All people are slaves to either sin or obedience - pampering the flesh or crucifying it, comforting the flesh, or killing it (spiritually), enslaved to sin, or captive to Christ. We either side with our flesh, which creates war in our souls, or we become captives to Christ and His Holy Spirit and find life and peace.
As a captive of Christ, we become a slave of obedience! So, when the Holy Spirit prompts me to turn from food as my comfort and friend and instead find consolation and fellowship in Christ and His gospel (2 Corinthians 1:3-7), I listen and obey. And as I follow the Spirit's leading each time, it becomes easier to do it the next time. And eventually, I find that I am a slave, not to sin but obedience! I discover the reality that Christ is living in me!
Question 3. According to Romans 6:16 NIV, to what does slavery to sin lead?
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Question 4. According to Romans 6:16 NIV, to what does slavery to obedience lead?
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Oh, friend, think of the millions of people around the world who are dying a slow death through gluttony, who are on the brink of ruin by alcohol, who have let slavery to impurity ruin their lives, etc. Slavery to sin always leads to death.
But slavery to obedience leads to righteousness! Think of the millions of people that God has rescued from the trap of sexual impurity, redeemed from the chains of substance abuse, and released from the bondage of gluttony and laziness. They inevitably become slaves of righteousness, happy captives to Christ, willing and joyful servants who have Christ living in them and are learning to war against the flesh.
Did you know that today, right now, you can start to become a slave to obedience? It all begins with you believing that you are dead to sin because you were crucified with Christ, counting that to be true, and living accordingly. If you can see yourself on the cross with Christ, if you can see yourself dead and buried in the tomb with Jesus, it will affect the way you live. You will be able to say no to temptation; for the old you has died, and now you live under the instructive grace of God that brings freedom through slavery to Christ.
And each time you say no to your flesh and yes to Christ, you are building another link in the chain of slavery to obedience, leading to your glorious freedom through slavery! If you are in Christ, you have the Holy Spirit’s power to say no to ungodliness and to live an upright life in this world (Titus 2:11-14) as a happy captive to obedience in and through Jesus.
Question 5. How will you apply the truth taught in Romans 6:15-16 NIV to your life today? Please be thorough in your answer:
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Wende's answer is very practical, which is very helpful:
"Today I am offering myself to Christ to obey Him and the prompting of the Spirit. I started this day intentionally with a cup of black coffee, nothing in it because I don't need it. That only indulges my desire to comfort myself with a treat so I can go without. This might seem silly to some but for me it is meaningful because it sets my mind for the day (rather like making the bed first thing sets of my mind to have a productive day.) I will listen and obey. My battle plan starts with a green smoothie when I hear a growl (which I have been hearing all through this lesson!) I am a "happy captive" because I am dwelling in the safest place possible, at the cross, listening and obeying, washing and repenting."
Chris' answer shows her growth in the Lord:
"I’ve affirmed sooo many times of our victory over sin, death and the devil through Christ’s resurrection power living in us. The Holy Spirit’s enabling power to live in obedience and for God’s glory. YET, I see my need to affirm and praise the Lord that my “old self” which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit (Eph 4:22) was CRUCIFIED with Christ. I need to affirm and praise the Lord how His RESURRECTION LIFE is in me, the “new self” which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Eph 4:24). Praise the Lord I am enabled to walk by and in the power of the Holy Spirit. I am God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to carry out the good works He has prepared for me to walk in. (Eph 2:10) Knowing this truth and victory, why would I desire anything less?!!! Victory in being a slave to my Master, the LORD JESUS 🙌🙌🙌"