“Freedom in Christ is not absolute autonomy.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 15, 2024
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Romans 6:5-8, NIV
In Romans 6, Paul dives into many of the deepest and most central images of the Christian faith. Union with Christ. Death and resurrection. The crucifixion of our old selves. Yet there is one image that I want us to reflect upon today, and that’s the theme of slavery and freedom.
Apart from the liberating work of Christ, Paul is quick to remind us of our default state of being: slaves to sin. Slavery is many things, but in this context, it is directly related to the loss of agency. A slave’s will is entirely suppressed and subordinated, only able to do the will of their master. And whatever one’s status may have been in the world and in relation to other human beings, Paul is quick to point out that every person is a slave to sin. Sin is a cruel tyrant that always takes and never gives. It promises great joy and happiness yet instead only delivers sorrow, isolation, and despair.
By contrast, Paul invites us today (and every day!) into the freedom that is found in our union with Christ. However, and this is a vital part of our life of discipleship, freedom in Christ is not absolute autonomy. We are not set free from sin to then have an entirely self-guided and self-directed future where the only master we serve is ourselves. This is a lie of the enemy that keeps us in bondage! To live as a disciple is to continue in the posture of a slave. The difference is not in our identity as servants but is rooted in the character and nature of the one we serve.
God is love, and to serve him is to be united to his love in a way that transforms every part of our lives. It is a service that leads to true freedom. And so, choose today to embrace the freedom that is found by living in relationship with Christ and unite yourself to him afresh.
Prayer
Father, we give you thanks today for the freedom from sin that is made possible through Christ’s death and resurrection, and we place ourselves in his loving care today as servants who serve a good and loving King. Amen.
Application
Reflect on what it means for you to live today in the freedom that is found in following Christ.
Related Reading
2 Corinthians 4:8-10; Galatians 5:24; 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Worship Resource
Voices of Lee: No Longer Slaves
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