“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.”– Romans 6:20 (KJV)
“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.”– Romans 6:20 (NLT)
“As long as you did what you felt like doing, ignoring the truth, you didn’t have to bother with right thinking or right living.”– Romans 6:20 (MSG)
What Does Romans 6:20 Mean?
Romans 6:20 talks about the contrast between being a servant or slave to sin and being free from righteousness. Essentially, Paul is speaking to the believers in Rome about how their past lives prior to accepting Christ were consumed by sin. In our earlier lives, we may have acted on our impulses and desires without a thought for righteousness including morality and justice. The phrase “servants of sin” hints that we once bowed to sin, like someone serving a master.
In a way, we can think of it like this: if we are serving sin, we are letting it take the lead in our lives instead of focusing on what is right according to God. This lack of concern for righteousness shows us how sin can lead us away from God. When we weren’t trying to live a life aligned with Godliness, we were free from the burden of striving for righteousness. However, this doesn’t mean being aimless is a good thing. It means that our focus was entirely on ourselves and fulfilling our desires.
Romans 6:20 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, Paul addresses the Romans and elaborates on the concept of spiritual slavery. He uses the term “servants of sin” to describe how people are bound by the desires that lead them away from God. When we think about it, our lives before knowing Christ were just that: we were slaves to our impulses. We did things that felt good or right in our own eyes, without thinking of their consequences.
Paul is making a powerful declaration here. By saying we were “free from righteousness,” he implies that living in sin creates a kind of freedom that is misleading. Yes, we may feel like we have the liberty to do whatever we want but this so-called freedom comes with spiritual bondage and isolation from God’s will. Rather than being liberating, this independence keeps us away from the true freedom found in Christ and in living righteously. It’s almost like growing accustomed to a life that never leads us towards God’s intended purpose.
Take a moment to think about that. How many times do we chase things that ultimately leave us thirsty and unsatisfied? In those moments, sin can feel fun or appealing, but those moments are temporary. This short-term enjoyment can often lead to long-term regret. When we focus on fulfilling our own desires, we create a distance from God’s love and grace.
Paul continues by emphasizing that once we turn away from sin and start living for righteousness, we enter into a new relationship with God. We are freed from the old ways of living. Therefore, we no longer find joy in things that once dominated our lives. Instead, we find true joy, peace, and fulfillment in a relationship with God that puts love, righteousness, and accountability at the center.
Context of Romans 6:20
To better grasp the message of Romans 6:20, it is crucial to understand the context. The Apostle Paul wrote the entire book of Romans to explain the significance of the Gospel and God’s plan of salvation. In chapter six, Paul focuses on the transformative power of accepting Jesus Christ—a shift that takes us from living in sin to living in righteousness. Leading up to verse 20, Paul has already discussed the idea of dying to sin and being made alive in Christ.
This chapter encourages us to see the importance of our identity and how it plays a significant role in our lives. When we read Romans 6:20, we recognize that Paul is contrasting a life governed by sin with one that is governed by righteousness through Jesus Christ. He highlights the idea that the transformation we undergo should make us keenly aware of the decisions we make, as they directly influence our walk with God.
For many of us, wrestling with our past and trying to break free from old habits can be a struggle. Paul highlights that while we were once slaves to sin, it does not have to define us anymore. Accepting Christ gives us a brand new start that empowers us to live differently. In this light, Romans 6 serves as hope and encouragement to those wanting to step away from their past. Paul reminds us that we can break free and live transformed lives by surrendering to God, no longer letting sin dictate our beliefs or actions.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Romans 6:20
In Romans 6:20, the two main phrases that carry immense weight are “servants of sin” and “free from righteousness.” Through this lens, we see two sides of the same coin. Paul is making it clear that serving sin comes with a high price that we’ve often ignored. We’ve willingly allowed ourselves to dwell in a space that leaves us disconnected from God’s righteousness, feeling lost and without direction.
When we think of being a servant to sin, it’s almost a vivid image of people being held captive, not seeing the light or hope because they are consumed by their actions. This state of being can lead to a multitude of struggles, mental health issues, and ultimately a separation from God’s grace. However, when Paul introduces the phrase “free from righteousness,” he opens the door to a major realization. It makes clear that without striving for righteousness, we are living in a void. It’s the missing piece that offers us a life defined by love and God’s purpose rather than bondage.
Understanding these terms helps us visualize who we were and who we are meant to be. It offers clarity on the importance of making intentional choices that honor God. It’s about choosing to step away from sin and embrace a life that seeks righteousness and brings us into a better relationship with God. This journey is a daily decision we make, choosing to refuse the tempting ways of sin while leaning into the love that will guide us towards hope and healing.
As we construct this understanding from that verse, we gain insight into why our choices matter. If we are to strive toward righteousness, we must actively engage with our faith through prayer, community, and studying God’s Word. These practices lead us to have a relationship that nurtures our spirits and affirms our identity in Christ.
Lessons to Learn From Romans 6:20
When reflecting on Romans 6:20, several key lessons emerge that can guide us toward a more fulfilling life in Christ. First, we learn accountability. Understanding we were once “servants of sin” means recognizing how easy it is to fall back into old habits. It serves as a reminder to take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. With this awareness, we can make better decisions moving forward, knowing the potential impact of our choices on our spiritual journey.
Second, the verse emphasizes the importance of embracing change. The moment we accept Christ, we enter a transformation that reshapes us into new creations. This transformation is not a one-time event; it is a continuous process. It equips us to break free from the chains of sin and embark on a path toward righteousness. We are encouraged to pursue a life aligned with God’s purpose every day, allowing the Holy Spirit to mold us into vessels of grace.
Lastly, Romans 6:20 reminds us of the dichotomy between sin and righteousness—the two sides of a spiritual coin. We can’t be fully committed to both. We are called to choose righteousness over sin, forming our lives around what God desires for us. This journey may not always feel easy, and we may face temptations, but we can lean on our faith community for support, encouragement, and prayer on our paths toward righteousness.
Final Thoughts
Romans 6:20 lays a solid foundation for us to understand our past and invites us to a new future. Through its teachings, we see that our former lives, consumed by sin, do not have to define who we are today. As we continue to grow in faith, let us remember that God offers freedom—a freedom that transforms us from being “servants of sin” to pursuing a life of righteousness. This journey, while sometimes challenging, carries with it great beauty. We have the opportunity to pursue meaningful relationships, purpose, and true fulfillment in life.
As we move forward, let us not shy away from engaging with difficult conversations surrounding sin, grace, and encouragement in our lives. Instead, let us gather in community to uplift one another and grow in faith. If you want to explore other relevant topics related to our spiritual growth, check out Acts 14:24 or Joshua 10:19. Both expose the beauty of God’s love and encourage us to seek righteousness together. Let these lessons guide us as we strive for a life that reflects Christ’s love and grace.