In the sixth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans we learn about the glory of the Christian’s union with Christ. We learn from this text that this union is a holy union. Because every Christian believer is united to the Lord Jesus by faith, they are made holy. There is a definitive status change from sinner to saint. This is what theology calls “definitive sanctification” meaning we who were once unholy and defiled have been forever made holy and cleansed through the work of Christ by His Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 6:11). The Holy Spirit dwells within us and unites us to Christ. Our union with Christ is the source of all our vitality, strength, holiness, and living.
The Apostle reminded us in this section of what we used to be before we were united to Christ. We were “slaves of sin” (Rom. 6:17). We are also told who we are now because of God’s work in us by His Holy Spirit who drew us to God so that we might believe in Christ. Because of God’s one-sided work of salvation we are now “slaves to righteousness” (Rom. 6:19) This single word appears repeatedly, exactly 6x in Romans 6:15-23. This is very important for us to notice, especially as it appears only one other time before in Romans 1:1.
If you look at the first chapter and the first verse of Romans you will find the following words, “Paul, a servant of Christ” (ESV) Another translation helps us see this word for what it is, “This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus.” (NLT) Paul chose sign his name with this very title.
When you write your letters is this how you sign them? Why not? Is that not what you are? Looking at the text, we find it even more remarkable that the very word “slave” is the very first word Paul uses after penning his name in the original language of Romans. It is the very first word given in the book of Romans and it is not accidental. It is a point of emphasis.
What is Paul getting at? This emphasis on the word “slave” is a window into Paul’s heart and how he understood his role. It is also a reminder to us that regardless of what title we have in this life (e.g., Rev. CEO, Boss, Manager, etc) and regardless of what letters we have after our name (e.g., BA, BS, MA, PhD, JD, etc.) if you are a Christian you must recognize first and foremost that you are a slave. Such a title is absolutely jarring on first read, yet it is also liberating. We balk at this reflexively, but this is a place where we need to grow in our comprehension of our roles in Christ’s kingdom.
We can honestly say we identify as a slave. Given our cultural moment this self-identification becomes both radical and ordinary all at the same time. What we are saying is nothing less than what God tells us we are; namely, slaves of righteousness. Fourth century pastor, John Chrysostom, spoke of our being made slaves of righteousness as “better than any freedom.”
Such an idea as positive spiritual slavery is incredibly foreign and difficult for us to understand as Americans. It may well be downright offensive to our liberty loving sensibilities. Sadly, our pride is too often demonstrated in our proclamations of independence. When we hear such ideas our old nature or (what Scripture calls) our carnal mind thinks, “I’m not a slave. I can do what I want when I want.” Now in one sense, perhaps this is true. You are free to buy a jelly donut, to pick up multiple jelly donuts, and even devour said jelly donuts. But what Paul is pointing out by using such a title is that our highest allegiance, greatest goal, and reason for living must be to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with all our being.
Can you say that this is the guiding principle of your life? Is this what your internet history will confirm? Is this what your bank history will confirm? How about your calendar? What about your kids, grandkids, or spouse? How about your job? Is your life one that is like a mirror whose sole reason for being is to reflect the image of Christ? When Paul tells us about his slavery and ours, he is not speaking of social justice matters. The political stance in view here is the for the Kingdom of God, the sole Christian nation which is known to be the church and not any other geopolitical power. Paul is saying that he is not his own. He belongs to another because he has been purchased and he bears his master’s name on his head like the ancient slaves of old. This we know to be water baptism.
Are you Christ’s slave this morning? The book of Romans chapter 6 tells us that everyone you meet is a slave. They are either a slave to sin or a slave to Christ. Which are you? The Holy Spirit through the Gospel redeems us and purchases us by the blood of Christ. God delivers us from our abusive slave owner (Sin) and brings us to Himself. This is God’s amazing work of grace. It is His radical rescue mission to save and transform His people.
Beloved, if you are a Christian today, God has delivered you from godless slavery and delivered you to godly service. May your life reflect your master honestly. Your life is always going to show who owns you. Only one Master leads to life, but there are innumerable masters who seek to devour you. May Christ open your heart to receive these words.