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Breaking The Chains
Sin is a complicated struggle. Paul describes the relationship we have with sin as slavery. We must break free from the incarceration of sin and openly become slaves to Christ. I understand this imagery; it’s simple enough to grasp. And yet, becoming a slave to Christ and a slave to righteousness does not free you from the temptation and struggle with sin. It is a continual daily battle to cast off those chains and replace sin with righteousness.
Paul states he wouldn’t know what sin was if it weren’t for the law telling him not to covet. So while the law protects us, it also brings a mental awareness and acknowledgment of sin into our lives. Tread carefully. Ultimately Christ’s laws of righteousness overcome others. However, it takes conscious action and honesty to remain righteous.
These two areas of righteousness further complicate the struggle: by the law and by faith. Righteousness by the law can be easily measured. It involves outward action or inaction that cannot be denied. Righteousness by faith requires intensive action within the self and in turn also demands introspection, honesty, and accountability. Paul addresses Moses’s concerns with these issues as he questions the ability to call on one that is not believed in.
If we do not become slaves to Christ and continually strive for righteousness, then we will not be fulfilling our faith and have no right to call on Christ for aid. However, by grace, we may continually strive forward in hopes of one day fully breaking the chains of sin with eternal life.
Written By Jess Tucker
Student, Oklahoma Christian University
Sin is a complicated struggle. Paul describes the relationship we have with sin as slavery. We must break free from the incarceration of sin and openly become slaves to Christ. I understand this imagery; it’s simple enough to grasp. And yet, becoming a slave to Christ and a slave to righteousness does not free you from the temptation and struggle with sin. It is a continual daily battle to cast off those chains and replace sin with righteousness.
Paul states he wouldn’t know what sin was if it weren’t for the law telling him not to covet. So while the law protects us, it also brings a mental awareness and acknowledgment of sin into our lives. Tread carefully. Ultimately Christ’s laws of righteousness overcome others. However, it takes conscious action and honesty to remain righteous.
These two areas of righteousness further complicate the struggle: by the law and by faith. Righteousness by the law can be easily measured. It involves outward action or inaction that cannot be denied. Righteousness by faith requires intensive action within the self and in turn also demands introspection, honesty, and accountability. Paul addresses Moses’s concerns with these issues as he questions the ability to call on one that is not believed in.
If we do not become slaves to Christ and continually strive for righteousness, then we will not be fulfilling our faith and have no right to call on Christ for aid. However, by grace, we may continually strive forward in hopes of one day fully breaking the chains of sin with eternal life.
Written By Jess Tucker
Student, Oklahoma Christian University
About this Plan
We invite you to join us in reading through the New Testament. If you dedicate about 25 minutes to this plan every day, you will have completed the entire New Testament in 60 days! May the Lord bless you as you become "Daily Versed" and experience the Lord through His word.
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We would like to thank Oklahoma Christian University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.oc.edu/youversion
