𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗘𝗦

FROM VICES TO VIRTUES

(Grace’s Transforming Power in the Life of the Believer)
Key Text: Romans 6:14 (KJV)
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

INTRODUCTION

The world tries to fight sin by law, religion, and self-effort—but Scripture rightly divided reveals a better way.

In this Dispensation of Grace, God does not reform the flesh—He replaces our identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The vices belong to the old man.
The virtues flow from the new man.

Today we will see 9 Pauline truths that move us from destruction to transformation—not by law, but by grace.

POSITION OVER PRIDE
Romans 12:3
Pride exalts self; grace humbles the believer.

A. Proper Estimation – Grace teaches sober thinking
Romans 12:3
B. Placed in Christ – Our standing is by grace, not merit
Ephesians 1:6
C. Purposeful Service – Humility flows into service
Philippians 2:5
Dispensational Truth:
Humility comes from knowing who we are in Christ, not who we are in the flesh.

PROVISION OVER GREED
2 Corinthians 9:8
Greed hoards; grace gives.

A. God’s Supply – Grace assures sufficiency
2 Corinthians 9:8
B. Gracious Giving – Cheerful, not compelled
2 Corinthians 9:7
C. Gospel Motive – Giving flows from gratitude
1 Corinthians 16:2
Dispensational Truth:
Giving today is grace-driven, not tithe-driven.

PURITY OVER LUST
1 Thessalonians 4:3–4
Lust enslaves; grace sanctifies.

A. Sanctified Calling – God’s will is holiness
1 Thessalonians 4:3
B. Spiritual Control – Grace teaches restraint
Titus 2:11–12
C. Separated Walk – Body yielded to righteousness
Romans 6:13
Dispensational Truth:
Chastity flows from new nature, not external rules.

KINDNESS OVER ENVY
Ephesians 4:31–32
Envy compares; grace cares.

A. Cleansed Heart – Put off bitterness
Ephesians 4:31
B. Christlike Compassion – Kindness imitates Christ
Ephesians 4:32
C. Corporate Unity – Members one of another
Romans 12:10
Dispensational Truth:
Grace builds unity in the Body, not rivalry.

TEMPERANCE OVER GLUTTONY
Galatians 5:22–23
Gluttony indulges; grace disciplines.

A. Fruit of the Spirit – Temperance is Spirit-produced
Galatians 5:23
B. Faithful Stewardship – Body is the Lord’s
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
C. Focused Living – Eternal priorities
Colossians 3:2
Dispensational Truth:
Self-control is fruit, not fleshly effort.

PATIENCE OVER WRATH
Colossians 3:12–13
Wrath reacts; grace restrains.

A. Longsuffering Spirit – Grace slows anger
Colossians 3:12
B. Loving Forgiveness – As Christ forgave
Colossians 3:13
C. Living Peaceably – Walk wisely
Romans 12:18
Dispensational Truth:
Grace teaches response, not retaliation.

DILIGENCE OVER SLOTH
Romans 12:11
Sloth neglects; grace energizes.

A. Fervent Spirit – Serving the Lord
Romans 12:11
B. Faithful Labor – Abounding in the work
1 Corinthians 15:58
C. Future Reward – Judgment Seat motivation
2 Corinthians 5:10
Dispensational Truth:
We work from salvation, not for salvation.

IDENTITY OVER INIQUITY
Ephesians 4:22–24
Sin defines the old man; grace defines the new man.

A. Old Man Put Off – Former conversation
Ephesians 4:22
B. Mind Renewed – Pauline doctrine transforms
Romans 12:2
C. New Man Put On – Created in righteousness
Ephesians 4:24
Dispensational Truth:
Victory comes from identity truth, not behavior modification.

GRACE OVER LAW
Romans 6:14
Law condemns; grace transforms.

A. Dominion Broken – Sin no longer reigns
Romans 6:14
B. Doctrine Grounds Walk – Grace teaches living
Titus 2:11–12
C. Glory Secured – Grace finishes the work
Philippians 1:6
Dispensational Truth:
The Christian life is lived under grace, empowered by grace, and completed by grace.

CONCLUSION

The sins in the image destroy the soul, but the virtues flow from grace.
God did not command us to fix the flesh—He crucified it (Romans 6:6).
Stop striving.
Start standing in grace.
Walk worthy of your calling.

CALL TO ACTION

Believe who you are in Christ
Renew your mind with Pauline truth
Walk by grace, not by guilt
2 Timothy 2:15
“Rightly dividing the word of truth.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Vices are not defeated by vows
Virtues are produced by grace
Grace doesn’t excuse sin — it overcomes it.
Grace doesn’t reform the flesh — it replaces the identity.
Live what grace has already made you.