From Slavery to Sanctification

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Scripture Focus: Romans 6:13-23

These verses offer an opportunity to review or evaluate where a person is in regard to his relationship to God through Christ. Consider the power of this verse;

"Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God... You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."
—Romans 6:13, 18 (NIV)

Paul’s words in these verses serve as a clarion call to identity and allegiance. He doesn’t mince words: we are either instruments of sin or instruments of righteousness. There’s no neutral ground. Most of the message found is scripture has a 'binary' response. Jesus said, "There are only 2 gates, 2 roads, 2 paths, and 2 ways." We make the choice and are on one way or the other. 

The beauty of this passage is not just in the warning—it’s in the invitation.

Before Christ, we were enslaved to sin. Not just occasionally tempted, but bound—our thoughts, desires, and actions bent toward self and rebellion. For some, a reminder of 'where Jesus saved us FROM' is important. In another place, Paul boldly said, "And so were some of you." Paul didn't pull punches, he wanted us to remember our life before Jesus. This is not the end of the story.

Now, through grace, we’ve been liberated. Not to drift aimlessly, but to be reclaimed for holy purpose. Paul uses the language of slavery deliberately. In the Roman world, slaves had no autonomy. Their lives were directed by their master. So when Paul says we are now slaves to righteousness, he’s not suggesting a burdensome life—he’s describing a life of purposeful obedience, where every part of us is surrendered to the One who redeemed us.

Quite likely, if you are reading this, you’ve spent decades traveling this road and helping others move from bondage to freedom. But even now, the call remains: offer yourself daily to God. Your thoughts, your words, your influence, and all the rest—they’re all instruments. The question is: whose hands are they in?

Here’s a simple framework to live this out:

  • Mind: What thoughts dominate your day? Are they rooted in truth or fear?
  • Mouth: Are your words building up the body or echoing the world’s complaints?
  • Motives: Are your plans driven by comfort or by calling?

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