Not slaves to sin but children of God

For surely you know that when we were baptised into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptised into union with his death. By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life. (verses 3,4)

Read Romans 6:1-11

Slaves are the property of their master as long as they live. They have to do what the master tells them to do, and if they refuse, they are threatened with punishment. Only death can liberate them from their oppression.

All human beings are slaves to sin. We find it easier to trust ourselves rather than God and to seek our own selfish will rather than the good of others. Only by dying to the power of sin can we be freed from the tyranny of doing what is wrong.

When you were baptised you died with Christ. Sin is no longer your slavedriver with power to force you to do what is wrong. Instead, you are free to trust God and to serve the people God has placed in your life.

Remember that you are no longer a slave. You are a dearly loved child in God’s family. God sets you free to experience his love and to share his love with others.

Father, thank you for freeing me from slavery to sin, Father. Make me sensitive to the needs of others. Amen.

by Fraser Pearce, in ‘Refreshment for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2003)

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