SLAVES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

SLAVES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 6:15-23

Key Verse: "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." (Romans 6:17, KJV)

Supporting Texts: John 8:31-36; Galatians 5:16-25; 1 Peter 1:14-16; Titus 2:11-14; Matthew 6:24; Joshua 24:15.

Description: Every person serves a master. Through Christ, believers are set free from slavery to sin and become willing servants of righteousness, living holy lives that glorify God.

INTRODUCTION
In Romans 6:15-23, the Apostle Paul continues his teaching on the believer's relationship with sin and grace. Having explained that grace is not a licence to continue in sin, he now emphasises that every person is a servant of someone or something. There is no neutral ground. People are either slaves of sin, leading to death, or slaves of righteousness, leading to holiness and eternal life.

Before salvation, humanity is under the dominion of sin. Sin controls thoughts, desires, actions, and ultimately leads to spiritual death. However, through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are set free from sin's bondage and transferred into a new relationship with God. They are no longer compelled to obey sin but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of righteousness.

This passage challenges every believer to make a daily choice. Since Christ has purchased us with His precious blood, our lives should no longer be devoted to sinful pleasures but to the service of God. True freedom is found not in doing whatever we desire, but in joyfully submitting ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

1. EVERY PERSON SERVES A MASTER
No one lives independently. Every individual is under the influence of either sin or righteousness.

a) Serving Sin Leads To Death (Romans 6:16)
Those who continually submit to sin experience spiritual separation from God and eventual destruction.

b) Serving God Leads To Life (Romans 6:16)
Obedience to God results in righteousness, spiritual growth, and eternal life.

c) You Cannot Serve Two Masters (Matthew 6:24)
A divided heart cannot fully follow Christ while clinging to sinful desires.

d) Choose Whom You Will Serve (Joshua 24:15)
Every believer must intentionally choose daily to serve the Lord.

Biblical Example: Elijah confronted Israel on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:21). He challenged the people to stop wavering between God and Baal, reminding them that they must choose whom they would serve.

2. CHRIST SETS BELIEVERS FREE FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN
Salvation brings complete deliverance from sin's authority and introduces believers into a life of righteousness.

a) Delivered From Sin's Dominion (Romans 6:17-18)
Believers are no longer under the control of sin because Christ has set them free.

b) Freedom Comes Through Christ (John 8:36)
Only Jesus can truly liberate people from the slavery of sin.

c) Obedience Begins In The Heart (Romans 6:17)
True transformation starts with inward surrender to God's truth.

d) Walk In The Freedom Of Christ (Galatians 5:1)
Believers must refuse to return to the bondage from which Christ has delivered them.

Biblical Example: Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:1-2). After Jesus delivered her from demonic oppression, she became a faithful follower devoted to His service.

3. BELIEVERS MUST PRESENT THEMSELVES TO GOD AS SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Our bodies, minds, and abilities should be dedicated entirely to God's service.

a) Yield Every Part Of Your Life To God (Romans 6:19)
Every aspect of life should be surrendered for God's purposes.

b) Pursue Holiness Daily (1 Peter 1:15-16)
God calls His people to reflect His holy character.

c) Walk By The Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sinful desires.

d) Honour God In Your Daily Living (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Every action should glorify the Lord.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 1:8). Daniel resolved not to defile himself and remained faithful to God despite living in a pagan culture.

4. THE REWARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS ETERNAL LIFE
The outcome of the life we choose has eternal consequences.

a) Sin Pays The Wages Of Death (Romans 6:23a)
Persistent rebellion against God ultimately leads to eternal separation from Him.

b) God Gives The Gift Of Eternal Life (Romans 6:23b)
Eternal life is God's free gift through Jesus Christ our Lord.

c) Holiness Produces Spiritual Fruit (Romans 6:22)
A life devoted to God bears fruit that leads to sanctification and eternal blessing.

d) Persevere Faithfully Until The End (Revelation 2:10)
Those who remain faithful to Christ will receive the crown of life.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Paul faithfully served Christ until the end of his life and looked forward confidently to receiving the crown of righteousness.

CONCLUSION
Romans 6:15-23 reminds us that every human being is under the authority of a master. Before knowing Christ, we were slaves to sin, helpless and condemned. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, however, we have been set free from sin's dominion and made servants of righteousness. This new relationship calls us to wholehearted obedience and holy living.

As believers, let us never misuse God's grace as an excuse for sin. Instead, let us joyfully present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our lives daily. As we faithfully serve Christ, we shall bear lasting spiritual fruit and inherit the glorious gift of eternal life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for delivering me from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to remain a faithful servant of righteousness all the days of my life, in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen me to reject every temptation that seeks to draw me back into sin, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, fill me continually with the Holy Spirit and empower me to live a holy life, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to yield every area of my life completely to Your service, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, produce the fruit of holiness and righteousness in my life, in Jesus name.

7. Father, keep me steadfast in obedience to Your Word until the end, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let my life be a testimony that draws many people to Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

9. Father, preserve me from every form of spiritual compromise and backsliding, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, grant me the grace to finish my Christian race faithfully and receive the crown of life, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall remain free from every bondage of sin through the power of Jesus Christ.

2. The Holy Spirit shall continually strengthen you to walk in righteousness and holiness.

3. Every chain of addiction, sinful habit, and spiritual oppression is broken over your life in the name of Jesus.

4. You shall joyfully serve God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

5. Your life shall continually produce the fruit of righteousness to the glory of God.

6. Every temptation assigned to weaken your faith shall become an opportunity for your spiritual growth.

7. You shall remain steadfast, faithful, and uncompromising in your walk with Christ.

8. The grace of God shall preserve you from falling and establish you in His truth.

9. Your testimony shall inspire many people to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ.

10. From this day forward, you shall live as a faithful servant of righteousness, walk in the fullness of God's grace, overcome every work of darkness, and inherit eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the mighty name of Jesus.