Romans Part 3 - LIFEनमूना

Instruments of Righteousness

As we continue our journey through the book of Romans, we read of freedom. Chapter 6 speaks of freedom from sin and a “newness of life.” Out with the old, in with the new! That’s the message. Freedom. We Americans love that word! We all long to be free!

Why, then, if we are free from sin and all the trappings, do we still get tangled up in this sin business? Why is it so messy?

If a man serves a lengthy prison sentence, let’s say twenty-five years, and then this man is released, he is now free. Punishment served, freedom. However, this man has no clue how to live in this new-found freedom. That’s why there are halfway houses, training classes, and life coaches. He needs to learn how to live in this new freedom and remain free. It takes time. So, it is with us. That’s why Paul penned Romans 6:13-14. Thank you, Paul!

Paul tells us in verse 13 to “offer” ourselves to God. A daily sacrifice. We must put “SELF” aside and present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness. There’s a good one for us-have we ever considered ourselves as instruments of righteousness? Well, unreasonable grace allows that to happen, in spite of us. Humility and surrender are tough pills to swallow. But, God will begin His good work in us and through us only by surrendering our will to His. Too often, we get this turned around.

In verse 14, we clearly see our position; we are under grace. A heavy price was paid by Jesus for each of us. And because of Christ’s sacrifice, we live in this incredible grace! This unreasonable grace. Sin does not need to call the shots any longer—Jesus does. Sin does not have to own us.

In Jeremiah 6:16a, we read: “This is what the LORD says, ‘Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’”

Yes, we will tangle with sin in this world. Yes, we may fall into sin, but we must not remain there! We are called to lean into the light and shun darkness. We must lean into Jesus and His incredible gift of grace. The invitation and desire to sin will diminish in the light of His glory and grace because we believe Jesus changes everything!

-Mike DeJager