Have there been times you reflected on your life, and looked at some of the choices that were made? It causes you to shake your head and wonder what caused me to make that choice. There is a simple answer: sin. Why, because sin was successful in covering the consequences of the choices you made. Think about this, the more you did wrong it became easier to do, and over time it became a habit you were unable to overcome. I know it sends a chill up your spine, but you are thankful for how the Lord was able to deliver you from your sins. This is how your life changed and set you on the path to be a Christian. You live your life for the sole purpose of allowing the Lord to use you. This is the approach Paul took because he wanted to make an impact on the world: not for selfish gain, but for people to know there is someone that will help you overcome the sins in your life.
In Romans 6:20-23, Paul is sharing with the Romans the difference between sin and the free gift God offers. Paul initially talks about the impact sin had on their lives. When they look back at what sin caused them to do they felt ashamed. The primary purpose of sin is to break us. How, when it has been exposed to make us feel ashamed and worthless and to cause us to quit on ourselves. If we quit on ourselves the enemy is hoping we will see no need to live. The ultimate goal of sin is to lead us to death. However, that didn’t work because we have been freed from sin by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This is the free gift God offers to the world. Jesus gave His all by taking the sin of the world to the cross. After He died on a Friday they buried Him in a tomb, but early on the following Sunday He got up with all power in His hands. Therefore, Paul was sharing with the Romans the advantages of being saved. They get sanctification and the end is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
This was true for the Romans and it still holds true for you. Sin was doing its best to take you out before you could come to Jesus Christ. However, the Lord would not let that happen, He gave you the opportunity to make the choice to receive the free gift. You did, and your life has not been the same. Why, because you have received the benefits of sanctification and eternal life. What a mighty God we serve! Continue to walk in your blessings.
