“16Do 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?” – Romans 6:16 (ESV)
I am a slave or in the context of these verses, a bondservant. I obey the one I serve, and in return I receive what is due. I may not “deserve” what I receive, but I will receive regardless. I have the chance to serve either sin or I can serve God, and what I receive is in line with where my service is directed.
“19I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slave to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.” – Romans 6:19 (ESV)
Paul points out here that I was a slave to sin at one time and that through the gift of salvation I have moved my servant-hood from sin to God and that leads to my rewards in heaven. As a sinner, I deserve death, but the gift of salvation from God is way more than I deserve and for that, I owe my obedience to God who gave to me.
“23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23 (ESV)
Where are you finding your obedience? Are you being led to the path of death by being a slave to sin? What if you were to accept the free gift of salvation and instead be a slave to God?
Trevor's Thoughts 