RA11b

Mon. Jun 10, 2024

Which Would You Choose: Slaves of Sin or Servants of Righteousness?

17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. 19I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.

Romans 6:17-19 (NIV)

In Romans 6:17-19, Paul lays the groundwork for understanding these two paths, slavery to sin and slavery to righteousness, each with its distinct origin, development, and outcome.

Initially, as humans, we are “slaves to sin” by nature. This form of slavery is automatic and ingrained from birth (Romans 6:17). This doesn’t require a conscious choice; it’s the default state of human existence influenced by the fall of man as described in Genesis. On the other hand, slavery to righteousness begins at the new spiritual birth, a transformation sparked by an encounter with the gospel. This new slavery is not innate but initiated when one “obey from the heart the pattern of teaching” to which they are entrusted (Romans 6:17). Paul emphasizes that this conversion involves a heartfelt reception of the gospel, leading to a genuine life change—a movement from inherent sin to embraced righteousness.

Both types of slavery have a path of development, and their outcomes are vastly different. Slavery to sin leads to “ever-increasing wickedness,” a deterioration of the human spirit and moral fiber (Romans 6:19). This decline reflects the corrupting power of sin, where each act of sin leads to further sin, reinforcing the bondage to unrighteousness. This idea is like what C.S. Lewis said about how small bad habits can turn into big problems over time, especially if we live forever. If we let these habits grow, they could make us a reality of hell in the long run.

In contrast, offering oneself to righteousness leads to holiness. This path is marked by actions and decisions that align with God’s will, progressively shaping one’s character into the likeness of Christ. Here, the development is not a descent into corruption but an ascent into Christlikeness. Paul uses the metaphor of “offering the parts of your body” to illustrate this concept (Romans 6:19). In sin, our actions lead us deeper into impurity; in righteousness, our actions elevate us to holiness.

The Christian’s daily life involves a continuous choice of which master to serve—sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness. Therefore, Christians are called not just to avoid sin but to actively pursue holiness. This pursuit involves recognizing and acting upon the reality that, through Christ, we are no longer bound by sin’s power. For instance, in daily interactions, we can either react out of our old sinful nature or respond through our new nature in Christ. If insulted, do we retaliate, or do we respond with grace? Each decision reflects our allegiance—to sin or to righteousness.

The gospel shapes our identity and our actions, directing us to live as servants of righteousness. Through the gospel, we are freed from the bondage of sin and given the choice to serve righteousness. This service is not about earning salvation but about living out the transformative power of the gospel. As believers, our actions and decisions should consistently reflect this profound spiritual reality, continually choosing righteousness over sin, leading to a life marked by growth in holiness and a deeper relationship with God.

What instances in daily interactions are you constantly presented with the choices of either reacting out of your old sinful nature or responding through your new nature in Christ? How would knowing your new identity help you?

[The ideas for this week’s materials on Romans 6:15-7:6 were drawn from Tim Keller’s book “Romans 1-7 for You“]

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Don
Don
7 months ago

Oh wow. Today’s question seems to touch on a major internal conflict I’m going through right now. In this situation, I am being presented with the choice of either reacting out of my old sinful nature with anger, retaliation, and hatred, or responding through my new nature in Christ with mercy, grace, and compassion. I will be candid here. There is a part of me that wants to hold on to that old nature, and seek out vengeance for harm that has been done. But, somewhat shockingly, a larger part of me is feeling compassion for the brokenness of a fellow sinner that desperately needs Jesus. I am continually reminded of the grace and mercy that God has shown and continues to show me, and my desire to see harm come to one that has harmed me and my family begins to subside. In my candidness, I will also say that my old nature is disgusted with this response, but it’s as if my new nature in Christ is now in charge. Knowing my new identity in Christ has been instrumental in all of this, for I know who I am today in Him and because of what He has done for me, even in spite of me. As Jesus was hanging on the cross, and His executors were standing by, watching and sneering, He said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing,” (Luke 23:34). As our reading pointed out, all people are innately “slaves to sin,” and living in a darkness that blinds them to the reality of this. I too was once among these ranks, but for the grace of God!! And by His Spirit, I am now free to respond through my new nature in Christ. Thanks be to God!

Charlie
Charlie
7 months ago

I think I have always been a person who forgive and forget easily. In some way it is because I have been blessed with something that some may think of as a deficit. I have a terrible memory for events. I cannot recall easily things that happened to me in the past. I don’t remember people or names or places or events. So forgetting and forgiving was never an issue because I truly don’t remember small trespasses. If something big happens, it may imprint but it has to be pretty big before I put it to heart. I’m also have a strong moral believe and wouldn’t do anything wrong even if no one was looking. But that doesn’t meant that my heart is pure!

So how is my new self different from my old self? It is not so obvious though since it is not that I’m more moral or less likely to anger or anything so obvious. It is what’s in my heart, which only the Lord knows. Previously I would do something moralistic because I fear the consequences of doing something wrong; now I strive to be good because I want to emulate our Lord Jesus. Previously I want to do good to be recognized as being good and to feel proud; now I want to do the Lord’s work so that I can be near to Him and I praise Him for all the good I see and I am happy just to be near and take no personal pride in the deeds. Previously I would feel slighted when insulted but I would forgive and soon forget but that’s because of my terrible memory – the hurt stays until I forget; now I turn to the Lord and make my complaints but I would forgive just as quickly as before but this time the forgiveness if from the heart. Previously, I believe I have a moral high ground and from there I look down on others; now I know I am no better than anyone else in this world and so I am humble and contrite and because of that I find it easier to accept and love all. What amaze me though is that God can take the high ground and He can look down on all of us yet He doesn’t. He stands with us and Jesus suffered with us and even when He sees all the worse in us, He never pull away.