No Longer A Slave Series

There is a standard/form of truth. Form translates tupos, which was used of the molds into which molten metal for castings was poured. True saints are committed to this. Committed translates the aorist passive of paradidomi, which carries the basic meaning of delivery over to. It is true, of course, that, through its reading and preaching, God’s Word is delivered to believers. But Paul’s point here seems to be that the true believer is also delivered into God’s Word, His divine teaching. The idea is that when God makes a new spiritual creation of a believer, He casts the believer into the mold of divine truth. The Christian who faithfully obeys God’s Word becomes conformed to the truth of that Word, a living model of the gospel. The divine teaching to which a believer submits themselves in Jesus Christ stamps them with the authentic image of their Savior and Lord (2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9, 2:1).

One who is obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which (they are committed) is one, who verse 18 describes as “having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness”. Paul’s concept of freedom is not that of autonomous self-direction but of deliverance from those enslaving powers that would prevent the human being from becoming what God intended. Let no one say, however, that the two bondages are on the same plane. The one is rigorous and relentless, leading to death; the other is joyous and satisfying, leading to life and peace. To be free from the bondage to sin is a great boon in itself. But life cannot be lived in a vacuum. Service to righteousness means positive achievement that adds meaning to life (Harrison, E. F. (1976). Romans. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans through Galatians (Vol. 10, p. 73). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.).

• When understanding being set free from sin, we must never think of ourselves of ceasing to sin (cf. v.12-13). But we are no longer enslaved to sin. The freedom that believers enjoy in Christ is the ultimate definition of liberty.

Illustration: ‘A number of runaway slaves came to an English settlement in Africa for shelter. When the English company found what these poor people were, they paid the price of every one to his owner, and let them all go free. A missionary belonging to the settlement said it was a touching sight when all the freed slaves came to church to thank God for their liberty. He wept for joy himself, as well he might. The Englishman with a great sum obtained the freedom of these slaves. But what has our Deliverer spent on His gift to us? “God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son.” We were not redeemed with silver and gold, “but with the precious blood of Christ.” ’(The Church Pulpit Commentary: Acts 11–Romans. (1908). (p. 268). London: J. Nisbet & Co.)

A person is a slave either to sin and Satan or free though righteousness to God through:

2) Their Practice (Romans 6:19)

Romans 6:19 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. (ESV)