There are different shapes that biblical sermons can take. The late great Haddon Robinson, who was a professor on preaching, talked about this in his book, Biblical Preaching. Among other shapes, Robinson talked about a sermon being a proposition to be proved, a principle to be applied, or an idea to be explained. It is that last shape that I believe Paul is utilizing in this section of the letter to the church in Rome. Though perhaps he wouldn’t have used this exact language himself.
In the latter half of Romans 6, Paul puts forth the idea that humans are naturally slaves. Our slavery is to one of two things. We are either slaves to sin and death or we are slaves to righteousness and life.
Paul begins the section by asking the question, “Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace?” He answers that question and explains that followers of Jesus must live as obedient slaves to righteousness. Not just in our actions but also in our heart attitude toward the Father.
As we prepare ourselves to gather together as the church this Sunday, I would encourage you to spend time prayerfully examining yourself. Who are you a slave to? Have you fully submitted yourself to Christ and died to sin? Are you still holding on to sinful desires and worldly ideas? What actions and heart attitudes must you take hold of so that you can present yourself as an obedient follower of Jesus? I would encourage you to read Romans 6 and meditate on the chapter. What stands out to you from the passage?