From The heart
Romans 6:17-18 ESV says, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”
Romans is a deep section of the New Testament that carries a lifetime of truth to search out. In Romans 6, Paul is making a case for our freedom through Christ, breaking us away from the chains of the law. While we do not have the same context as Pauls's original audience, we still tend to fall into religion and rules. The early church was struggling in many places to overcome the grip of the law to live by the Spirit. We, too, have to face this challenge.
No matter where you are in history, sin will be present. Sin takes control of our lives, ruthlessly enslaving us to its passions and desires. Most religions have an approach to this concept which is countered by good living according to the strictures of the faith. If you read more of Paul’s letters, you will see how fiercely Paul contends against striving through the law to gain freedom.
This morning, we have an invitation to see the power of the cross and what the sacrifice of Christ means to us. Romans 6:6-7ESV says, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” Christ’s crucifixion was more than a tragic and transcendent moment in time. It was an example of what we are invited into—a stripping away of sin through death so that we may have freedom.
Can you see how wonderfully good God is to us? His desire for our freedom motivated him to send his son to the earth to give his life for our redemption. God is not a judgmental God waiting for us to fail so he can punish us. He is a generous God who sacrificially opened the way for us to live in freedom.
The transformation from joining Christ in his death is beyond behavior reform. In our first verse, Paul made sure to state that our obedience to righteousness comes from the heart. The call of religion is to change the external conditions to bring restoration to the inner world. The path of Christ is a complete inner transformation so that we radiate the glory of the Lord.
So how does this relate to the journey of abiding? Abiding has to come from the heart. Simply placing yourself in a chair with a journal or a devotional book will not lead to transformation. It may provide a context for God to break into your life and encounter you, but as we mature in our faith, we realize that these things are only tools and helpers.
God desires a family of believers that live free from the heart. I want to challenge you to examine your life and ask God to show you where you resist transformation. Are you clinging to sin? Are you afraid? Today, take the time to ask the Lord these questions and listen for his response.
He is working in us and through us today.
Reflection
What has it looked like for you to be a slave to sin? How has (or is) God worked in your life to bring transformation and freedom?
What is God showing you about living a life of obedience from the heart?
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Abiding happens daily in his presence. Abiding Daily is a simple and practical reminder to stay connected to the vine. Each prompt is inspired by the scriptures and designed to point you toward prayer and encounter. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To get the Daily Invitation sent to you every day click this link or text “Daily” to +1 (779) 237-3914.
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