Peter Barnes | Romans 6:15-22
SERMON NOTES
SLAVES TO SIN OR TO GOD?
(Romans 6:15-22)
– 6:15 is similar to 6:1
1. There are only two categories of people.
– 6:16, 19; In 1525 Martin Luther in The Bondage of the Will: ‘So man’s will is like a beast standing between two riders. If God rides, it wills and goes where God wills … If Satan rides, it wills and goes where Satan wills.’
– verse 19 is an illustration (cf. Rom.3:5; 1 Cor.9:8; Gal.3:15); it does not say everything (note John 15:15; Gal.5:1), but it is true (cf. John 8:34). The Christian is bound to God (cf. Jer.20:9)
2. The service of sin.
(a) It is a form of bondage.
(b) It increases (6:19b). There is something insatiable about sin.
(c) It brings shame (6:20-21).
(d) Sin brings death (6:16, 21)
3. The service of God.
(a) It is true freedom (6:18, 22); see Ps.119:45. Sin enslaves; God frees.
(b) It is about holiness (6:18-19, 22); see 2 Cor.4:16.
(c) It is heartfelt (6:17)
(d) It results in life (6:22).