Romans 6:20

“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.”

Context:The book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, is a letter addressed to the Christian community in Rome. In this particular passage, Paul is discussing the concept of salvation and how believers are set free from the power of sin through faith in Jesus Christ.

Study:

Understanding the background:To fully grasp the meaning of Romans 6:20, it’s helpful to consider the preceding verses. In Romans 6, Paul is explaining that believers have been united with Christ through baptism, symbolizing their identification with His death and resurrection. Through this union, believers are freed from the dominion of sin and granted the power to live a new life in Christ.

“When ye were the servants of sin”:Paul is addressing the believers’ past life before coming to faith in Christ. Prior to their salvation, they were enslaved to sin, living in disobedience to God’s commands. Sin held power over their lives, dictating their thoughts, desires, and actions. This phrase reminds us of the bondage and spiritual darkness from which we have been delivered by God’s grace.

“Ye were free from righteousness”:This phrase can be somewhat paradoxical. Paul is emphasizing that while the believers were in the grip of sin, they were not pursuing righteousness. Sin and righteousness are contrasting forces. When we are under sin’s dominion, we cannot live in righteousness. The point is that sin inhibits our ability to live in accordance with God’s standards of righteousness and holiness.

Contrast between the past and present:The verse highlights the radical transformation that takes place in the life of a believer. Though they were once slaves to sin, their newfound freedom in Christ breaks the power of sin and enables them to pursue righteousness. Through faith in Jesus, believers receive the Holy Spirit who empowers them to live in obedience to God’s will, producing the fruit of righteousness in their lives.

Application:Romans 6:20 serves as a reminder to believers of their former state and the grace that has set them free. It encourages us to live in the reality of our new identity in Christ, no longer being enslaved to sin but choosing to pursue righteousness. As Christians, we are called to live out our freedom in Christ, allowing His transforming power to manifest in our daily lives.

• Romans 6:20 reminds us of our past bondage to sin and our current freedom in Christ.
• It encourages us to embrace our new identity as followers of Jesus and to live in pursuit of righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit.