Why is it not enough to just not follow your ‘old self’ but be more proactive in doing good?
12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:12-14 (NIV)
In Romans 6, Paul stresses the importance of not only rejecting our former, sinful ways (the ‘don’ts’), but actively pursuing righteousness (the ‘dos’). This proactive approach is crucial for living out our new identity in Christ.
Before believing in Christ, sin dominated our lives. Romans 6:12 warns us, “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” This instruction underlines the need not just to avoid sin but to resist its influence actively.
Paul continues by explaining the dual nature of our transformation in Romans 6:13. He first instructs us, “do not offer any part of your body to sin as an instrument of wickedness.” Simply stopping there, however, is incomplete. Paul emphasizes the positive aspect of transformation by adding, “but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” This verse clarifies that being a Christian isn’t just about avoiding wrongdoing; it’s about dedicating ourselves to doing good actively.
The shift from being under the law to being under grace, as stated in Romans 6:14, “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace,” supports this dynamic way of living. Being under grace frees us from the penalty and power of sin, empowering us to live positively in a way that the law never could.
Understanding this shift is essential because it affects our motivation and our actions. When we realize that we’re not just trying to avoid punishment (as the law implies) but are called to live out a new, grace-filled life, our entire approach to ethics and behavior changes. This understanding leads to a life characterized not by mere rule-following but by a heartfelt desire to embody Christ’s love and righteousness.
Paul also emphasizes the importance of internalizing this new reality in Romans 6:11, “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” This isn’t just about acknowledging our new status but about living it out fully. It involves a daily commitment to reject sin and embrace the behaviors and attitudes that reflect our new life in Christ.
In summary, Paul’s message in Romans 6 is clear: it’s not sufficient to merely avoid doing wrong (not following our ‘old self’). Instead, we must actively engage in doing good, offering ourselves as instruments of righteousness. This proactive stance is what marks true transformation—a life not just free from sin but abundant in goodness, reflecting the grace and love of God through our actions. This approach not only aligns with our new identity in Christ but also strengthens our witness to the world about the power and beauty of the gospel.
In what areas of your life do you find yourself focusing more on avoiding sin (the ‘don’ts’) than actively pursuing righteousness (the ‘dos’)? How can you shift your mindset and actions to be more proactive in doing good?
[The ideas for this week’s materials on Romans 6:1-14 were drawn from Tim Keller’s book “Romans 1-7 for You“]
Earlier in this same study, I reflected on this idea and at the point, I mentioned that when I realized that though I now know I have a choice and can actively resist sins, the problem remains that sinful temptations are very hard to resist. But I do feel that it get each time I fall and rise again, the temptations lessens because the pain and guilt from disobeying the Lord make sins less and less attractive in a sense.
But it is more than just avoiding sins and avoiding pains. As I started to look for where He is working and joining Him in His works, I find that being near Him brings peace which is something I prayed fervently for. In His peace, I find contentment and so I want to do what I can to draw near and to be with Him. So it is not enough to run from sins, we must also run to God and submit to His work – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
So at first, after I came to hear the Spirit voice, I learned to resist and avoid sins because that path lead to consequences that can be painful and I want to avoid the pain and guilt that comes with it. It is hard to blatantly disobey God and not feel guilt and shame, even if no one else sees. God tested me at each turn away from Him but never too much…after all, He is teaching not torturing me – Bumble often reference this quote when we discuss this topic – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Cor 10:13)
But soon, as I learn to recognize the joy of being near Him, I desire that relationship more than the sins that pull at me. So now sins still tap on my shoulders and try to pull my attention from the Lord, I may turn away for a moment but always I turn back to Him. With the Lord help, I hope that one day sins will no longer distract me as I walk with Him – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Sins have no power other than what we allow. God work to help us be able to resist sins but we must also work to exercise that power and strengthen it because He gave us the choice and privilege to work with Him for our own salvation!
Once again, I would have to say that the program of Alcoholics Anonymous has some helpful insight into today’s question. When I talked about the first time I got clean and sober, looking back now, I can see that my sobriety consisted mostly of abstaining from drugs and alcohol- the “don’t’s.” Later on, when I got sober this time around, the program of AA was described to me as “a program of action,” (focused more on the “do’s”). Each of the twelve steps consists of proactive measures that we take in our recovery that lead to genuine sobriety- not mere abstinence from drugs and alcohol. The Big Book says, “we are not cured of alcoholism. What we have is a daily reprieve contingent upon the daily maintenance of our spiritual condition.” Furthermore, being of service is of the utmost importance as well- more action. James 2:20 says, “Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?” Many times this verse is interpreted to mean that works is the inevitable manifestation of genuine faith, which I would absolutely agree. But, I think too, that there is a sort of symbiotic relationship being implicated here. I have seen the way in which our works can also have an impact upon our faith, and shift our mindset towards growing in holiness as well. Avoiding sin is critical, of course, but just as crucial is the way in which we actively pursue righteousness.