Wednesday 21 October 2009
- Bible Book:
- Romans
"What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but 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?" (v.15-16)
Background
In a world where we celebrate the abolition of the slave tradeand continue to battle against modern forms of slavery, today'spassage might make you feel a little uncomfortable. Paul (thewriter of the Letter to the Romans) hangs his whole argument aboutresponsible Christian behaviour on an analogy about slavery.
Today, many Christians feel deeply distressed that Bible passageslike this have been used to justify the slave trade, by those bothwithin and outside the Church. Slavery was accepted in 1st centuryRome as simply a part of life, not especially frowned upon orcondemned. But Paul's analogy shouldn't be taken too literally. Inverse 19 he points out that he's just trying to speak to hisreaders in terms they'll understand.
He's asking them to consider which metaphorical masters they havechosen to serve through the way they live their lives.
In the passage we considered
Paul hastily steps in. He doesn't want the Roman Christians to getthe wrong idea. Yes we are redeemed, but for now we remain fleshand blood people, with lives to live on planet earth and choices tomake in our living. It would be so easy to use God's grace as anexcuse not to try very hard at following Christ's example. Instead,Paul challenges us to demonstrate our love for Christ by living ina way that honours his sacrifice for us.
To Ponder
How might the knowledge of Christ's love for youchange the way you live your life? Why?
Identify one change that you can make, and try tolive this out during the next few days.