Slaves to Righteousness
19 May 2010
Tim, filling in for Dave who is in Romania:
Q 1) In the W.E.B. (World English Bible) it describes us as servants, not slaves of sin. Can you explain this difference?
A) The Greek word is 'Doulos' which can be translated into English as 'slave' or 'servant'. Both uses convey the same picture, however 'slave' probably better captures the fullness of the metaphor Paul is using here, one of 'belonging' to a master.
Q 2) Dave was speaking about sin leading to death but the gift of God leading to eternal life. Obviously this also applies to everyone, but for Christians living under grace, will sin still lead to death or to forgiveness in Christ and a deeper understanding of grace and his love?
A) For those who are 'In Christ' death no longer has dominion or a reign over us as it did when we were 'In Adam' (for more on this listen to the sermon Reigning in Life.) Therefore, we can continue to sin and yet still receive all the benefits of salvation, namely in this instance eternal life; our salvation isn't determined by our sin but by his grace.
Our confidence is not in our own ability to be good or better people, but in his finished work on the cross. Hence, when we sin as Christians, our response should always be one of heartfelt repentance and sorrow for our rebellion and a falling afresh onto the grace of God and his forgiveness. As we do this, Paul explains in Romans 6:22, we are experiencing 'sanctification'; we are being conformed into his likeness. And so yes, we do have a deeper grasp of his grace and love.
Q 3) Why do you compare Jesus to a slave master? This seems an odd comparison to make
A) Good question! It is an odd comparison, that's why having described Christians as 'slaves of righteousness' (6:18) the Apostle Paul goes on to qualify this comment by saying "I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations". He says this by way of acknowledging that this analogy of us being slaves but to a new master, has its limitations, he uses the phrase "slaves of God" (V22)- because he is mindful that such language will communicate the spectacular reality that as Christians we now 'belong to God'; that we are his possession, like slaves, we have been bought at a price - the death of his only Son. In our 21st century context we have an idea of slavery that is steeped in abuses and criminality, however the context into which Paul was writing in Rome would not have had our same negative connotations when such imagery is put forward.
The central thrust of Paul's message in this passage is this - God has bought us for a great price; we are his, and as those whom he has set free from the dominion of death and the shackles of sin, as those clothed in garments of righteousness, beloved and forgiven - we can't help but present ourselves to him as 'slaves of righteousness' as 'living sacrifices' (Romans
12:1) - this is our act of worship.
Q 4) Absinthe has sin in and is still pretty good!
A) It also has 'abs' in, but not sure it's gonna help you get a six-pack!
Tim Blaber
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