Today we will come together in communion. And as we move through the Romans, we find ourselves thinking about the symbolism and truth of Jesus’ sacrifice and blood shed. There are three things that the blood speaks to. First, it is a representation of the cleansing of our sins. Secondly, it is the reminder of God’s promises. We don’t go to Jesus because of some doctrine, but we go to Jesus for a relationship. We cannot find out God’s promise for our lives without accepting God’s promise of salvation through Jesus. Thirdly, the blood of Jesus speaks to the enemy. Satan realizes the truth of salvation. And so he wants us to turn away from Jesus.
So up to chapter 6, Paul is answering, “What am I to do with my life as a sinner?” And beginning with chapter 6, he then goes on to as believers, “What am I to do now to surrender to God’s will?”
We are going to see Paul use examples using body parts. It can be imagined that there is an intention to use that which the world uses in a way to pursue passions. The world will continue to say if it feels good, it has to be good. But Paul will begin to open up the truth that the world lies to us. That the relationship with God means we can address the big questions of the world.
In , Paul tells us that by being in relationship gives us the desire to live obediently. The place where you obey, that is which you will be a slave to. If we feed the beast of this world, we will find our obedience to the beast of this world. If you feed worry or anger, you will find yourself enslaved by the bitterness and hatred that you feed.
Do you have God on the shelf? Do you pick and choose the times when you listen to Him? Is God trying to lead us and we choose another path? Why do I do the things that I know I shouldn’t do, and why do I do not do the things I know I should do?
Here Paul is telling us that we can be thankful to be slaves to righteousness. That we will free from sin and find ourselves connected deeply with our Lord. We are so glad to sever the obedience to that which isn’t righteousness. And we are gladly giving the obedience to that of God.
Let this be a part of who you are and surrender. Who are you going to obey? Let your focus and attention rest in the finished work of Christ.
15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? (ESV)
15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! (ESV)
17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (ESV)