellowship with His people through Scripture, prayer, and obedience.

For this reason, to live alive in Christ means cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus that extends into everyday life—not just moments of worship or teaching.

Filling the Void After Sin Is Removed

Justin teaches that when sin is repented of and removed, it leaves a space that must be filled. If that space remains empty, old habits and patterns often return. Drawing from Jesus’ teaching about the empty house, this message emphasizes that freedom is sustained when believers replace sin with devotion to Christ and the planting of God’s Word.

Scripture is described as seed. When believers plant it, nurture it, and protect it, growth follows. To live alive in Christ requires intentionally filling life with truth, not simply removing what does not belong.

Conviction as an Invitation, Not Condemnation

Another key emphasis of this sermon is the difference between conviction and condemnation. Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and draws believers closer to Jesus. Condemnation leads to shame, hiding, and defeat. Justin encourages listeners to respond quickly and humbly when conviction comes, because it trains the heart and produces spiritual growth.

Those who want to live alive in Christ learn to respond to God’s voice instead of resisting it.

Not a Spectator Sport: A Call to Obedience

Ultimately, this message makes one thing clear: following Jesus is not passive. Christianity is not something to observe from the sidelines. It is something to live. Justin challenges believers to get off the bench, stop pretending, and step fully into obedience, even when it costs comfort or familiarity.

To live alive in Christ means surrendering control, saying yes to God’s leading, and allowing Jesus to shape every part of life. This sermon invites listeners into real freedom, real growth, and real discipleship in Christ.

Key Scriptures
Romans 5: 18–21, Romans 6: 1–4, Romans 6: 6–7, 2 Corinthians 5: 17, John 15: 4