For those of you who have been following our church devotional program, you know that last month we finished up Acts and now we are in the book of Romans! Romans packs a wallop of theology on important topics like: faith and works, law and grace, sin and righteousness, judgment and justification, and this list could go on.
A quick recap of Chapter 1-3, Paul explains that ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God both the Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles were lost in idolatry and unbelief and the Jews knowing God's law and promises still fell far short of keeping them. Paul shares, however, a glimmer of hope in that justification and redemption does not come by works but by faith. This means that people don't earn salvation. Jesus gave people a free gift of salvation to all who believe in Him. This leads us to the discussion Chapter 4-6 of faith vs. works does not give a license for people to live in sin.
In Chapter 6, Paul makes it very clear that faith and grace does not give us free license to do "whatever we want" or to "live in sin". Paul ask a sharp rhetorical question in the first verse, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" Well, the answer is NO! By no means are people to continue sinning. Jesus died on the cross so that we don't have to be stuck in a lifestyle of disobedience to God. Instead, we can live a life PLEASING to God. So instead of being a slave to sin, Jesus gives us a chance to be a servant of righteousness.
This is a simple reminder to me that just because I am saved doesn't mean that I can live life MY way. In fact, I am saved so that I can live my life in service to Jesus Christ. I have traded my remaining time on earth to focus NOT on me BUT on Him! Jesus becomes the master of my life (a much better master than myself) and I am willing to trust Him with my life. Can you say the same thing today?
