Delighting in the New Life

Notice: Two weeks ago, we discussed the two ends established- death and life. This is present again, appearing three times in this passage [v. 16; 21-22; 23]; Last week we established the need to live a new life. However, it is important that as we do- we understand living the new life is a matter we should delight in- not dread.

We are no longer slaves to sin. [v. 15]

We have favor. [grace] [[1]]

As such, it is reiterative of last week’s truth: sin should not dominate the believer any longer.

We are now slaves to righteousness. [vv. 16-20]

We have freedom. [no longer ruled by sin]

Slavery to the Greeks and Romans was something of seriousness. A slave was the complete property of his master, and his fate was determined by his master. [2]

Verses 16-17 record the use of the word obey (or some form of ὑπακοή, ὑπακούω) four times. The word literally means “to arrange oneself under” or to be subject to.

As such, it was said of the believer that their master was now Jesus Christ- the righteous one. Thus, their life was to be devoted fully to Jesus.

Notice, though, that then Paul gives thanks to God because of their obedience to the Gospel and thereby a change of allegiance in their lives. This was also something from the heart (ἐκ καρδίας). Concerning which, Barnes wrote, “Not in external form only, but as a cordial, sincere, and entire service. No other obedience is genuine.” [3]

This was the type of obedience that produced genuine, lasting, changed evidential fruit.

[18-20] records the change as a process whereby one’s allegiance is not to lawlessness but to righteousness- resulting in sanctification. William Barclay defined sanctification as “the road to holiness” [4]

The phrase, “weakness of flesh” refers to the human finite mind which is unable to comprehend spiritual things. [5]]

APPLICATION: Our lives should support an allegiance to righteousness as believers.

We produce fruit for righteousness. [vv. 21-23]

We live a life not ashamed of our works.

The result of the transformation in the life of a believer is this: the production of fruit that is not that of shame to God resulting in death, but that of sanctification, bringing honor to God and resulting in eternal life.

Verse 23 is explanatory in function and perhaps emphatic in purpose: the reason we delight in this new life- the reason we celebrate is as follows:

the one master, Satan, pays death.

The other master, Jesus Christ, pays eternal life.

The explanation has been provided by a few (namely, Barclay and Barnes) to describe the terms used in v. 23 to be that of military terms- the pay/wages (όψώνια) of such referred that due unto a soldier for his labor; the gift (χάρισμα) used in Latin (donativum) referred also to a special gift given to a soldier by the emperor upon special occasion. [6]

APPLICATION: Our lives should evidence fruit of righteousness.

Takeaways:

[1] Does a close examination of your life recently cause you to delight in the fruit produced or to be ashamed thereof?

Bibliography:

[1] Warren Wiersbe, Romans, Be Right: How to be Right with God, Yourself, and Others (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 1977), 78-79. (points “a” under thoughts 1 and 2 are from this source)

[2] Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with a Commentary and Critical Notes, New Edition., vol. 6 (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife Corporation, 2014), 79.

[3] Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 149.

[4] William Barclay, The Letter to the Romans, The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2017), 107.

[5] Barnes, 149.

[6] Barclay, 107-108; Barnes, 151-152.

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