Rom.8:12 - “Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.” Remember that wise saying about scripture, “whenever you see a therefore, see what it’s there for.” Verses 10-11 discuss the struggle between sin and righteousness, the flesh and the spirit. In that context Paul writes, “we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature,” affirming that our obligation is to righteousness and Christlikeness, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Although we used to be, we are no longer slaves to sin nor are we any longer compelled to be subject to its power; we are now slaves to obedience and righteousness, and ultimately to God (Rom.6:15-20). I don’t have to sin - 1 Jn.3:6 clears that question up, telling me, “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” Christians aren’t ever going to be perfect on this earth but we are not to live in bondage to sin but instead are called to live in bondage to obedience and righteousness, in His Spirit, that resulting in the overcoming, victorious and abundant life Christ promises to all who follow Him. This is one more of those laws of the human existence: just like we were made to fear and will fear either God, which releases us from all other fear, or all other fear, and just like we were created to worship and will now worship either God, which frees us from idolatry, or all other idols, so too we were created to be slaves and will either be enslaved to God, righteousness and obedience, which frees us from the power of sin, or to sin and the sinful nature. The only true freedom is found in bondage to the author of freedom, God Himself (Gal.5:1). I am a slave to Christ (Rom.1:1, 1 Cor.7:22, Gal.1:10, Col.4:12, Titus 1:1, James 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1 and Jude 1:1) and I have an obligation to Christ and Christlikeness in the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor.3:18).
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