Romans 6:14-23 “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”(NIV)

How does a Christian keep from sinning?  The Jewish Christians at Rome thought the answer was to become slaves to the law.  Some modern churches still act as if that is the correct answer.  A young child when asked, “What is a Christian?” answered, “A Christian is someone who, if it is fun, they cannot do it.” Paul in verse 14 tells the Jewish Christians, and the modern legalistic Christians, that they are no longer under the law.  He then asked the question that was their natural response, “If we are not under the law, doesn’t that mean we will sin?” They were so used to the law telling them what was and was not sin, that they had no idea of another way to live.

Christ set us free from slavery to sin.  Our human limitations cause us to enslave ourselves again.  With good intentions, some enslave themselves to the law.  Others enslave themselves to their ambition, their families, and even to credit card debt.  When we allow ourselves to be enslaved, we give away our freedom to choose our own behavior.  The slave master we have chosen dictates our choices.  Paul recognizes that it is our nature to serve something greater than we are.  We want to be a part of something big.  In giving us freedom from sin, Christ has given us the opportunity to serve a greater good.  We can choose to enslave ourselves to the cause of righteousness.  Serving the cause of righteousness requires that we commit to obedience to God.

Enslavement to sin (or any other cause) leads to death.  Commitment to obedience and righteousness leads to a holiness.  We become holy (other); less like the world and more like God.  As voluntary slaves to God, He sets us free from fear, and doubt.  He sets us free to live in right relationships.  Slaves to God are free to righteousness.