Obedience from the Heart

Bible Reading: Romans 6:15–23

“Now you are free from your slavery to sin, 

and you have become slaves to righteous living.” 

 Romans 6:18 

Freedom in Christ is not the freedom to do whatever we please; it is the freedom to become the people God created us to be. Anticipating a misunderstanding, Paul asks, “Since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!” (Romans 6:15). Every day we choose whom we will obey. Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15), and “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Listening to Christ always leads to obedience, and obedience is the pathway to true freedom.

Paul reminds us that we become servants of the one we obey (Romans 6:16). Once we were slaves to sin, but through Christ we have been set free to serve righteousness. This new life is not driven by fear or by striving to earn God’s favor, but by gratitude for His grace. C. S. Lewis writes, “The really tough work—the bit we could not have done for ourselves—has been done for us.” (Mere Christianity). Salvation is God’s gift, not our achievement. Because Christ has accomplished what we never could, we are free to obey from grateful hearts.

Paul concludes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Eugene Peterson reminds us that God’s truth is never meant to “lie around unused” but is to be woven into everyday life. As we present ourselves to God each day (Romans 6:13), the Holy Spirit empowers us to listen to Christ, reject the old ways of sin, and joyfully live in the freedom of obedience.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

Help us to listen to Your voice, trust Your grace, and gladly obey Your Word. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to live in the freedom that brings honor and glory to You. 

Amen.