From Slavery to Righteousness

Read aloud

Paul asks whether believers should sin because they are not under law but under grace. Again he answers, “Certainly not!” People become slaves of the one they obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness.

Paul thanks God that the Romans, once slaves of sin, became obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching they received. They were set free from sin and became slaves of righteousness.

Paul uses human terms because of their natural limitations. Just as they once offered the parts of their bodies to impurity and lawlessness, they are now to offer them to righteousness leading to holiness: a life set apart for God. The outcome of sin is death; God's free gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus.

Paul changes the question from “under law or grace?” to “whose servants are you?” Freedom from condemnation is not moral neutrality; obedience still gives a person a direction and a master. The Romans' former slavery to sin produced shame and death, while their new obedience bears fruit that leads toward holiness.

The closing contrast is precise: sin pays wages, but God gives a gift. Death is the fitting result of sin's rule; eternal life is graciously given in Christ rather than earned by improved behavior. The Romans' wholehearted obedience is reason to thank God, because He has set them free. That new allegiance should reach the ordinary uses of their bodies, including what they say and do.