Romans: There is Freedom in Slavery
As we approach the celebration of the Resurrection, it seems fitting to dive into the profound teachings of Romans, specifically the latter half of chapter 6. This section of scripture invites us to reflect on the contradictory themes of slavery and freedom, and how, surprisingly, one can lead to the other.
We often use phrases that challenge us to express our identity in subtle ways. One phrase is, "Tell me without telling me." This intriguing concept asks us to reveal the essence of who we are, not through direct statements, but through the subtleties of our actions and choices. For instance, describing what makes one unmistakably a Texan without explicitly stating it, whether it is a love of Dr. Pepper, a wardrobe that celebrates the Texas flag, or an unwavering, albeit occasionally irrational, hope for the Dallas Cowboys' success. This method of revealing our identity by actions rather than words leads us directly into the heart of Romans chapter 6. Here, Paul encourages us to "tell me without telling me" in the context of our faith. It is not merely about articulating our understanding of grace or declaring ourselves Christians; it is about living in a way that unmistakably reveals these truths through our actions.
Paul outlines a transformative process for believers. To authentically demonstrate our faith, we must first engage in a daily practice of dying to sin — renouncing the old life of slavery to sin that once defined us. We then step into a new life, one not marked by servitude to sin, but by a willing, joyful enslavement to God and Christ. This shift from slavery to sin to slavery to God does not diminish our freedom; in fact, it is the very means through which we achieve true liberty.
As we unpack Romans 6:15-23, let it be an invitation to abandon the life of sin that leads to death and to embrace a new existence defined by righteousness and service to God. This chapter challenges us to understand and live out the real meaning of freedom, as seen through the lens of our devotion to God. In doing so, we uncover the essence of what it means to truly live. Just as the everyday actions of a Texan might reveal their identity without a word being said, so does our daily decision to die to sin and live for God reveal the depth of our understanding of grace and our identity in Christ. Our actions speak volumes about our faith, and in the freedom found in slavery to God, we find the true essence of living a life transformed by grace.
1. Be a Slave to God and Find Freedom
In the quest for spiritual liberation, the concept of becoming a "slave to God" emerges as a pivotal first step. Though it is initially counterintuitive, this step reveals a profound truth about the nature of freedom in the Christian life. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, challenges our modern understanding by advocating for a willing enslavement to God as the truest form of liberty. Paul's begins with a critique of what he perceives as "cheap grace" — a superficial understanding of God's grace that some might mistakenly use as a license for sin. He confronts this attitude head-on, questioning whether those who premeditate sin, comforted by the thought of inevitable forgiveness, truly grasp the sacrificial cost of grace. This cost, marked by Christ's own suffering and death, is anything but cheap. It represents a monumental price paid to liberate us from the very oppression of sin we so easily wander back into.
The apostle's use of the term "slave" is deliberate and loaded with historical and cultural connotations. In today's context, the word might evoke discomfort or resistance due to its association with human rights abuses and a loss of personal freedom. However, Paul insists on its use, aiming to restore the word's impact and depth within the framework of Christian discipleship. By aligning ourselves as slaves to God, we are not diminishing our value; instead, we are acknowledging the profound shift from being bound by sin to being wholly devoted to the divine will. This transition from the slavery of sin to the servitude of God is not a loss of freedom but a redefinition of it. In the kingdom of God, freedom is not the absence of restraint but the presence of the right constraints — those that align us with God's purposes and character. By submitting ourselves to God's authority through faith in Jesus Christ, we are freed from the tyranny of sin and ushered into a life of true liberty.
The stark imagery of slavery Paul uses is not meant to demean or belittle but to emphasize the totality of our commitment to God. It challenges us to reconsider our preconceptions about freedom and servitude. As a Christian, being a slave to God means embracing His authority and guidance as the ultimate source of freedom and life. As we think about this radical call to divine servitude, let's reflect on the implications for our daily lives. How does understanding ourselves as slaves to God change our perspective on sin, grace, and freedom? The Christian’s journey finds true freedom in surrender, and life by dying to ourselves.
2. Be a Slave to God and Reap the Reward
The journey from bondage to freedom is a central theme in Christianity, and nowhere is this more vividly illustrated than in Paul's discussion on slavery and obedience. Paul's dialogue on slavery is not meant to trivialize its horrors but to repurpose the concept to illustrate a profound spiritual truth: our ultimate freedom lies in complete obedience to God. This analogy, especially powerful in a time when slavery was a pervasive reality, underscores the depth of our commitment when we choose to serve God. The people Paul addressed were intimately familiar with the concept of slavery, making his message both relevant and challenging. He invites us to see slavery not through the lens of human injustice but as a pathway to spiritual freedom when we submit ourselves to the only perfect and good Master the universe has ever known.
Paul's message boils down to the nature of obedience and the master we choose to serve. Slavery, in its many forms throughout history, always involves obedience to a master. However, Paul describes a clear choice between two masters: sin, which leads to death and destruction, and God, whose service culminates in righteousness, sanctification, and eternal life. This obedience is not about loss of freedom but about liberation from the enslavement of sin that corrupts and destroys us. True freedom, as Paul illustrates, is found in the joy of serving God, much like the fulfillment a working dog experiences when obedient to its master's commands. We are created to find our greatest joy and purpose in obeying His voice, in being directed by His will, and in accomplishing the tasks He sets before us. This obedience is our freedom, not because it restricts us, but because it aligns us with our true nature and purpose.
Paul challenges us to reject the illusion of freedom that sin offers and to embrace the paradoxical truth that true liberation comes through servitude to God. This choice transforms our perspective on obedience, sin, and freedom, urging us to live in a way that reflects God's character and will. This exhortation to live as slaves to God is not intended for isolated individuals but is deeply rooted in the context of Christian community. The journey toward sanctification is one we undertake together, supported by the fellowship and accountability of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This communal aspect of our faith is essential for growth, encouragement, and perseverance as we pursue a life of obedience and service to God.
In embracing our identity as servants of God, we find not only the freedom from sin's tyranny but also the joy of living in accordance with our created purpose. This path of obedience, though counterintuitive to the world's understanding of freedom, leads to the ultimate liberation — a life of righteousness, peace, and eternal joy in the presence of our Lord. Our choice of master defines our destiny. In choosing God, we accept a life of obedience that frees us from the shackles of sin and death, inviting us into a relationship marked by love, purpose, and eternal life.