Romans 6:15-23
Q.1. What misrepresentation of the Gospel did Paul address? Is there any such thing as absolute freedom? To what is a believer committed? – (Rom.6:15-19)
A misunderstanding of the Gospel of grace can lead to living a ‘lawless’, licentious life (Rom.6:15). Paul anticipated this attitude and suggested that we are either ‘slaves of sin’ (as we once were) or ‘slaves of righteousness’. However, being a slave to sin results in death, whereas those who present themselves as slaves of obedience, live a life pleasing to God (Rom.6:16). There is no absolute freedom since we are all slaves to something. Paul reminded the readers – 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness to conform to the likeness of Christ (Rom.6:17-18). Since this is so, Paul urged them to – … present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification (Rom.6:19). Notice that we follow through with our new-found faith, by presenting ourselves to Christ and His Word. This allows God’s indwelling Holy Spirit to use His cleansing Word to transform and sanctify us – He saved us, not on the basis of deeds we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
Q.2. What is the pay-off from slavery to sin? What is the benefit of being enslaved to God? How did Paul compare the outcomes of both slaveries? – (Rom.6:20-23)
The outcome of our former way of life under sin’s slavery was death. But – now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life (Rom.6:22). We are free to choose either slavery to sin, or a new slavery to God, through Christ. Paul stated the senselessness of acknowledging our guilt and shame resulting in death, and then returning to a life of sin again. The difference in outcomes could not be more stark – For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord(Rom.6:23).