CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON YOUTUBE
Romans 6:17-19
The Apostle Paul gives an example of the change in one’s life from living in the sinful nature to the obedience that is, “from the heart” (Romans 6:17b, NKJV) which is the delivering factor for salvation in Christ Jesus – we must believe. Paul states in Romans 6:18, “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” It is very important that we are able to grasp the concept of being a slave that Paul is referring to in his teaching; it is a reality of being under the influence of whatever it is that we cling to from our own choices. This shapes our lives in following what we are drawn to; whether it be sinful or obedient to God.
Paul states in Romans 6:19 that he speaks in human terms because of the weakness of the flesh, and is referring to the fact that as one is living in the sinful nature, it is very hard for them to understand/grasp things from a spiritual perspective.
This is a promise of freedom from sin.
This is an example of being a slave in spirit.
It is not until we open our hearts to receive God’s Holy Spirit that our eyes are opened to the new life that God offers us through His one and only Son Jesus. This is why faith is so important – believing in something that we cannot physically see. But it is the important factor in salvation that makes the connection from our hearts to God – that is why Paul teaches, “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17: Habakkuk 2:4, NKJV). In doing this, a change is made in our lives from living as slaves to sin, to beginning a new life of obedience to God through accepting the gift that He has given to all who will believe in Him – a change of heart that now encourages us to strive to please God and flee from the sinful nature that once held us in slavery. Jesus sets us free!
Dear LORD,
We are all slaves to something whether it be the sinful nature or obedience to You. Please lead us to an understanding of the freedom of obedience to You through opening our hearts to Jesus in truly believing and following the way to righteousness – in Christ! In Jesus name I pray, amen.