Scripture to Read: Romans 6:20–21
Today, God opens our eyes to the reality we lived in apart from Christ. But let’s be sure and understand that what we learn today is still a reality for every person on this earth that is still separated from Christ. Through Paul, God tells us in Romans 6:20–21, “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death.” At first glance, the wording seems optimistic in Romans 6:20, but that is definitely not the reality. God is showing us that before surrendering to Christ as Lord, there was zero desire for us to submit to God and walk in obedience to Him. That means everyone who is still lost in their sin has no desire to walk with God or please Him. We live in a dark world and see the results of that darkness daily. When we hear about the sin people choose to live in, it breaks (or should break) our hearts. Sin results in death, it always has, and it always will. Being “free in regard to righteousness” is not freedom; instead, it is complete bondage to sin and the death it brings to everyone. God brings out the point of how empty a person's life is that is built on sinful choices, for God has Paul ask what benefit came from the sinful choices we use to make. There’s no benefit because the outcome is death.
Challenge & Application
Before we surrendered to Christ as Lord, why was there zero desire to honor or please God through our choices?
How can you help someone this week who is still lost in their sin and reaping death in their lives because of sin?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!