Paul previously mentioned water baptism indicating through it we died and were resurrected with Christ. The apostle now addresses the harvest that results from sin, which is death as well as the fruits that stems from grace which is eternal life.
“15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” (Romans 6:15)
In complete opposition to secular beliefs Paul again asks a rhetorical question about sin stating that because we are no longer under the law of Moses, that the abundance of sin might be in proportion to that of God’s grace.
The fact is God’s grace is in abundance in spite of sin given freely to anyone who will receive it along with the love and sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on the cross as He died for our sins.
“16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)
Here Paul indicates a concept by which believers are to obey Christ and offer ourselves as living sacrifices to Him, which leads to eternal life, rather than sin which leads to death. Since all have sinned, all will die but only those who believe in Christ will inherit a place in His kingdom.
“17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.” (Romans 6:17)
The form of teaching is the gospel, the truth about Jesus Christ, His life, death and resurrection. This is the truth by which believers are to live and die.
“18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)
Through Jesus Christ and God’s grace believers have repented of our sins and been set free from sin, from bondage and from death itself. Instead through grace we are now servants of righteousness to be held accountable to God Himself, the ultimate master.
“19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” (Romans 6:19)
Paul makes clear his intention to use terms familiar to his audience by using the master and slave analogy, one that could be easily interpreted.
Essentially Paul wants to illustrate his point, that though we were once slaves of sin we are now, through God’s grace servants of righteousness which leads to eternal life.
“20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.” (Romans 6:20)
The master believers served before we were saved is sin. That which resulted from our slavery to sin will not be accounted for since all was forgiven when we were born again in Christ. Once saved accountability, or the control of righteousness is now a part of each believer’s life.
“21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!” (Romans 6:21)
Here Paul labels the fruit that resulted from sin as death. Since all fall short of the glory of God, all will suffer the punishment for sin which is physical death.
“22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” (Romans 6:22)
Through Christ believers believers are set free from the wages of sin, free from the lake of fire, free from darkness, free from death as each follower of Jesus is promised resurrection and the gift of eternal life.
“23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Paul summarizes this section of his letter to the Romans by reiterating the fact everyone since Adam have sinned and therefore all will meet death because of sin.
The apostle also reaffirms the hope given to all believers that through God’s merciful grace we are promised to be resurrected with Jesus. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
