Slaves Of Righteousness

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not! Do you not know that if you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves to sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were entrusted to, and having been freed from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness. (I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh.) For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free with regard to righteousness.” Romans 6:15-20 NET

It is truly remarkable how Paul articulates the concept of sin, illuminating it with the clarity of a master apologist. He urges us to shift our gaze away from the fleeting allure of fleshly freedom—the kind that tempts us with momentary pleasures—and instead immerse ourselves in the deep, lasting righteousness that can only be found in Christ. In the intricate journey of the Christian life, maintaining a steadfast focus on Christ Jesus becomes not just essential but a divine imperative, intricately tied to the grace that beckons us forward.

Evidence shows that humans, by their very nature, are drawn to serve something greater than themselves—whether it be societal expectations, personal ambitions, or the seductive pull of immediate gratification. True freedom in Christ, therefore, emerges from a profound awakening to whom or what we truly serve. We are faced with a transformative choice: we can remain ensnared by sin and the relentless, often destructive desires of our flesh, or we can consciously choose to serve Jesus, embracing the rich, liberating power that leads us to become vessels of righteousness.

This decision is not merely about asserting our faith; it is a pivotal moment that profoundly shapes our spiritual identity and purpose, crafting the essence of our lives in harmony with divine truth. By embracing this path, we unlock a deeper understanding of freedom—one rooted not in self-indulgence, but in the powerful, redemptive love of Christ.

Paul views the teaching entrusted to the Romans as an investment in the kingdom of God; he is looking for his investment to yield a profit in the lives of the people in the Roman church. He is waiting to see Christ become manifested in the lives of the church so that he may reap some benefit. Paul recognizes that the kingdom of God and the manifestation of Christ are not a solo effort; they are being built up by many members who pour into the lives of their fellow believers. Even Paul needs and craves the portion of Christ revealed in the lives of the Roman believers.

Paul regards the teachings entrusted to the Romans as a vital investment in the flourishing of the kingdom of God, one imbued with potential for profound spiritual transformation. He seeks to witness this investment bear fruit in the lives of individuals within the Roman ecclesia, who are navigating their faith amidst the vibrant and diverse backdrop of their community. With eager anticipation, Paul looks for the manifestation of Christ reflected in their daily lives—evident in their acts of love, expressions of faith, and shared support—longing to see how their spiritual journeys intertwine and uplift one another.

Understanding that the kingdom of God, with all its richness and glory, does not arise from solitary endeavors alone, Paul emphasizes the importance of collective effort. It is through the harmonious contributions of many members that the community grows and thrives, each individual pouring their unique gifts and experiences into a tapestry of shared faith. Even Paul himself yearns to experience the distinct revelations of Christ that emerge through the lives and testimonies of the Roman believers. This deep longing underscores the vital interconnection within the body of Christ, where each member’s journey not only enriches their own faith but also nourishes the entire community. Through this shared pursuit, Paul envisions a vibrant ecclesia that effortlessly reflects Christ’s love and grace to the world around them.

Paul reaches out to the church, not to chastise them for their early stage of faith, which he understands is still developing, but to inspire them with a vision of spiritual maturity and possibility. He invites them to gaze beyond their current experiences and grasp the profound depths that await them in their relationship with Christ and within the vibrant community of believers.

Through his teachings, Paul masterfully weaves a rich mosaic that vividly portrays how the person of Jesus is reflected and made manifest in the lives of each individual and within the collective body of the church. He emphasizes that the transformative power of Christ should resonate throughout their hearts, inspiring a dynamic and contagious faith that reaches far beyond their walls.

Paul’s deep longing is for the church to fully embrace the staggering truth that they are not merely a group of individuals gathering for worship; they are the living, breathing embodiment of Christ on earth. This identity compels them to act with intentionality, compassion, and unity, empowering them to radiate love and hope and to forge meaningful connections that change their communities and the world.

When Paul addresses the church, he deeply reflects on his earlier visit, skillfully employing evocative language that brings to life the shared memories of their time together. His letter becomes a tapestry woven with the rich threads of their past teachings, serving as a poignant reminder of the spiritual foundation he laid during his time with them. This approach holds significant power, as it reinforces the truth that the trials they currently endure—intense persecution for their beliefs, the heart-wrenching pain of being ostracized from their Jewish communities, and the ever-present shadow of death—have all been triumphantly overcome through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ on the cross.

In taking upon Himself the overwhelming weight of humanity’s sins, Jesus opened the door to unparalleled grace and forgiveness, offering believers the opportunity to be cleansed and restored in their relationship with God. His death is not the final chapter, but a beginning in a new, transformative gateway to abundant life, made possible through His astonishing resurrection. Thus, Paul passionately highlights the completed work of Christ as the defining moment in the narrative of human salvation. This moment redefines their understanding of suffering and instills a profound sense of hope. This powerful truth provides the Roman ecclesia unwavering assurance of their redemption and inspires them to remain steadfast in their faith, even amidst the fiercest storms of adversity.

Paul deliberately seizes this pivotal moment to affirm the identity of the gathering in Rome, highlighting their profound unity in Christ Jesus. With unmistakable clarity and conviction, he declares that by willingly dedicating ourselves as servants to the righteousness of Christ, we are transformed into cherished sons and daughters of the King of Righteousness—Melchizedek.

Melchizedek, a figure shrouded in mystery, whose name resonates with the very essence of righteousness, serves as a powerful reminder of our royal lineage as his spiritual heirs. This connection enriches our understanding of who we are and the divine purpose we embody. Jesus, exalted as the ultimate priest-king in the order of Melchizedek, carries a title infused with immense significance and authority, positioning Him as the unparalleled leader in God’s kingdom.

As we earnestly pursue Jesus and strive to embody His righteousness, we undergo a profound transformation within ourselves.  This journey not only draws us closer to His heart but also forms us into vibrant reflections of His image. In doing so, we embrace our identity as beloved children of the King, empowered to live out His righteousness authentically in every aspect of our lives. Our calling is to shine His light boldly in a world yearning for hope and redemption.

Stephen Barnett