Whose slave are you?
15 What then? Should we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Absolutely not! 16 Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey—either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? 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, 18 and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness. (19 I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh.) For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity, leading to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free with regard to righteousness. 21 So what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, leading to sanctification—and the outcome is eternal life! 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:15-22
Introduction
How many of you checked your phone before getting out of bed this morning? How many of you feel uneasy when you forget it at home? It’s ironic, isn’t it? A device meant to serve us has ended up enslaving us.
But the same is true of sin. It promises us control, but in the end, it controls us. It tells us we can live however we want, but in the end, it leaves us empty, broken, and trapped.
There is a better way. True freedom isn’t found in serving our sin, but in serving God. Are you ready to trade the illusion of freedom for the reality of life in Christ?
Believers are freed from sin, but are not free to sin, because they are enslaved to God, which leads to progressive sanctification and eternal life.
1. The nature of spiritual slavery (Romans 6:15-18)
2. The surprising benefits of spiritual slavery (Romans 6:19-23)
The nature of spiritual slavery
15 What then? Should we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Absolutely not!
In Romans, Paul has made the point that salvation is by faith alone. We’re not saved by what we do. We are saved by what Christ has done.
Now Paul anticipates an objection. If we’re saved by faith apart from works, does that mean we can carry on sinning after salvation? After all, good works didn’t save us. And good works don’t keep us saved. We’re saved by Christ. And we’re kept saved by Christ. Does it matter if the believer lives in sin.
If you think that way you don’t understand your salvation. If you live that way you don’t understand salvation. You see, believers are united with Christ’s death and resurrection. And freed from sin, they must battle against their flesh to live righteous lives. That was Paul’s point in Romans 6:1-14.
In Romans 6:15, he repeats the question. Should we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? He is going to spend the rest of the chapter extending his argument. Because saved saints are slaves to God they live righteously.
Grace is no excuse to sin.
16 Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey—either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?
We are all slaves. Slaves of sin. Or slaves of obedience.
To understand Romans 6:15-23 we have to come to terms with the word slave. It is the repeated word in the passage. Notice that the Greek word δοῦλος, best translated as slave, appears in verses 16, 17, twice in 19, and 20. A word with the same root, translated as enslaved, appears in verses 18, and 22. To understand this passage we have to understand the word slave.
Mondays are my day off. It rained all day. I situated myself on a sofa in our lounge and read a book while listening to the rain fall. It felt like I was on a holiday. The book is titled Slave by John MacArthur. It’s available in our library. Slave reveals the hidden truth about your identity in Christ. MacArthur starts by observing that The word slave is the most important, all-encompassing and clarifying word to describe a Christian used in the New Testament. Here are some other observations.
The Greek word δοῦλος appears around 150 times in the New Testament and it always means slave – a person owned, not hired. Yet, most English translations render it as servant or bondservant. The primary reasons they don’t translate the word as slave are weak. They do it to avoid the negative connotations associated with slavery. Or they do it because they feel the term is too degrading. They don’t do it because there is a better English word to translate δοῦλος. By translating the word δοῦλος as ‘servant’ or ‘worker,’ they softened the impact of its meaning. They made the translation a little more palatable. But they ruin Paul’s first-century intent. In the Roman world slavery was widespread. A quarter of the Roman empire were slaves. Paul’s readers understood what being a slave meant.
A slave is a person owned. Bound to serve a master with absolute obedience. To be a slave meant to belong entirely to another. No personal rights. Existing solely for the will of the master.
Slave, master imagery communicates our complete submission to the lordship of Christ. Jesus is not just a teacher we follow. He is the Master we obey. To understand salvation, we must embrace this truth. We are not our own. We are slaves of Christ, called to obedient servitude to Him.
God’s people have always applied slave language to themselves. In the Old Testament, Israel are called slaves of God (Isaiah 43:10). Moses is called a slave (Joshua 14:7). David is called a slave (Psalm 89:3; 2 Samuel 7:5, 8). Elijah is called a slave (2 Kings 10:10). In the New Testament Paul calls himself a slave of Christ (Philippians 1:1). Peter calls himself the slave (2 Peter 1:1). Jesus’ brothers, James and Jude, call themselves slaves (James 1:1, Jude 1:1). And John calls himself a slave (Revelation 1:1). Everyone is a slave. And if you’re a believer you’re a slave to God.
Our text says you’re either a slave of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness. The idea is that if you are a slave to sin, you’re progressing in the direction of death. And if you’re a slave of obedience, you’re progressing in the direction of life. You’re moving, in one of two directions, you’re on one of two paths, your life is a journey, and you’re heading towards an end.
All mankind are slaves to sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness.
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, 18 and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.
How does one move from being a slave of sin to being enslaved to righteousness? you obey from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over. That pattern of teaching is the gospel. 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 is the substance of that pattern of teaching. The requirement that pattern of teaching commands, is that all men everywhere must repent for the forgiveness of sin. This is the obedience from the heart. You are obedient from the heart when you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead.
Many think Christianity is just about getting ‘saved.’ But what if I told you salvation is only the beginning? True freedom isn’t just about escaping judgment—it’s about being transformed into the image of Christ. The implication of the gospel is progressive sanctification. Salvation looks like something. As good trees produce good fruit, so too saved souls produce good works. Romans 6:18 describes this life of righteousness in terms of being enslaved.
True believers have been set free from sin and enslaved to righteousness.
Believers are slaves to righteousness because all mankind are slaves to sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness but true believers have been set free from sin and enslaved to righteousness.
You might be thinking, ‘I’m nobody’s slave.’ But Paul says otherwise. You are either a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. There is no third option.
But here’s the surprise. Being a slave to God is not a burden, but a blessing. In fact, in this kind of slavery we experience true freedom and surprising benefits. Let’s now examine how Paul unpacks these blessings in Romans 6:19-23.
The surprising benefits of spiritual slavery
(19 I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh.) For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity, leading to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free with regard to righteousness.
Paul tells us that being a slave to righteousness, leading to sanctification. Remember verse 16 read you’re either a slave of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness. The idea is that if you are a slave to sin, you’re progressing in the direction of death. And if you’re a slave of obedience, you’re progressing in the direction of life. You’re moving, in one of two directions, you’re on one of two paths, your life is a journey, and you’re heading towards an end. Well the same prepositional phrase is used in the Greek when we read of being slaves to impurity, leading to greater and greater lawlessness, or slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification. The idea is the same. A progression, movement, heading towards an end.
You are to offer yourselves, is an imperative – a command – as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification, is talking about progressive sanctification.
Systematic theologian Millard Erickson writes that, Progressive sanctification is the process in a Christian’s life in which he or she is made progressively more holy. So although we’re not perfect yet, we’re in the process of being conformed more and more to the image of Jesus Christ. One could say that our moral condition is brought into conformity with our legal standing before God.
Believers are to work out your [their] salvation with fear and trembling. Progressive sanctification requires work by continuous, sustained effort – even strain.
1. Past, God saved us, granted us justification, a once-for-all, positional.
2. Future, God will truly save us, perfectly, permanently, glorify.
3. Present, God guides us to maturity, a practical, progressive holiness.
The Gospel is to be lived out, and worked out; your life needs to shout out, Your actions speak out. This will require a lifetime to complete, gradually changing to be like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). This will require a daily process of spiritual renewal (Colossians 3:10). This will require us to press on, to attain everything Christ desired for us (Philippians 3:12). This will require us to do what is right (1 Peter 1:16). This will require us to control our bodies in a way that is holy and honourable (1 Thessalonians 4:4). This will require us to put to death the misdeeds of the body (Romans 8:13). This will require us to strive for holiness (Hebrews 12:14). This will require us to flee immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). This will require us to cleanse ourselves from every defilement (2 Corinthians 7:1). This will require us to make every effort to supplement our faith (2 Peter 1:5-11).
Friends, it’s worth it. This sanctification comes with benefits. Such as deeper fellowship with God (James 4:8, Hebrews 12:14). Freedom from the power of sin (Romans 6:6-7, Galatians 5:16-17). Spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:13-15, Colossians 1:9-10). Increased assurance of salvation (2 Peter 1:10-11, 1 John 2:3-6). Joy and peace in the Christian life (Romans 14:17, Galatians 5:22-23). And greater usefulness for God’s kingdom (2 Timothy 2:21, Ephesians 2:10). Believers are to work out your [their] salvation with fear and trembling. This is for their good, and God’s glory.
Slaves of sin are lawless, but slaves to righteousness become sanctified.
21 So what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, leading to sanctification—and the outcome is eternal life! 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And sanctification’s ultimate end is life. Sanctification’s ultimate fruit is eternal life. Sanctification’s ultimate benefit is abundant life.
When the Bible speaks of eternal life it is talking about a gift from God which comes through Jesus Christ our Lord. The gift of eternal life is to who-so-ever believes in Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life. The word eternal carries the idea of quality as well as quantity. Quantitatively eternal means without beginning or end. From our perspective eternity stretches ahead of us in time. Qualitatively eternal is experienced by Christians now. Believers don’t have to wait for life after death, because eternal life has already started for us. Eternal life is our current possession. God’s Word says who-so-ever believes in the Son has eternal life. Eternal life is not just our happily ever after, it’s our abundant reality in Christ right now. Eternal life is not just ‘pie in the sky when we die’ – it’s ‘steak on our plate while we wait.
Slaves of sin die, but slaves to God receive eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The benefits of being a slave to righteousness are they become sanctified, and they receive eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Slavery to God is the only path to true freedom. It leads to progressive sanctification now and eternal life into the future. But how does this reality shape the way we live day to day? What difference should it make in our attitudes, priorities, and choices? Let’s consider how these truths apply practically to our lives.
Application for believers
1. Your obedience is obligatory (Romans 6:15-18) – Commit yourself to voluntary, joyful, servitude to God.
You’re a slave. You have been freed from sin and made a slave of righteousness. Your obedience to God is not optional. It is the only acceptable response to His grace. But this obligation isn’t burdensome. Serve God voluntarily, joyfully, and obediently because of the transformation He has worked in you.
Serve God voluntarily – Your obedience is not coerced. You have become obedient from the heart. Now your service flows from your heart which has been changed by grace.
Serve God joyfully – Obedience to God is not drudgery. It is the joy of walking in His ways. You love God. Your obedience is a delight, not a duty.
Serve God obediently – While obedience is voluntary in the sense that it is not forced, it is still a command. Align your life with His will revealed in His Word, submitting to Him in every area.
Have you been living like a ‘freelance Christian,’ claiming Christ but resisting His lordship? Slavery to righteousness means joyful submission to the King of Kings. What area of your life needs to be surrendered today? I got to tell you, you’re putting yourself in a dangerous place. Either by your actions you demonstrate that you don’t truly believe. Repent and return to voluntary, joyful, servitude to God.
2. Your obedience is beneficial (Romans 6:19-23) – Enjoy being sanctified by God and alive to Him.
Obedience is not only required – it is rewarding. The fruit of serving God is sanctification and eternal life. In contrast to the destructive effects of sin, walking in obedience leads to true life and joy in Him.
Enjoy God being sanctified by Him – Obedience leads to righteousness and holiness. Which means as we obey God, He continues to transform us, making us more like Christ. Obedience is part of our sanctification process.
Enjoy God by being alive to Him – The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life. Sin leads to spiritual and eternal death, but obedience brings us into deeper fellowship with God, where we experience true life.
Are you pursuing holiness, or are you allowing sin to linger in your life? Do you recognize that obedience to God leads to the greatest joy and fulfilment? Choose to walk in obedience, knowing that God is sanctifying you and giving you true life in Him.
Application for unbelievers
1. Your disobedience will be catastrophic (Romans 6:15-18) – Fear your end.
Everyone is a slave – to sin or to righteousness. Your slavery to sin leads to death, both spiritually and eternally. Disobedience to God is not a trivial matter; it has eternal consequences.
You must recognize the seriousness of your spiritual condition. Disobedience to God leads to eternal death, and this should instil in you a holy fear of the consequences of rejecting God’s grace.
Picture yourself on the Titanic. The ship is going down, and the lifeboats are right there—but you refuse to get in because you think you can swim to safety. That’s what rejecting Christ looks like. The lifeboat is here. The question is, will you step in? The fear of drowning should drive you to take the rescue offered. Understand that your sin has put you on a path to destruction. Fear the end that awaits you if you continue in disobedience.
Acknowledge Your Sin – Recognize that you are a sinner in need of salvation. Admit that your disobedience separates you from God.
Understand the Consequences – Reflect on the reality of eternal death and separation from God. Let this sobering truth motivate you to seek salvation.
Seek Truth – Investigate the claims of the gospel. Read the Bible, attend a church, or talk to a Christian who can explain the good news.
2. Your disobedience is detrimental (Romans 6:19-23) – Turn to Jesus.
Slavery to sin leads to lawlessness, shame, and ultimately death. However, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Disobedience is not only catastrophic in the eternal sense but also detrimental in the present. It leads to a life of emptiness, guilt, and separation from God. But Jesus offers a way out – a free gift of eternal life.
You must turn to Jesus to escape the detrimental effects of sin and to receive the gift of eternal life. This involves repentance (turning away from sin) and faith (trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection for salvation).
Think of sin as a deadly disease. Jesus is the cure. Refusing to turn to Him is like refusing treatment for a fatal illness. The consequences are dire, but the cure is freely available.
Repent and Believe – Acknowledge your sin, turn away from it, and place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
Pray for Salvation – Call out to the Lord. Confess your sin. Profess belief in the death of Jesus for you sins, and in His resurrection from the grave. Repent from your sin and ask for deliverance. Thank God for His gift of eternal life.
Take the Next Step – Come and speak to me so I can tell you where to start reading your Bible and how to get discipled at Benoni Baptist Church.
Conclusion
We began with a question, Are you ready to trade the illusion of freedom for the reality of life in Christ?
Sin promises freedom but delivers slavery. It tells you that you are in control, that you can do what you want, live how you please, and answer to no one. But the reality is, sin is a cruel master. It leads to shame, destruction, and death. Many live under the illusion of freedom, believing they are their own masters when in reality, they are in bondage to sin.
But Christ offers something far better. True freedom is not found in autonomy; it is found in surrender. Freedom is not doing whatever we please – it is living as we were created to live, under the good and righteous rule of God. The paradox is this: the only way to be truly free is to be enslaved to Christ. Only when you submit to Him as Master do you experience life as it was meant to be – life of increasing holiness, life in fellowship with God, life that stretches into eternity.
So, I ask you again, are you ready to trade the illusion of freedom for the reality of life in Christ?
If you are in Christ, rejoice! You have been set free from sin and enslaved to righteousness. Continue in joyful obedience, knowing that sanctification leads to life.
And if you have not yet surrendered to Christ, the choice before you is clear, remain a slave to sin and reap its wages – death, or submit to Christ and receive the free gift of eternal life.
Right now, you stand at a crossroads. Two paths. Two masters. Two destinies. One leads to death. The other to eternal life. But no one can choose for you. The question remains: Who will you serve?
1. The nature of spiritual slavery (Romans 6:15-18)
2. The surprising benefits of spiritual slavery (Romans 6:19-23)
Believers are freed from sin, but are not free to sin, because they are enslaved to God, which leads to progressive sanctification and eternal life.
Amen.