From Slavery to Righteousness: The Call to Holiness

 

Summary

In Romans 6:20-21, Paul provides a compelling argument for living a life of holiness and sanctification. He begins by reminding us of our past lives as slaves to sin, a state where we were free from righteousness. This freedom from righteousness is not a privilege but a tragic condition, as it means being outside the realm of God's righteousness. Paul emphasizes that every person who is not a Christian, regardless of their moral standing, is ultimately a slave to sin. This slavery to sin results in a life that is fruitless, shameful, and ultimately leads to death.

Paul's argument is structured around three main points. First, he highlights the fruitlessness of a life lived in sin. Despite the temporary pleasures and happiness that sin might offer, it ultimately leaves us empty and unsatisfied. True satisfaction, Paul argues, can only be found in a life governed by God's righteousness. Second, he points out the inherent shamefulness of a sinful life. Sin often leads to actions that are done in darkness, hidden from the light, and are inherently shameful. Lastly, Paul warns of the ultimate consequence of sin: death. This death is not just physical but spiritual, a complete separation from the life of God.

Paul's teaching on sanctification is not just about looking to Christ but also involves a deep understanding and rejection of our past sinful lives. By constantly reminding ourselves of the nature of our old lives, we can better resist temptation and live a life that is pleasing to God. This process of sanctification is a reasoned argument, a deduction from the doctrine, and not merely an emotional experience.

Key Takeaways:

- Slavery to Sin vs. Righteousness: Every person is a slave to something—either sin or righteousness. Being free from righteousness means being outside the realm of God's control, which is a tragic state. True freedom is found in being a slave to righteousness, which leads to life and peace. [12:22]

- Fruitlessness of Sin: A life lived in sin is ultimately fruitless and unsatisfying. While sin may offer temporary pleasures, it cannot provide lasting satisfaction or true fulfillment. True satisfaction is found in a life governed by God's righteousness. [28:09]

- Shamefulness of Sin: Sin is inherently shameful, often done in darkness and hidden from the light. This shame is not just felt at the time but also in retrospect, as we look back on our past actions with regret. [36:34]

- Death as the Consequence of Sin: Sin leads to death, not just physically but spiritually. This death is a separation from the life of God, which is the most tragic consequence of a life lived in sin. [43:49]

- Sanctification through Understanding: Sanctification involves a deep understanding and rejection of our past sinful lives. By constantly reminding ourselves of the nature of our old lives, we can better resist temptation and live a life that is pleasing to God. [47:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Romans 6:20-21
- [00:49] - Paul's Argument for Holiness
- [01:57] - Negative Reasons for Holiness
- [02:30] - Positive Reasons for Holiness
- [03:39] - The Unthinkable Nature of Sin
- [05:12] - The Truth About Non-Christians
- [06:36] - Slavery to Sin
- [07:53] - Free from Righteousness
- [09:22] - The Analogy of Slavery
- [12:02] - Understanding Freedom from Righteousness
- [13:22] - The Moral Man vs. The Christian
- [15:41] - The Difference Between Morality and Righteousness
- [18:12] - The Value of Righteousness
- [25:09] - The Fruitless Life of Sin
- [36:34] - The Shameful Life of Sin
- [43:49] - The Deathly Consequence of Sin
- [47:01] - The Argument for Holy Living

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 6:20-21
- Ephesians 4:22-24
- Philippians 3:7-8

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 6:20-21, what does Paul say about the state of being a servant of sin and its consequences? How does this relate to the concept of being "free from righteousness"? [06:36]

2. In the sermon, what are the three main points Paul uses to argue against a life of sin? [25:25]

3. How does the sermon describe the difference between a moral person and a Christian in terms of righteousness? [13:39]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate consequence of living a life of sin, according to Romans 6:21? [43:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the concept of being "free from righteousness" in the context of Romans 6:20? What does this imply about the control sin has over a non-Christian? [12:22]

2. The sermon mentions that sanctification involves reasoning and understanding. How does this approach differ from a purely emotional experience of faith? [03:56]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the life of a non-Christian is fruitless, and how does this compare to the life governed by God's righteousness? [25:40]

4. How does the sermon interpret the shamefulness of sin, and why is this an important aspect of Paul's argument for holiness? [36:34]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you feel you are still a "slave to sin"? How can you begin to address these areas to live a life more aligned with God's righteousness? [06:36]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding our past sinful lives to resist temptation. How can you remind yourself of the nature of your old life to strengthen your resolve against sin? [47:01]

3. Consider the concept of fruitlessness in a life of sin. Are there pursuits or habits in your life that leave you feeling empty or unsatisfied? What steps can you take to seek true fulfillment in God's righteousness? [25:40]

4. The sermon discusses the shame associated with sin. Is there a past action or habit that you feel ashamed of? How can you use this feeling to motivate a change towards holiness? [36:34]

5. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of sanctification as a reasoned argument rather than just an emotional experience? What resources or practices might help you in this journey? [03:56]

6. The sermon warns of the ultimate consequence of sin: spiritual death. How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities? [43:49]

7. Identify one area in your life where you can submit more fully to God's righteousness. What practical steps can you take this week to make this submission a reality? [17:58]

Devotional

Day 1: True Freedom in Righteousness
Living a life of holiness means choosing to be a slave to righteousness rather than sin. Paul explains that every person is a slave to something—either sin or righteousness. Being free from righteousness is not a privilege but a tragic state, as it means being outside the realm of God's control. True freedom is found in being a slave to righteousness, which leads to life and peace. This choice is not just about following rules but about embracing a life that aligns with God's will and brings true fulfillment. [12:22]

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel enslaved to sin, and how can you begin to seek freedom through righteousness today?


Day 2: The Empty Promises of Sin
A life lived in sin is ultimately fruitless and unsatisfying. While sin may offer temporary pleasures, it cannot provide lasting satisfaction or true fulfillment. Paul highlights the fruitlessness of a life lived in sin, emphasizing that true satisfaction can only be found in a life governed by God's righteousness. This understanding calls us to evaluate the pursuits and desires that dominate our lives and to seek fulfillment in God's eternal promises rather than the fleeting pleasures of sin. [28:09]

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: What temporary pleasures are you pursuing that leave you feeling empty, and how can you seek true fulfillment in God's righteousness?


Day 3: The Hidden Shame of Sin
Sin is inherently shameful, often done in darkness and hidden from the light. This shame is not just felt at the time but also in retrospect, as we look back on our past actions with regret. Paul points out the inherent shamefulness of a sinful life, urging us to bring our actions into the light and live transparently before God and others. This involves acknowledging our past mistakes and seeking God's forgiveness and grace to live a life that reflects His holiness. [36:34]

"For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed." (John 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: What actions or habits are you keeping hidden in darkness, and how can you bring them into the light to experience God's healing and forgiveness?


Day 4: The Tragic Consequence of Sin
Sin leads to death, not just physically but spiritually. This death is a separation from the life of God, which is the most tragic consequence of a life lived in sin. Paul warns of this ultimate consequence, urging us to recognize the seriousness of sin and its impact on our relationship with God. Understanding this helps us to appreciate the gift of eternal life offered through Christ and motivates us to live in a way that honors Him. [43:49]

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the spiritual consequences of sin change your perspective on your daily choices and actions?


Day 5: Embracing Sanctification
Sanctification involves a deep understanding and rejection of our past sinful lives. By constantly reminding ourselves of the nature of our old lives, we can better resist temptation and live a life that is pleasing to God. This process is not merely an emotional experience but a reasoned argument and deduction from the doctrine. Embracing sanctification means actively pursuing holiness and allowing God's Spirit to transform us from the inside out. [47:01]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively pursue sanctification and allow God's Spirit to transform your life?

Quotes



The Apostle here you notice is making a statement that is true of all people who are not Christians. Doesn't matter how good they are, doesn't matter how moral they are, it is a universal statement about everybody who does not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and who is not a Christian. [00:13:32]

The non-Christian is in no relationship at all to righteousness. I'm not talking about what men call justice and righteousness and equity. He's in relationship to that if you like. He is not in relationship to what the Bible means by righteousness. He is not governed by righteousness. [00:15:51]

The Christian is a man who is governed and controlled and dominated by righteousness. This other man is not. Now he puts this very explicitly in chapter 10. Let me read to you there the verses in which he puts it so plainly. [00:16:38]

The righteousness that they establish is their own righteousness. It isn't God's righteousness. Being ignorant of God's righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness. And that's exactly what these men are doing, these gentlemen of the Brain Trust and others. [00:17:29]

All that he does have and possess is nothing but his own goodness and his own morality. But that isn't righteousness, and the Bible makes it very plain and clear that it isn't righteousness. It says all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. [00:18:29]

What things were gained to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. [00:19:30]

The non-Christian life is like a drug, it's like alcohol. You only have the sensation of pleasure and of happiness and of satisfaction as long as you're taking it. The moment you stop taking it, you have an awful reaction and you feel utterly desperate and half dead. [00:35:33]

What fruit are ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? This is a look at the things they do. Unfortunately, there is no need to take time over this. We're all so terribly familiar with it as it's lived round and about us. That kind of life is a shameful life. [00:36:34]

There is an inherent shamefulness about the very things they do, so they wait until it becomes dark. The nightlife of London, nightclubs, and the very term night tells us all about them, doesn't it? There's a shameful element. Then think of the deceit that is involved. [00:37:36]

The end of those things is death, and that is always the trouble about sin. You remember how the Apostle put it in verse 12 of chapter 5: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin. Sin came into the world, and because sin came in, death came in. [00:43:49]

It includes physical death, but it isn't only that. It includes spiritual death, but it isn't only that. It really means this: it means separation from the life of God in every way. It means the death of the spiritual faculty, which is man's most distinguishing and most glorious feature. [00:44:21]

Finally and ultimately, says the Apostle, this kind of life is going to lead to an eternal, everlasting separation from God. There's nothing more terrible and horrible than that, than to contemplate an eternity outside the life of God, left to itself. [00:45:05]

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