Freedom of Righteousness Outline

Romans 6:15–23 ESV

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

From Bondage to Freedom: Embracing God’s Righteousness

Bible Passage: Romans 6:15–23

Summary: In Romans 6:15-23, Paul discusses the transition from being slaves to sin to becoming servants of righteousness, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace and our choice to live for Him.

Application: This message encourages Christians to recognize the power of their choices in daily living and how embracing God's righteousness leads to true freedom from sin's grasp.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that believers have been given the freedom to choose righteousness through Christ, moving from spiritual death to life, and how this impacts their daily choices and relationships.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage ultimately points to Christ as the fulfillment of the law and the one who enables our righteousness through His sacrifice and resurrection, reminding us that we are no longer under condemnation but under grace.

Big Idea: True freedom is found not in the absence of sin, but in the presence of God’s righteousness through Christ, allowing us to live as His beloved servants.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider digging into the Greek terms used for 'slavery' and 'freedom' in Romans 6, exploring how Paul’s use of these terms conveys the depth of our relationship with sin and righteousness. You might also look into commentaries in your Logos library that detail the historical context of Roman culture and how it might illuminate Paul’s arguments about freedom and slavery, and examine different translations of the key phrases to draw out deeper theological insights.

1. Choosing Christ's Grace

Romans 6:15-17

Perhaps, you could explain how believers are called to a new life through the grace of God and the decision to serve righteousness rather than sin. Highlight that freedom in Christ leads us away from the bondage of sin, urging us to embrace God's grace as the defining aspect of our lives, which makes us truly free.

2. Transition to True Freedom

Romans 6:18-20

You could delve into how this passage emphasizes the transition from bondage to freedom, illustrating the choice believers have in becoming servants of righteousness. Explain how true freedom involves actively choosing to live under God's righteous guidance, rather than being entrapped by sinful desires.

3. Commitment to Eternal Rewards

Romans 6:21-23

Perhaps, discuss the consequences of our choices—sin leads to death, whereas following righteousness through Christ offers eternal life. Encourage the audience to reflect on the ultimate promise of life given by God and how Jesus transforms our eternal destiny, underlining the rewards of serving righteousness.