What does "sold as a slave to sin" mean for believers today? Understanding Paul’s Phrase: “Sold as a Slave to Sin” Romans 7:14: “We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.” • “Sold” pictures a completed transaction—bondage that cannot be reversed by human effort. • “Slave to sin” describes total ownership. Sin is not merely an occasional act; it is a cruel master over the fallen nature. Why This Matters to Believers Today • Before conversion every person lives under this ownership (John 8:34). • After conversion, the legal ownership changes—Christ buys us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)—yet the old master still calls to us through the flesh (Galatians 5:17). • Paul speaks as a believer who senses the pull of indwelling sin; the verse exposes the daily conflict, not a loss of salvation. Key Truths to Hold Fast 1. Our Position Has Changed – Romans 6:17-18: “Though you were slaves to sin…you have been set free from sin.” – Colossians 1:13: “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness.” – The slavery Paul laments is experiential, not positional; the believer’s real owner is now Christ. 2. Our Condition Is Still Battled – Romans 7:18: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh.” – Awareness of this conflict keeps pride in check and fuels dependence on grace. 3. The Law Exposes, Not Liberates – Romans 7:7-13 shows the Law’s role as mirror, not remedy. – Knowing God’s commands intensifies the awareness of bondage, driving us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Practical Implications for Daily Life • Reckon the Old Master Dead – Romans 6:11: “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God.” – A deliberate mindset shift each day—sin’s authority is legally nullified. • Present Yourself to the New Master – Romans 6:13: “Offer yourselves to God.” – Surrender intellect, emotions, and body parts to righteous use. • Walk by the Spirit – Romans 8:2: “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free.” – Consciously rely on the Spirit’s power rather than self-effort. • Feed the New Nature – Psalm 119:11; 1 Peter 2:2: Regular Scripture intake strengthens the inner man. – Fellowship and accountability guard against sliding back into practical slavery. • Expect the Ongoing Battle – 1 John 1:8-9: When sin surfaces, confession is immediate and cleansing assured. – Victory is progressive; perfection awaits glorification (Romans 8:23). The Encouraging Outcome Romans 7 points to Romans 8: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (8:1). The believer may feel the tug of the old slave master, but the final verdict has been pronounced: free, owned by Christ, and destined for complete liberation when He returns. |
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