Romans 6:15-23
The Reality of Life
Echoing Romans 6:1, Paul now asks whether sinning should be our way of life since “we are not under the law but under grace” (v. 15). The question is a springboard for explaining that we all, regardless of what we think, are slaves of the one we obey (v. 16). This is one of life’s crude realities.
The Believer’s Reality
When we believe and receive the gospel with empty hands, we must consider ourselves “dead to sin” and “alive to Christ” (v. 11). This spiritual reality means that we have moved away from being “slaves to sin” and now “have come to obey from [our] heart[s] the pattern of teaching that has claimed [our] allegiance” (v. 17).
The Unbeliever’s Reality
On the other hand, those who do not believe and reject the gospel “offer [themselves] to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness” (v. 19), a lifestyle with ominous results (v. 21). Those who claim to live freely since they do whatever they want fail to understand that Sin is their master and eternal death is their final reward.
God’s Reality
Everyone of us has a choice to make. Paul bluntly tells us that we all obey a master, we all are slaves. There aren’t many options and their outcomes are clearly outlined in verse 23. God’s reality is not something we can neither ignore nor escape.
Therefore, the most important spiritual question we will ever ask ourselves is, “Whose slave are we?” Let us go to the Scriptures and choose our master while studying Romans 6:15-23!
Reflection Questions
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How do you feel about the fact we all are slaves either of Sin, which leads to death, or of Christ, through whom we receive eternal life?
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Although we might have accepted Jesus as our master, it is possible to still hold on to cherished sins. In what way(s) do you think God can help you to break free from whatever stronghold(s) Sin has over your heart?
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God does not want us to struggle in isolation. We have fellow slaves of Christ who can encourage and mentor us. Why don’t you ask the Lord to show you someone you can talk to about your spiritual struggles?