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“But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.”
–Romans 6:17
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Annotation: Paul gives thanks for the transformation that comes through obedience to God’s truth.
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Note: Gratitude arises from freedom in Christ and a changed life.
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To understand this, let’s break it down:
1. "Thanks be to God"
Paul is offering gratitude and praise to God for the transformative work He has done in the lives of believers. It emphasizes the goodness and grace of God in changing their hearts.
2. "Though you used to be slaves to sin"
This refers to the past condition of the believers. Before they came to Christ, they were "slaves" to sin, meaning they were under its power, bound by its control. Sin was their master, and they had no ability to break free on their own.
3. "You have come to obey from your heart"
This indicates that the believers' obedience to God is no longer just outward or forced; it's from their heart. Their obedience is now motivated by a sincere desire to follow God's will, not out of mere duty or external pressure. This heart transformation marks the difference between their old life of sin and their new life in Christ.
4. "The pattern of teaching"
This "pattern of teaching" refers to the core principles of the Christian faith—essentially, the gospel message and the doctrines that have been handed down to them. It’s the way of life they have now committed to, following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
5. "That has now claimed your allegiance"
The phrase “claimed your allegiance” means that the believers have given their loyalty and devotion to this teaching and the gospel. They are no longer "slaves to sin," but instead, they have chosen to be devoted to the truth of God's word, pledging their allegiance to it.
Overall Meaning:
Paul is expressing thanks to God because the Roman believers have experienced a radical change. They were once trapped in sin, but now they have chosen to follow the teachings of Christ with genuine devotion and from the heart. This change is a result of God's work in their lives, enabling them to move from slavery to sin to living out the truth of the gospel.
The verse underscores the transformation from a life controlled by sin to a life led by the teachings of Christ, with a sincere commitment to obey God. It highlights the freedom that believers now have, not just from sin, but also to live according to God’s will with heartfelt obedience.
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Additional Information:
Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>
