In what ways can we ensure we are "slaves to righteousness" today? Setting the Foundation Romans 6:20-22: “For when you were slaves to sin, you were free of obligation to righteousness. What fruit, then, did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.” Christ’s finished work literally transferred our ownership: from sin to God. Everything that follows rests on that unchanging fact. Embracing the New Master - Remember who owns you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). - Verbally acknowledge His lordship each morning. - Replace “my truth/my rights” with “His truth/His will.” Cultivating Obedient Habits - Consistent Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11). - Immediate, unqualified obedience (James 1:22-25). - Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). Guarding the Thought-Life - Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). - Filter media through Philippians 4:8. - Replace fantasies with meditation on Christ and His kingdom. Dependent Walking by the Spirit - Galatians 5:16—yield to the Spirit, not self-will. - Welcome conviction; repent quickly. Accountability and Community - Hebrews 10:24-25—stir one another to good works. - Invite believers to ask hard questions; confess openly. Serving With Purpose - Present your bodies as instruments (Romans 6:13). • Local church ministry • Mercy to the needy • Evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:20) Pursuing Holiness Relentlessly - 1 Peter 1:14-16—be holy in all you do. - Set concrete goals: speech, finances, purity. Staying Battle-Ready - Ephesians 6:10-18—armor of God daily. - Active defense guards against re-enslavement. Expecting Eternal Fruit - Romans 6:22—holiness now, eternal life ahead. - Titus 2:11-14—grace trains while we wait for the blessed hope. Summary Checklist - Acknowledge Christ’s ownership. - Feed on Scripture; obey immediately. - Guard thoughts; walk by the Spirit. - Embed in accountable community. - Serve actively; pursue specific holiness goals. - Stand armed for spiritual warfare. - Fix eyes on eternal reward. |
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