Tuesday, February 25’s devotional. “Having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18, CSB)
Salvation is not simply an escape from judgment; it is an invitation into transformation. Mark Penrith preached, “Many think Christianity is just about getting ‘saved.’ But what if I told you salvation is only the beginning?” When Christ saves us, He does not leave us where we were. He liberates us from sin’s control and calls us into joyful servitude to righteousness.
Paul writes in Romans 6:17, “But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over.” Mark explained, “The gospel simply stated concerns the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus died for sin. And He rose in victory over the grave. That pattern of teaching demands obedience from the heart.” True faith is not mere intellectual agreement—it is whole-hearted submission to the truth of the gospel.
Paul describes salvation as a change of masters. Before Christ, we were enslaved to sin, bound by its power, and condemned under its rule. But through Christ, we have been set free. Sin presents itself as freedom, but it enslaves. It lures us with false promises of pleasure and autonomy, yet it tightens its grip until we are trapped in shame and destruction. What we thought was independence was actually captivity.
Now, as believers, we are enslaved to righteousness. The world resists this idea, but Jesus Himself taught, ‘If the Son sets you free, you really will be free’ (John 8:36). True freedom is not doing whatever we want; it is living as we were created to live, under the righteous rule of God. This is not a burdensome slavery but a joyous submission. To serve God is to walk in the purpose for which we were made.
Paul’s words call us to examine our lives: Are we living as those truly freed from sin? Or do we still allow sin to control us? Mark urged, “If you are a slave to righteousness, you are progressing in the direction of life. Your life should look different. You should be growing in holiness, in obedience, in love for God.” Our salvation is not stagnant—it moves us towards sanctification.
Reflection Questions:
How does your life reflect your new identity as a slave to righteousness?
What areas in your life need to be more fully surrendered to God?
Challenge: Take one step today to walk in righteousness—whether in thought, word, or action.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for setting me free from sin. Help me to walk as one enslaved to righteousness, joyfully obeying You. Show me where I still resist Your rule, and give me the strength to surrender fully. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.