Power to Choose

When we were sinners, we were slaves to sin. But when we have faith in Jesus to make us right with God, we are set free from the power of sin. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again from the dead, he took on the punishment we deserved for our sin, freeing us from our sin and its consequences. Sin can only lead to death, but by choosing to follow Jesus, we are set free from sin and death.

The passage today talks about us becoming “slaves to righteousness”, meaning we’re made right before God. The word “slave” helps us to think about our nature. When we were a slave to sin, we couldn’t help but sin. Just like it’s in a dog’s nature to bark, it was our nature to sin and rebel against God. But now we are called to offer ourselves as slaves to righteousness – to freely choose to obey God; to choose things that lead to holiness. This is not always easy. We will still sin, but even now we can choose to follow and love God. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can live lives of holiness.

This means that sin has no power over us anymore because we have been given the power to let go of our sin and obey God.

Questions: 

1. Just because we’re free from the consequence of sin doesn’t mean it’s okay to continue sinning. Why do you think that is? Hint: have a look at Romans 6:1–14 or Colossians 3:1–10. 
2. There is power in choice. Knowing this, what should you think about or consider before you make a choice that will affect others? 
3. As Christians, even though we are now slaves to righteousness, we still sin and are called to make an effort to live a life for God. What is one thing you can do today to live your life for God more actively?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you have set me free from sin through Jesus. You have taken away the power of sin over my life and given me the freedom to choose to live for you. In your mercy, you have made me a follower of righteousness. Help me live for you in every way and say no to sin so that others might see your love in my life. Amen.