May 25, 2012 (1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.” Romans 6:16 NLT
Observation: In chapter 6 Paul begins laying out the responsibility that comes with accepting Christ as Savior and Lord. He clearly explains that when we come to Christ for salvation we die to ourselves. Our old life passes away and a whole new life begins in Christ Jesus. Our old life was lived in the power of our own strength, but our new life is lived in the power of Jesus Christ. He overcame the world and the power of sin. He showed us by example; it is possible to deny sin a place in your life if you will only put God first. We are slaves to what we choose to obey. We can choose to be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or we can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. We can easily tell what a person is a slave to, by the fruit they produce.
Application: Obedience does not come automatically or haphazardly, it is a choice that must be made. It is a commitment that cannot be adulterated by anything else. We all make the choice each day, the choice to serve sin, or the choice to serve God. The choice is ours. This choice comes with great responsibility and extends to us great benefits or terrible consequences. Success in serving God can never be obtained outside of a right relationship with Christ. Many have tied to serve God through other means, but Christ is the only way to the Father. Christ Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. To make the choice to serve God, we must first make the choice to become a slave of Christ. There is no other way. We must choose to die to sin and become a slave to Christ, if we ever intend to live righteously in this life and reign with Christ in the life to come.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. You are the awesome God of heaven and above You there is no other! Thank You for the power to overcome sin that You provide through Your Son Jesus. Thank You for the opportunity to be His slave! I am blessed beyond what words can express for the privilege. Jesus, You are my choice. I choose to be Your slave and strive to live a life of righteousness for the rest of my days, help me be successful, in Jesus name, Amen!