“From Slaves to Servants: Living in Freedom”

Text:

Romans 6:17–19 CSB

17 But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over, 18 and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness. 19 I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity, and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification.

HOOK

Illustration: Think about signing up for a gym membership.

You pay the fee, get the key card, and have full access to the equipment.

But if you never show up, nothing changes…

Freedom to use the gym doesn’t make you fit—commitment does.

Question: In the same way, what good is freedom from sin if we don’t commit to righteousness?

BOOK – Explain the Text

Key Points:

Romans 6:17 CSB

17 But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over,

1. Gratitude (v.17)

Paul begins: “But thank God…”

Freedom is God’s work, not ours.

We didn’t break our chains—He did.

Illustration: A prisoner who walks out of jail doesn’t thank himself—he thanks the one who opened the door.

2. Past Reality: Slaves to Sin (v.17)

“you used to be slaves to sin…”

Sin wasn’t just something we did—it was our master.

Slavery = total control, not occasional influence.

If you are still a slave to sin, something’s not right

pray for repentance

3. Present Reality: Obedience from the Heart (v.17)

The Gospel transforms hearts, not just minds.

Many folks sitting in churches on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights have an understanding in their minds, but their hearts have never been changed.

“Pattern of teaching” = a mold that is shaping our lives.

Romans 6:17 CSB

you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over…

The gospel

The Word of God

What does it say?

4. New Allegiance: Slaves to Righteousness (v.18–19)

Romans 6:18 CSB

18 and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.

Freedom in Christ means a new allegiance.

what does it mean to have “allegiance”?

“Allegiance” = the faithfulness owed by a subject, citizen, or noncitizen resident to a sovereign or government

devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause

Freedom in Christ is allegiance to Christ

Paul uses slavery as an analogy to show total commitment.

slavery to Christ is the most freedom a person can experience

Sin is the true bondage.

Sin keeps you enslaved

physically

Spiritually

Emotionally

Romans 6:19 CSB

19 I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity, and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification.

5. “Offer Yourselves” (v.19)

Sanctification is active: the same energy once used for sin should now fuel holiness.

If you can spend endless energy in living in sin, you can use the same energy for righteousness.

and the fact is, you have MORE SPIRITUAL ENERGY because of Holy Spirit who is our Helper.

Illustration: Think of a soldier who switches sides in a war. He doesn’t just stop fighting; he fights for a new commander.

LOOK – So What?

Questions for Reflection:

Who or what is your master today?

whom do you answer to when they call?

sin and the flesh or Jesus?

What pattern of teaching is shaping you—culture or Christ?

Where do you need to “switch sides” this week?

Question: Ask: “What’s one area where you’ve felt the pull of your “old master” recently?”

TOOK – Challenge

Call to Action:

Offer yourself daily: “Lord, I’m Yours.”

“Go before me.”

“I don’t know what’s ahead of me today, but You do.”

“Prepare my heart”

Replace old habits with new disciplines.

habits just kind of form themselves and enslave you

Disciplines are formed on purpose to accomplish or avoid a thing

Celebrate freedom: Thank God for breaking chains.

Closing Illustration: Picture throwing away prison clothes and putting on a royal robe—that’s what happens when we live as servants of righteousness.