Click HERE to read the passage.
We often make decisions by taking a “what’s in it for me” approach. As Paul pleads with us here in Romans 6 to live for Christ, he makes his appeal to our human nature – “…because you are weak in your natural selves.” His argument essentially goes like this: Â Even when you think selfishly, the pros greatly outweigh the cons when it comes to living for Christ. No matter how you look at it, it is to your great benefit to give yourself wholeheartedly to Him. (vs 19-23)
So what are some of these benefits?
- We are no longer enslaved to sin
- We have been gifted eternal life – which has both a future and present component
- Our sins are forgiven – we don’t have to live guilt-ridden lives
- We are loved in a way that is almost incomprehensible
- Our lives now have significance and purpose
- We have the assurance of God’s presence
- We have the promise of peace in the midst of the most daunting of circumstances
- We are promised divine guidance through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us
- We have access to the very throne room of God
- We are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy
- We can live our lives fueled by hope especially when facing heartache and despair
- We are given a family made up of likeminded brothers and sisters
The list could go on and on. In fact, I’d love for those of you reading this to add some other benefits that you have experienced as you live for Christ.
When I was in college someone asked me: “If you found out that this Christianity thing was all a bunch of hokum what would you do?” My reply went something like this: “I would still live as if it were true because of all the ways that my life is better as a result of my faith.” Christianity is a good news/good news kind of deal. Not only does it work in real everyday life, but it also just so happens to be TRUE!
Next Week’s Passage: Romans 7:1-6
Memory Verses: Romans 8:1-13