Slaves to sin...
What, exactly, does that mean? What sin do we live in that denies us freedom and keeps us chained?
Could the denial of sin be a type of slavery? Excuses as we commit sins of omission. Rationalization as we commit sins of commission. We're too busy, too lazy, or too self-centered to do acts of mercy. We're too smart, to modern, to self-centered to give up a sinful lifestyle.
I see this as forms of slavery that Christ came to set us free from.
Rick in Va
Slaves to sin...
Another thought: slaves are owned, whether slaves to sin or slaves to Christ. Remember Bob Dylan's song, "You gotta serve somebody...It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody."
I like what preceeds this, Paul has been talking about sinning and grace. He's said, in effect: "I like to sin, God likes to forgive sin, and not only that, whenever God forgives me God looks good. So should I continue to sin so God can look good? GOD FORBID!
John near Pitts.
Which Bob Dylann song is that? That might be a good sermon introduction to the thoughts from all of the lections.
Dylan's song: Album is "Slow Train Coming", Song is "You Gotta Serve Somebody"
Later in this chapter Paul speaks of becoming "Slaves to Righteousness" I'd like to hear a few illustrations on this positive aspect. I can readily find all sorts of ways people are enslaved to sin. Any suggestions?
I like vs. 11 "count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Count, reckon, view yourself as dead to sin...I'm thinking here in terms of the Christian considering him/herself as listless or lifeless to sin. I think it speaks to desire. A new creation/creature has a mind set upon God and not the things that bring death. Cf. James1:14,15 "14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
John near Pitts.
Preach it John near Pitts...
You're singing my song and I don't necessarily mean Bob Dylan.
I hope to one day go to a Seminary near Pittsburgh, maybe we can hook up.
Rick in Va
I'm still not quite sure where I am going to go with this one (but know it is the passage I am to preach). The idea/concept of "Deficit Living". So many (including the government) are living beyond their means; the best example being "deficit spending" -- not worrying about the actual cost. Folks are living their lives the same way. "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" -- Paul says NO, but folks are doing it. Of course, we all are sinners; i.e., participants in "deficit living", but the Christian should be striving to "lower" the deficit, so that resources, time, energy, gifts, talents can be focused on the ministry of Jesus Christ rather then those things which enslave us.
Any ideas that can help this one? -- therevvv
I'm still not quite sure where I am going to go with this one (but know it is the passage I am to preach). The idea/concept of "Deficit Living" seems to be my starting point. So many (including the government) are living beyond their means; the best example being "deficit spending" -- not worrying about the actual cost. Folks are living their lives the same way. "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" -- Paul says NO, but folks are doing it. Of course, we all are sinners; i.e., participants in "deficit living", but the Christian should be striving to "lower" the deficit, so that resources, time, energy, gifts, talents can be focused on the ministry of Jesus Christ rather then those things which enslave us.
Any ideas that can help this one? -- therevvv
I would tend to question a Christian's willingness to sin, i.e. someone that keeps sinning then asking for forgiveness routine. I think we must (in most cases) make a conscious decision to ignore God in order to sin.
In terms of lowering the deficit, I'd rather encourage someone to stop sinning simply as a response to God's wonderful favor and love. Because God has saved us, credited our bank accounts with right standing, gratitude and love seem to be appropriate responses.
Sounds to me therevvv, that you are asking the question, "How do we slow down or stop the sinnning?" First is the desire to stop, second is a conscience tuned in to God, third may be accountability. Paul encourages the Romans to remember that they are new creatures/creations who have risen to newness of life through their baptism (belief) into Jesus.
As far as how do you motivate someone to quit the deficit spending, perhaps pointing to the selfishness of the action itself may help. (Sometimes guilt is a good thing)
Hope this helps a bit.
God bless you,
John near Pitts.
Hey, John near Pitts. you sound like someone I know. Especially with the Dylan reference. If you're 30 miles northeast of Pitts. Then you'll recognize my "handle". I'm preaching the Matthew passage this week, but I appreciate your insights on Romans. LL in L
This text brings up an area most of us probably struggle with from time to time: Freed from, but still participate... The great paradoxes of faith: the dream we hold so dear next to the life we invariably lead. To actually keep from sinning what a novel - perhaps impossible - concept. The church as the best places to grow disciples, and yet every congregation is filled with back-biting, deceipt and non-salutory tension...
LL in L, Louise? in Ligonier? Help. My last name is Logan.
John near Pitts jalogan@telerama.com
John near Pitts--nope, different John. We're in Leechburg. But you still sound like him--you'd probably relate well to one another! Looking forward to seeing more of your comments in the future. LL in L