Not For Sale
Romans 6 (entire chapter)
www.bible.com
Every day there are close to a million human beings sold unwillingly into a new form of slavery (prostitution, manual labor, bondservants, child militias). Sadly, there are many Christians who fall into a separate kind of slavery…one they can choose not to engage: the slavery of self and sin. Paul addresses this in Romans 6. He continues his instructions on Christ’s sacrifice for mankind and tells them how they can have a choice in they way they live.
Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
In verses 6-7, Paul gives the definition of holiness. The old self is crucified so that the body of sin is powerless! We are no longer to be slaves to sin—anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Wow. The debt was paid, but oftentimes we still live with chains around our ankles, wrists, and waist. We have a deadweight hanging on our hearts…addictions, personalities, unforgiveness, bitterness, and a variety of other obstacles to our God provided victory through Christ.
Do you think that those who are trafficked when given the opportunity would say, no I’m fine…I like being forced to do manual labor…I like to live in subhuman conditions and be beaten. Seems ridiculous, but so often we miss the freedom given to us because we are so caught up in being a slave to our sinful natures!
Verses 13-14 Paul gives the Romans careful instruction. We have been freed to use our bodies as instruments of righteousness, but instead we allow ourselves to be slaves to sin and use them for wickedness. You may not sell your body on the corner…but many times we compromise our righteousness for a quick buck or a pat on the back. Choosing between taking care of personal finances and playing the lottery or bingo, living outside our means because we want the best…compromise. Choosing to gossip and devalue someone else to make ourselves look good…compromise. Choosing to tell half-truths or use pride as our source of motivation…compromise! With each choice for SELF, we add one more link to our heavy chains.
Slaves to Righteousness
Paul starts each “section” with a question. Both address an issue, if grace abounds then is it not a big deal to keep sinning? If God forgives regardless, I can always come and ask for forgiveness right??? BY NO MEANS! We must follow the directions of our master…whether it is to righteousness that leads to life or the path of sin which leads to death. Verse 19 continues the idea of slaves and masters.
We have 2 options on our spiritual journey…we can choose option 1- appears to have more of what we like to do, No spiritual growth and development (verse 21), become slaves to the selfish and cruel world. Option 2- may appear less exciting and more limiting, but has neverending benefits…even if not understandable at first (verse 22), become slaves to the One who created and loves us.
VERSE 23!!!!! The results of being a slave to sin is death…but it doesn’t have to end there. Unlike those enslaved throughout the world against their will, God has given us the free will and ability to choose Him. Which will you choose? What things are keeping you from being free?
Romans 6 (entire chapter)
www.bible.com
Every day there are close to a million human beings sold unwillingly into a new form of slavery (prostitution, manual labor, bondservants, child militias). Sadly, there are many Christians who fall into a separate kind of slavery…one they can choose not to engage: the slavery of self and sin. Paul addresses this in Romans 6. He continues his instructions on Christ’s sacrifice for mankind and tells them how they can have a choice in they way they live.
Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
In verses 6-7, Paul gives the definition of holiness. The old self is crucified so that the body of sin is powerless! We are no longer to be slaves to sin—anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Wow. The debt was paid, but oftentimes we still live with chains around our ankles, wrists, and waist. We have a deadweight hanging on our hearts…addictions, personalities, unforgiveness, bitterness, and a variety of other obstacles to our God provided victory through Christ.
Do you think that those who are trafficked when given the opportunity would say, no I’m fine…I like being forced to do manual labor…I like to live in subhuman conditions and be beaten. Seems ridiculous, but so often we miss the freedom given to us because we are so caught up in being a slave to our sinful natures!
Verses 13-14 Paul gives the Romans careful instruction. We have been freed to use our bodies as instruments of righteousness, but instead we allow ourselves to be slaves to sin and use them for wickedness. You may not sell your body on the corner…but many times we compromise our righteousness for a quick buck or a pat on the back. Choosing between taking care of personal finances and playing the lottery or bingo, living outside our means because we want the best…compromise. Choosing to gossip and devalue someone else to make ourselves look good…compromise. Choosing to tell half-truths or use pride as our source of motivation…compromise! With each choice for SELF, we add one more link to our heavy chains.
Slaves to Righteousness
Paul starts each “section” with a question. Both address an issue, if grace abounds then is it not a big deal to keep sinning? If God forgives regardless, I can always come and ask for forgiveness right??? BY NO MEANS! We must follow the directions of our master…whether it is to righteousness that leads to life or the path of sin which leads to death. Verse 19 continues the idea of slaves and masters.
We have 2 options on our spiritual journey…we can choose option 1- appears to have more of what we like to do, No spiritual growth and development (verse 21), become slaves to the selfish and cruel world. Option 2- may appear less exciting and more limiting, but has neverending benefits…even if not understandable at first (verse 22), become slaves to the One who created and loves us.
VERSE 23!!!!! The results of being a slave to sin is death…but it doesn’t have to end there. Unlike those enslaved throughout the world against their will, God has given us the free will and ability to choose Him. Which will you choose? What things are keeping you from being free?
posted by Nicole_Marietta @ 8:08 PM
0 comments
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home