Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
When we reflect on our past in this country, the word "slave" has a very specific meaning. Derogatory in nature. So many people have lost their lives because of what this word means. The civil war almost destroyed this country. Slavery continues to exist in the continent of Africa as well as others. The worlds view of slavery is one associated with injustice and inequality, hatred and disrespect, bigotry and evil. Why then does Paul call us to be slaves?
I believe to graphically prove a point that we are to be something that is completely opposite of what the world believes a slave to be. According to Paul, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, In order to be holy, we must surrender ourselves completely to righteous living. To be a slave to God's will, His purposes His plan. These are examples of slavery for what is RIGHT! What we have experienced in human history is an example of what is WRONG! Romans 6:19-21 ..Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom.
There is nothing wrong with being a slave to what is right and true, to this I boldly refer to our creator, our Father, our Redeemer, His Truth through His Word, His Son, His Spirit! Paul often began his letters referring himself as a bond slave of Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.
The gift of free will has empowered us to choose. Romans 6:16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.
When we accept Jesus as our savior, the gift of the Holy Spirit helps us see this Truth and leads us to follow & obey God. Being a slave is not bad, its what you're a slave to that makes the difference.
Romans 6:17-18 Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
Thank you Father for your wisdom in understanding the difference between right and wrong throught Jesus and the Holy Spirit which lead me in serving you. Allow me to be your bond slave and serve you with all that I am. With all my praise, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN!
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