Introduction – In chapter 6 of Romans Paul methodically lays out the truth that Christians do not have to sin. However, Paul knows that our sin nature does not want to be controlled. It wants to control us. Even Christians can be enslaved by their own sin nature. They can be enslaved by alcohol, anger, bitterness, hatred, pride, lusts, drugs (legal and illegal), etc. These can become addictive strongholds.

Paul is writing to the Romans who knew a lot about slavery. There were converted Jews and Gentiles in the church. Paul is concerned that some Christians might place themselves back under the yoke of bondage of the Jewish religion. Some believed that they could remain Christians and follow the Jewish religion. However, Paul notes that the law (Jewish Religion) only brought bondage. It didn’t change the heart. The gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. Some “religious people” believed that grace was too easy. They believed that people needed the rigors and demands of the law. However, their religion was ceremonial and outward, and it left people empty and hopeless and condemned.

Many of the people who read this letter were slaves or slave owners. A great percentage of the population were slaves. There was a time when Julius Caesar subjugated entire villages and brought many ten thousands to Rome to be sold as slaves. Men, women, and children had no choice but to submit or die. Once they became a slave, they usually remained a slave until death. The slave was the property of his owner and had no rights. The owner could beat or even kill the slave. Slaves might be sold into prostitution or to do hard labor in dangerous mines underground. The slave could not choose his occupation. Many worked in fields. The average life expectancy of a slave was 17.5 years old. This takes into consideration the fact that many children died, and many died doing hard labor. Few looked out for the welfare of the slave. A slave yielded his rights to his owner. Paul beseeches us to yield ourselves as servants to God. We have a choice in the matter, and God looks out for the welfare of His servants.

Sin is a harsh slave master. As a result, many die young. As Christians we yield our rights and surrender ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though we did that when we got saved, sometimes we allow temptation to overcome us, and we yield to sin for a season. It can have devastating results. Look at the T-Chart to help us see what Paul is teaching in these verses. 

Some Jewish Christian leaders were afraid that if Christians didn’t keep the law that they would fall into sin. The opposite took place. Most Jews and unsaved Gentiles found themselves enslaved to sin with no way out, except for the grace found in Jesus Christ. Just as many Roman slaves died early deaths, so many today die young due to the addictive nature of sin. Will you surrender to Jesus Christ and serve Him? Jesus is not a harsh slave master. He has freed us from sin’s bondage and empowered us to live holy lives. Build a strong relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ who loves you and gave Himself on the cross for you. Beware of just going through the outward motions of being a Christian. You can experience His resurrection power! Thank God for His grace!