Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

The Apostle Paul by the inspiration of God instructs us concerning who we really are. He reminded the Christian of the past before his conversion. That he is in total bondage to sin living from “iniquity unto iniquity”. The word “iniquity” literally means “a bending”, the outworking of sin in crooked lifestyle. But now, in Christ, he has the freedom and the power within him to live a life pleasing to God. God used the Apostle Paul to pen the Scriptures to instruct us in the ways of God. These instructions of righteousness are profitable for practice, teaching us what is good and what is evil.

The Apostle Paul speaks with a sense of relief for the great grace of God upon the Christians in Rome. The ravages of sin in their lives were broken by the power of the gospel. It is truly a matter worthy of thanksgiving.

He must have observed the blessed transformation in the lives of these Christians. When they were willing to follow the instructions of Scripture, they found the strength to live holy lives – being freed from sin, they became servants of righteousness.

The Christian’s testimony before God and men is that we were servants of sin but now no longer. Scripture gave to us in the book of Job, the earliest recorded writing of Scripture such a man of God – Job 1:1 “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed (hate) evil.” The word “perfect” does not mean sinless perfection but holiness. He was a man who walked with God, who made right with God by that close communion with God. He made right with God and he interceded for his children daily. God Himself pronounced him “perfect.”

We are a servant to whom we obey. If we yield to sin, we face God’s judgement. If we choose to walk with God, then we must not yield to sin. We have a choice. Making a sanctified choice is pleasing in God’s sight. Be not a slave to sin. The Apostle Paul reasons with your heart to choose to obey God.

The complacent Christian who received blessing and strength from God can let his guard down to yield to temptation, sinning against God. William MacDonald said well, “We are free from the law but not lawless. Grace means freedom to serve the Lord, not to sin against Him.” No, not so much as a little sin! The Apostle Paul is exhorting the Christians in Rome to spiritual vigilance, consistent holiness. He tells us that this is what the Christian life ought to be!

The Apostle Paul elaborate and emphasise the truth that sin shall not have dominion over the Christian. He has been freed from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. Therefore, sin has no power over him. He has a choice by the divine strength of God, the Holy Spirit indwelling him, to have victory over sin each time. He is no longer under the condemnation of the law. This is the meaning of the phrase “ye are not under the law, but under grace”. Indeed, we do not deserve such tremendous spiritual privilege. But God has bestowed it upon us.

By an entreaty, the Apostle Paul with a sense of urgency requested the Christians in Rome to live a holy life before God. He urged them not to yield to sin but keep themselves pure! This desire to be holy must be cultivated and formed as a holiness habit in their daily living. The stranglehold of sin in their lives had been broken by Christ. They can now choose not to sin. There is indeed great spiritual strength that God has endued every true believer. He is to exercise it for his good.

The Apostle Paul is presenting the truth that sin is wrecking havoc in the lives of the Christians in Rome. He is giving a command of prohibition to forbid the continuance of sin in their lives. He is giving the strongest form of warning and admonition for them to stop sinning. Since the beginning of chapter 6, he has been reminding them of their privilege in Christ. Holiness should characterise the Christian life. Sadly, this was not so!