1. United with him in his death (1-4)

A Christian is one who is united with Christ. John baptized with water for repentance, but Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. We are brought into mystical union with Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. When I repent and accept Christ's atoning death for my sins, I die with Jesus. His blood covers all my sins. I am no longer a slave to sin because Jesus purchased my freedom by his blood. Now I belong to Jesus. This is a promise to be believed--not something that depends on my undependable feelings.

2. United with him in his life (5-10)

If we died with Christ, we shall also live with him. God raised Christ from the dead by his almighty power. Baptism into the body of Christ is a symbol of this. The risen Jesus has conquered sin and death, and he wants to live with me and work in and through me by his resurrection power.

Application: Lord, I do not understand the mystical union between Christ and myself, but I know that your eternal love, poured into my heart by the Holy Spirit, is the cord that binds me to you.
One Word: Union with Christ by the Spirit