Sin and Bondage

Scripture Verses that Caught my attention today: Romans 6:1-2 What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?

Observation: In this case I’m thankful that I am personally aware of Romans 7:15 (tomorrow’s reading) where Paul says: “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” This leads me to believe that the words “in order that grace may abound” are particularly important. In other words, we should not ‘sin’ in order for grace to abound. But being captive to sin may be another matter. Romans 7 is comforting from the standpoint that even Paul realized that there were some desired improvements in his life that even he could not accomplish. Hence he is not testing the grace of God, but, rather, trusting the grace of God.

Application: Romans is an excellent book and it presents some of the Apostle Paul’s most mature understandings of the Christian faith. It is therefore not a book to be taken lightly be any means. Chapter 6 includes a predominant Lutheran understanding of being united with Christ through baptism. The chapter also includes the ever-popular verse “for the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Still, chapter six can weigh down on a person because Paul appears to imply that we can quit sinning. It could be argued that Paul is saying that we can quit doing sinful things (individual sins) but just not escape our sinful nature. But in chapter 7 the Apostle speaks of actions which, presumably, are sinful things. Whether it’s a destructive habit, an unhealthy addiction, or some other regrettable routine, the process of initiating and carrying out change can be very complex with spiritual, emotional, physiological and psychological factors all weighing in. In short, positive change can be hard. I suspect that when Paul asked “How can we who died to sin go on living in it?” he knew the answer to his own question. Because we’re human, therefore our only help and hope is in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, it would be nice if everything were easier once we realize that we are claimed by you. But such is not the case. Nevertheless, you do claim us and we are left only to give you thanks and praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, Romans 6)