15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 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, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 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.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection
- Read the passage through your life experience. Do you identify with “we to sin because we are not under law but under grace”? What about “now present your members as slaves to righteousness”? Take time to identify what you do and don’t agree with.
- Search yourself for an area where you don’t walk in freedom but continue to struggle with sin. When do you easily give in to temptation? What comfort, relief or pleasure does the sin give you? What pain or discomfort does it bring? What do you fear you would lose if you gave up the sin?
- Pray and ask God to take over your struggle and unresolved problems. As you determine to obey God’s command, ask God for freedom from these bondages.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv15-18 only.)
Part of the good news of the gospel is that we do not have to go on living in sin. We can live a new life in Christ. The life we now live, we live “to God”. Pray, offer yourselves to God for His service.
Proverbs for Today 15:30-33
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
and good news refreshes the bones.
31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof
will dwell among the wise.
32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.