Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (114) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered, and having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
Romans 6:17.18


Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (114)
With regard to the Christians in Rome to whom Paul was writing, he could thank God. For when someone then turned from the idolatry and immorality in the capital city and joined the

Christians, one could generally assume that he had made a clear decision for Christ and against sin. His life no longer stood under the oppressive dominion of sin, but in voluntary obedience towards Christ.

The Christians in Rome "obeyed from the heart", and their obedience referred to "the form of doctrine" to which they had devoted themselves. What could that form of doctrine be other than the "gospel of God concerning his Son Jesus Christ" with all that it embraces? (cf. Romans 1, 1 - 6). This good news had a Person at its centre, our Saviour and Lord. It includes all the riches granted to believers in Christ, as well as the commitments resulting from them.

Obedience is not demanded in order to be just before God. Believers have already attained that state. Now they obey "from the heart", having been made so rich through grace, and because grace brings Christ the Saviour constantly before their eyes as the motive. To this form of doctrine the Christian has, as it were, surrendered as to a new master.

Those who once stood under the power of sin can now serve righteousness

(to be continued next Sunday)