What does "slaves to God" mean in the context of Romans 6:22? Setting the Scene: The Flow of Romans 6 - Romans 6 counters any idea that grace gives permission to keep sinning (vv. 1–2). - Paul contrasts two masters—sin and God. Everyone serves one or the other; neutrality is impossible (vv. 16–17). - Verse 22 is the climactic summary: freedom from sin is inseparable from becoming “slaves to God.” Defining the Term: Slaves to God - “Slaves” (Greek: douloi) literally refers to bond-servants—people wholly owned by a master. - For believers, this speaks of absolute belonging, not partial allegiance. We are bought “with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). - The transfer of ownership took place at the cross; Christ’s blood redeemed us from sin’s marketplace (1 Peter 1:18-19). - The term is not demeaning but exalting, because the Master is perfectly loving, righteous, and protective (Psalm 23:1). Freedom From Sin, Bondage to Christ - Paradox: we are “set free from sin,” yet simultaneously “slaves to God.” True freedom is found only under His lordship (John 8:34-36; Galatians 5:1). - Sin’s slavery led to shame and death (Romans 6:20-21). God’s slavery leads to holiness and life (v. 22). - The exchange resembles the willing Hebrew servant who, loving his master, chose permanent servitude (Exodus 21:5-6). Believers willingly yield, captivated by God’s goodness. Characteristics of God’s Slaves • Wholehearted Obedience – “You have become obedient from the heart” (Romans 6:17). • Ongoing Transformation – The Spirit empowers a new way of living (Romans 8:12-14). • Exclusive Loyalty – “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). • Joyful Service – “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2). • Secure Identity – Slavery to God coincides with adoption as children (Romans 8:15-17); intimacy and submission coexist. The Fruit: Holiness Leading to Eternal Life - “The fruit you reap leads to holiness” (Romans 6:22). Holiness is both positional (set apart) and practical (growing purity). - Eternal life isn’t merely future; it begins now as a quality of life in fellowship with God (John 17:3). - Contrast: “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Living It Out Today • Daily present every faculty to God as an instrument of righteousness (Romans 6:13). • Reject sin’s illegitimate claims; its authority ended at conversion (Romans 6:11-12). • Cultivate habits that reinforce your new Master’s rule—scripture intake, prayer, fellowship. • Remember whose you are in moments of temptation: a purchased, beloved servant of the King. |
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