The Real Choice We Face
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
Romans 6:16–18
One of the most effective deceptions practiced by Satan is to convince people that they have a choice to be completely free in the world—making their own decisions and going their own way. This lie has led countless people to destruction. The truth is that every man, woman, and child born into this world is a servant to something. The only freedom we have is in the choice of what we will serve. By the power of God through the gospel, we are offered the choice to serve righteousness rather than sin. But if we do not exercise that choice, even as believers, we will live in bondage to sin.
The illusion of freedom is quickly shattered once the consequences of sin begin to appear. The fleeting pleasures of sin are quickly replaced by chains and bondage. The harvest of the seeds that we sow cannot be avoided. The choice that leads to freedom from God’s service inevitably leads to bondage to Satan. The choice that leads to freedom from sin places us in binding service to God.
Consider the Prodigal Son. When he left his home for the far country, he thought he was moving toward freedom. He would leave behind his father’s rules and live as he chose. Instead he found himself with the dirty job of feeding pigs—and being so hungry he was coveting what they ate. That is the path we choose when we decide to pursue freedom by throwing off the “shackles” of God’s requirements. It only leads to slavery and suffering.
Romans 6:16–18
One of the most effective deceptions practiced by Satan is to convince people that they have a choice to be completely free in the world—making their own decisions and going their own way. This lie has led countless people to destruction. The truth is that every man, woman, and child born into this world is a servant to something. The only freedom we have is in the choice of what we will serve. By the power of God through the gospel, we are offered the choice to serve righteousness rather than sin. But if we do not exercise that choice, even as believers, we will live in bondage to sin.
The illusion of freedom is quickly shattered once the consequences of sin begin to appear. The fleeting pleasures of sin are quickly replaced by chains and bondage. The harvest of the seeds that we sow cannot be avoided. The choice that leads to freedom from God’s service inevitably leads to bondage to Satan. The choice that leads to freedom from sin places us in binding service to God.
Consider the Prodigal Son. When he left his home for the far country, he thought he was moving toward freedom. He would leave behind his father’s rules and live as he chose. Instead he found himself with the dirty job of feeding pigs—and being so hungry he was coveting what they ate. That is the path we choose when we decide to pursue freedom by throwing off the “shackles” of God’s requirements. It only leads to slavery and suffering.
Today’s Growth Principle:
There is no true freedom apart from choosing to serve God and righteousness in this world.
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