We refer to the writings of Paul as epistles—a literary form that uses a letter format. Paul’s epistles are meant as teaching tools to be read aloud in the early church. Paul’s work masterfully draws on other Greek forms, like the diatribe—a rousing speech that carries a sting of rebuke.

In this epistle, Paul adds a form of writing reminiscent of a legal argument. He begins with an impossible, outrageous question: “Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound?” Like a great attorney or a teacher in a classroom, Paul wants to raise eyebrows in order to set up his argument. Should we sin intentionally? Well, of course not! But isn’t sin inevitable? Well, yes. So how do we resolve this tension?

Now that he has our attention, Paul carefully contrasts two competing forces: sin and grace. He reminds us that death claimed Christ, but resurrection released death’s hold. In the same way, sin might have a hold on our humanity; in our baptism we have new life. Can death claim Christ again? Certainly not. Can it claim you again? That question may not be as easy to answer, but it certainly provokes a useful conversation about living the resurrected life. What does freedom from sin look like? How do we know it? Carry this question with you today. Look at the forces of death and life at work in our communities, our churches, even our own bodies. Where do we feel relaxed and confident? Where do we feel anxious? Where do we see God at work? Where is God calling us to be the body of Christ, bringing resurrection power to bear on difficult circumstances?