What is "slaves to righteousness"?
What does "become slaves to righteousness" mean in practical terms for believers?

Setting the Scene

“Having been set free from sin, you have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)

Paul writes to believers who already trust Christ. The verse stands in a section (Romans 6:15-23) contrasting two masters—sin and righteousness. Everyone serves one or the other; there is no third option.


Freedom That Leads to Servanthood

• Christ’s cross breaks sin’s dominion (Romans 6:6-7).

• True freedom is not autonomy; it is the ability to serve the right Master (John 8:34-36).

• The believer’s will is liberated so it can now obey God joyfully (Philippians 2:13).


What Being a Slave to Righteousness Is NOT

• Not forced drudgery—service is willing, flowing from a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

• Not perfectionism—believers still battle sin (1 John 1:8-9), but sin no longer reigns (Romans 6:14).

• Not earning salvation—obedience is the fruit, not the root, of grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).


What It IS in Daily Life

• A new allegiance: consciously choosing God’s ways over old habits.

• A new mindset: filtering decisions through “Does this please the Lord?” (Colossians 3:17).

• A new practice: presenting body parts as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13).

• A new community: linking arms with fellow believers for mutual obedience (Hebrews 10:24-25).

• A new voice: speaking truth instead of deceit (Ephesians 4:25).

• A new morality: honoring God with sexuality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

• A new stewardship: using money and time for kingdom purposes (Matthew 6:19-21).


Motivation: Grateful Love, Not Fear

• “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

• Grace teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12).

• Obedience is the believer’s “thank-You note” to the Savior (John 14:15).


Power Source: The Holy Spirit

• The Spirit empowers righteous living (Galatians 5:16).

• He internalizes God’s law so obedience becomes desire, not mere duty (Jeremiah 31:33).

• He produces visible fruit—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).


Guardrails for Staying on Track

• Daily intake of Scripture (Psalm 119:9, 11).

• Continual prayer for strength and wisdom (Luke 18:1).

• Quick confession when we stumble (Proverbs 28:13).

• Accountability with trusted believers (James 5:16).


Fruit and Blessing That Follow

• Growing holiness: “the outcome is holiness” (Romans 6:22).

• Deepening assurance: obedience confirms our relationship with God (1 John 2:3-5).

• Missional impact: good works point others to Christ (Matthew 5:16).

• Eternal life enjoyed both now and forever (Romans 6:22-23).

How does being 'set free from sin' influence daily Christian living?
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