Romans 6:16
Verse
Context
The Wages of Sin
15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Certainly not!16Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?17But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To whom ye yield yourselves - Can you suppose that you should continue to be the servants of Christ if ye give way to sin? Is he not the master who exacts the service, and to whom the service is performed? Sin is the service of Satan; righteousness the service of Christ. If ye sin ye are the servants of Satan, and not the servants of God. The word δουλος, which we translate servant, properly signifies slave; and a slave among the Greeks and Romans was considered as his master's property, and he might dispose of him as he pleased. Under a bad master, the lot of the slave was most oppressive and dreadful; his ease and comfort were never consulted; he was treated worse than a beast; and, in many cases, his life hung on the mere caprice of the master. This state is the state of every poor, miserable sinner; he is the slave of Satan, and his own evil lusts and appetites are his most cruel task-masters. The same word is applied to the servants of Christ, the more forcibly to show that they are their Master's property; and that, as he is infinitely good and benevolent, therefore his service must be perfect freedom. Indeed, he exacts no obedience from them which he does not turn to their eternal advantage; for this master has no self-interest to secure. See on Rom 1:1 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey--with the view of obeying him. his servants ye are to whom ye obey--to whom ye yield that obedience. whether of Sin unto death--that is, "issuing in death," in the awful sense of Rom 8:6, as the sinner's final condition. or of Obedience unto righteousness--that is, obedience resulting in a righteous character, as the enduring condition of the servant of new Obedience (Jo1 2:17; Joh 8:34; Pe2 2:19; Mat 6:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves,.... The apostle goes on with his answer to the above objection, by making use of an argument from the nature of servants and their obedience, a thing well known to everyone, and which none could be ignorant of; which he delivers by way of distribution, that such who yield themselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness: such who obey sin, are the servants of sin; they are at the beck and command of sin; they give up themselves to the service of it with delight and diligence, and are perfect drudges to it: this is a very unhappy situation; their service is very unreasonable; and they are rendered incapable of serving God, for no man can serve two masters; they are hereby brought into the drudgery of the devil; into a state of bondage, out of which nothing but grace can extricate them; into a very mean and contemptible condition, and even a deplorable one; for if grace prevent not, they will have the wages of sin paid them, which is death, for their obedience is "of sin unto death"; which will lie in an eternal separation from Father, Son, and Spirit, in a sense of divine wrath, and in the company of devils and damned spirits: now this is added, to show the malignant nature and just demerit of sin, and to deter and dissuade persons from the service of it: on the other hand, such as obey the Lord, are the servants "of obedience unto righteousness": but why is not this obedience, which is the obedience of faith to the Gospel, of Christ, and of the new man to God or Christ, said to be "unto life", as the antithesis seems to require? because though death is the fruit of sin, yet life is not the fruit of obedience, but the fruit of obedience is righteousness; by which is meant, nor a justifying one before God, but righteousness before men; or a course of living soberly and righteously, which is the effect of being under grace; and hence it appears, that true believers can make no such ill use of their privilege, as is suggested in the objection.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:16 righteous living (Greek dikaiosunē, “righteousness”): In the first part of Romans, Paul uses this Greek word in a judicial sense, referring (1) to the activity of God to set people in a right relationship with himself or (2) to the righteous standing that believers enjoy as a result of Christ’s work (see, e.g., 1:17; 3:21-22; 4:3, 5). Here, Paul uses the same word as it is often used in the Old Testament, meaning the right behavior that God demands from his people.
Romans 6:16
The Wages of Sin
15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Certainly not!16Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?17But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) the Power of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson16K51:10Power Of The SpiritLUK 11:13JHN 3:8ROM 6:13ROM 6:161CO 6:19GAL 5:16EPH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus and to allow the Holy Spirit to have freedom in their lives. The preacher shares a story of a family who experienced a tragic event and how they relied on their faith to overcome fear and anxiety. He then references John 3:8, comparing the Holy Spirit to the wind that blows where it pleases. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of the listeners and for the demonic spirits to be cast out in Jesus' name.
Normal Christian Life Ch 6-7
By Watchman Nee8.6K28:25JHN 12:24ROM 3:23ROM 6:12ROM 6:16ROM 6:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of true commitment to God. He explains that when we offer ourselves to God, He takes it seriously and begins to break and transform us. This process may involve challenges and difficulties, but it is necessary for us to be useful to both the world and God. The speaker also highlights the concept of consecration, where we recognize that our whole life and all our faculties belong to God. This includes presenting our bodies as instruments for His use. The sermon references biblical passages such as Luke 15 and John 12:24 to illustrate the purpose of God in bringing many sons to glory and the importance of redemption for attaining that glory.
The Greatest Sin in the Church
By Stephen Olford6.6K28:37Obedience1SA 15:221SA 16:1MAT 6:33ROM 6:16JAS 1:221JN 2:3REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the greatest sin in the Church and aims to uncover what it is. The sermon begins by referencing 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel questions the importance of burnt offerings and sacrifices compared to obeying the voice of the Lord. The preacher highlights the significance of obedience over sacrifice and recounts the story of Samuel, who was initially small in his own eyes but later elected to choose his own terms of obedience. The sermon emphasizes the importance of wholehearted obedience and its impact on one's spiritual life and salvation.
The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 3
By Alan Redpath5.3K1:04:58ChallengeMAT 6:33JHN 8:36ROM 6:16ROM 14:7GAL 5:1EPH 6:12In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the word of God to a group of young people who were part of a gospel beat group. Despite initial resistance from the elders and trustees of the church, the decision was left to the new minister, who decided to listen to the group play. The speaker admits that he didn't personally like the music, but recognized the opportunity to reach these young people with the gospel. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Christ with those who may seem far from God, and highlights the need for Christians to boldly proclaim the truth in today's society.
Personal Testimony
By Keith Daniel4.3K1:09:40TestimonyPRO 26:11MAT 6:33MAT 7:6ROM 6:16ROM 7:142PE 2:22In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of going against his conscience and the consequences that followed. He describes the moment when his father confronted him after he had gotten into trouble, and the shame he felt. The speaker questions why he made the choices he did, attributing it to a weak moment of wanting to fit in with a crowd. The sermon emphasizes God's horror at seeing someone enslaved to sin and the destructive nature of going against one's conscience.
Enslaved (Compilation)
By Compilations4.3K04:32Surrender to GodFreedom in ChristCompilationROM 6:16In the sermon 'Enslaved (Compilation)', the preacher emphasizes the concept of true freedom, which is found in surrendering to God rather than succumbing to sin. He explains that Adam's disobedience led to a loss of dominion and freedom, making humanity slaves to sin. The preacher argues that true freedom comes from dying to oneself and being enslaved to God, contrasting the temporary pleasures of sin with the eternal value of a life dedicated to Christ. He challenges the church to stop compromising with sin and to embrace their identity as slaves to God, highlighting that true life is found in this surrender.
Submission and Authority (Luke 7:8)
By Alan Redpath3.8K31:02AuthorityMAT 6:33LUK 7:8ROM 6:16EPH 5:21HEB 13:17JAS 4:71PE 5:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Centurion servant and highlights the devastating effects of sin in the life of a believer. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's authority in order to have power over oneself. He warns against the danger of rejecting the truth and leaving unchanged. The sermon concludes with a plea for listeners to consider their own submission to God's sovereignty and to seek deliverance from sin.
Dead to Sin
By Don McClure3.2K46:04ROM 5:1ROM 5:9ROM 6:3ROM 6:6ROM 6:9ROM 6:16In this sermon, the preacher begins by reminding the audience of their standing in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that they are brought in and introduced as royalty to God through Jesus. Moving into Romans chapter 6, the preacher highlights the importance of knowing certain truths in order to be free from sin. These truths include understanding one's baptism, crucifixion, resurrection, and obligation. The preacher emphasizes that sin is the greatest problem in the world and in our own lives, and provides guidance on how to deal with it based on the teachings of Paul in Romans 6.
(Faith Community Chapel) 10/29
By Keith Daniel3.1K1:26:03SinJHN 8:34ACT 3:19ACT 17:30ROM 6:162CO 5:172TI 3:161PE 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of being enslaved to sin. He explains that it is not just about committing isolated sins, but rather living a life of sin. The preacher highlights the tragic reality of being a servant of sin and the consequences it brings. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for true freedom that can only come from Jesus Christ. The sermon also touches on the sinful nature of children and the transformative power of Christ in their lives.
God's Will for Slaves
By Paul Washer2.8K57:57SlavesMAT 6:33ROM 1:1ROM 6:16In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Romans 1:1 and emphasizes the importance of understanding our calling as Christians. He highlights the significance of being a servant of God rather than seeking self-gratification or worldly recognition. The speaker addresses the problem of self-centeredness in relationships, including marriage, and encourages listeners to prioritize God's will over their own desires. He concludes by emphasizing the need for specific knowledge of God's place in our lives and our place in His economy, and encourages the audience to seek discernment of His will through Scripture.
First Epistle of John - Part 1
By Keith Daniel2.7K50:57Bible ReadingISA 7:14MAT 6:33JHN 1:1JHN 1:14ROM 6:161TI 3:161JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from a life of sin. He highlights the power of God's forgiveness and the ability to overcome failures through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The preacher references various Bible verses, including Isaiah 7:14, which prophesies the birth of Jesus as Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." The sermon concludes with the apostle John's reflection on the manifestation of God in the flesh and the assurance that believers are called the sons of God, with the promise of being transformed to be like Him when He appears.
Defective Consecration - Part 1
By Manley Beasley2.6K29:52ConsecrationROM 6:16GAL 5:16JAS 3:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being right with God and having the spirit of life in Christ Jesus working in our lives. He explains that when we are in alignment with God, our lives will be filled with sweet water, representing positive qualities and actions. On the other hand, if we are yielding to the world, flesh, and the devil, our lives will produce bitter water, symbolizing negative behaviors and struggles. The preacher urges the audience to examine their lives and determine whether they are yielding to the Lord or to the forces of hell. He encourages them to let God take control and highlights the transformative power of God if we allow Him to work in our lives. The sermon is based on Romans 6:16 and includes references to other passages of scripture.
Don't Say No to God
By Keith Daniel2.5K54:35ObedienceISA 55:6JHN 8:36ACT 2:21ACT 17:30ROM 6:16HEB 2:91JN 2:2In this sermon, the preacher highlights the issue of addiction and the destructive thoughts that can arise from it. He shares a story of a man who became addicted to evil thoughts and was on the verge of committing a terrible act against his family. However, as he was about to carry out his plan, he came across an advertisement for a meeting and felt an inner voice urging him to go there. He decided to attend the meeting, where God's presence was felt and many people, including the preacher, were moved to tears. The preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to turn to God and seek salvation through Jesus Christ to prevent them from doing something terrible in the world.
The Prodigal Son
By John Alexander Dowie2.5K03:14LUK 15:19LUK 15:22LUK 15:24LUK 15:32ROM 6:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that as believers, we should not be slaves to Satan, sin, disease, death, or hell. The preacher tells a story of a prodigal son who had strayed from his father's teachings and lived a life of indulgence and sin. When the son returns to his father, expecting to be treated as a hired servant, the father instead embraces him with love and forgiveness. The preacher highlights that in God's house, there are no slaves, only sons and daughters, and encourages gratitude for this truth.
Ye Shall Be Free Indeed!
By Keith Daniel2.1K55:52FreedomISA 53:6ROM 1:16ROM 6:16ROM 6:231TI 2:11TI 2:41JN 2:2In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of searching for a young man who was lost and in danger. The preacher expresses his desperation and plea to God to find the young man before it's too late. Eventually, the preacher encounters the young man, who is covered in blood and in a drugged state. Despite warnings from others, the preacher gets out of his car and confronts the young man, revealing that he knows his name and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The preacher emphasizes the power of God's intervention and the importance of yielding oneself to obedience and righteousness.
Defective Consecration - Part 2
By Manley Beasley2.1K17:31ConsecrationMAT 6:33LUK 9:23ROM 6:162CO 5:17EPH 4:27JAS 4:171JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of yielding all aspects of our lives to Jesus. He uses the analogy of owning a piece of land, where if we give 39 acres to God but keep one acre for ourselves, the devil still has a foothold in our lives. The preacher urges the congregation to keep their obedience up to date and to address any known sins in their lives. He also mentions the need for moral change and shares a story about a woman who was freed from something but doesn't explicitly mention what it was. The sermon concludes with a call to worship and surrender all to Jesus.
(The Foundation and the Building) the Simple Gospel Message
By Zac Poonen2.0K57:37PSA 119:9PRO 22:6ECC 12:1ROM 6:161CO 10:132CO 5:17PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the instructions given by the Creator in order to live a better life. He compares life to writing an examination paper, where our thoughts, words, actions, and behavior are constantly being evaluated by God. The foundation of our faith is the belief that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. Once we have received Christ into our lives, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The speaker also highlights the concept of justice, explaining that God cannot simply forgive us without punishment, but instead, He paid the penalty for our sins Himself.
Herod
By Edwin Fesche1.3K10:11HerodJDG 16:4MAT 2:16MAT 14:4MRK 1:15LUK 13:31JHN 3:3ACT 16:31ROM 6:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our actions leading up to making important decisions. He urges the listeners to reflect on their past actions and allow the word of God to guide them towards righteousness. The main command is to repent and believe in the gospel, specifically in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. The preacher uses the example of King Herod, who initially heard the word of God but succumbed to his lusts and made the decision to marry his brother's wife. This decision ultimately led to the beheading of John the Baptist, who had boldly confronted Herod about the unlawfulness of his actions. The sermon highlights the power of the word of God as a catalyst for revealing the true intentions of the human heart.
Sin and Calvary the Need and the Solution
By William MacDonald1.2K23:45CalvaryGEN 3:6NUM 32:23PSA 51:3ROM 3:23ROM 6:16HEB 3:131JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the enslaving nature of sin and its consequences. He highlights how sin blinds people, making it easier to see faults in others but not in ourselves. The seriousness of sin is demonstrated through the sufferings of Jesus on the cross, as there was no other way to atone for our sins. The preacher also criticizes the tendency to blame others or external factors for our sins, instead of taking personal responsibility. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the shifty and destructive nature of sin and the need for repentance and reliance on Jesus for forgiveness.
Does Doctrine Matter - Part 7
By Derek Melton1.2K1:07:05DoctrineROM 6:16EPH 4:281TI 4:16TIT 3:3TIT 3:51JN 3:91JN 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the Christian experience of being dead in sin and feeling the wrath of God. He criticizes the idea of coming to God for personal gain rather than seeking God for who He is. The preacher highlights the importance of the gospel in convicting individuals of their sinful condition and producing repentance. He then references Romans 6:16 and 1 Timothy 4:16 to emphasize the need to obey the doctrine of righteousness and continue in it for salvation.
Does Doctrine Matter - Part 8
By Derek Melton1.2K51:30Importance of DoctrineDoctrineRegenerationEZK 36:25MAT 7:20JHN 3:3ROM 6:162CO 7:11EPH 2:81TI 4:161JN 2:291JN 3:141JN 5:18Derek Melton emphasizes the critical importance of doctrine, particularly the doctrine of regeneration, in the Christian faith. He explains that true regeneration leads to a transformation of the heart and life, evidenced by a love for God and His people, a desire for righteousness, and a rejection of sin. Melton warns against the complacency in modern Christianity that neglects the teaching of sound doctrine, urging believers to examine their lives for the fruits of true conversion. He passionately calls for a return to the biblical understanding of being 'born again' and the necessity of a genuine relationship with Christ, which results in a changed life. The sermon concludes with an invitation for those who feel the weight of their sin to seek true regeneration through Christ.
Does Doctrine Matter - Part 9
By Derek Melton1.1K55:40Doctrine2SA 12:13NEH 1:6JOB 42:5MIC 7:9LUK 15:18ROM 6:161TI 4:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of the doctrine of repentance in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that repentance is not a one-time event, but rather a lifestyle for believers. The preacher highlights that repentance is the first word of the gospel and the last words of warning from Jesus. He also acknowledges that the doctrine of repentance is rarely taught upon, but it is a crucial aspect of regeneration and necessary for believers to live a righteous life.
Does Doctrine Matter - Part 2
By Derek Melton1.1K00:00DoctrineROM 6:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of embracing biblical doctrine in our lives. He challenges the notion that doctrine is boring and should only be discussed by theologians. Instead, he argues that doctrine is essential for every believer to stay grounded in the truth and avoid being led astray by false teachings. The preacher highlights the need for strong, biblical doctrine in a time when many pulpits are promoting unbiblical ideas centered around human desires rather than the glory of God. He urges believers to prioritize the preaching of the gospel and to live according to the word of God, warning of the dangers of departing from the faith and embracing doctrines of devils.
Does Doctrine Matter - Part 6
By Derek Melton1.1K00:00DoctrineISA 53:6JHN 8:36ROM 5:12ROM 6:5ROM 6:16ROM 8:9The video discussed the concept of being a slave to sin and the inability to control it. It referenced Romans 8:5, which states that those who are focused on the flesh are spiritually dead, while those who are spiritually minded have life and peace. The video also highlighted the contrast between the first man Adam, who brought sin and death into the world, and the last Adam, Jesus Christ, who brings life and salvation. It emphasized the idea that humanity has inherited Adam's depravity and penalty, but through a deep study of biblical foundations, one can develop a craving for spiritual nourishment.
Does Doctrine Matter - Part 5
By Derek Melton1.1K00:00Radical DepravityImportance of DoctrineDoctrinePSA 51:5MAT 11:28JHN 3:16ROM 3:10ROM 6:16GAL 1:6EPH 2:11TI 4:162TI 3:161PE 5:8Derek Melton emphasizes the critical importance of doctrine in the Christian faith, arguing that doctrinal heresy poses a significant threat to the Church today. He warns against the dangers of blending the holy with the profane, particularly through popular literature that promotes witchcraft and moral ambiguity, urging believers to guard their hearts and minds. Melton stresses the necessity of understanding man's radical depravity to appreciate the magnitude of God's salvation, highlighting that without recognizing our sinful nature, we cannot fully grasp the need for redemption. He calls for a return to sound doctrine, encouraging Christians to diligently study the Scriptures to discern truth from error. Ultimately, he asserts that salvation is a divine work initiated by God, not a result of human effort or moral goodness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To whom ye yield yourselves - Can you suppose that you should continue to be the servants of Christ if ye give way to sin? Is he not the master who exacts the service, and to whom the service is performed? Sin is the service of Satan; righteousness the service of Christ. If ye sin ye are the servants of Satan, and not the servants of God. The word δουλος, which we translate servant, properly signifies slave; and a slave among the Greeks and Romans was considered as his master's property, and he might dispose of him as he pleased. Under a bad master, the lot of the slave was most oppressive and dreadful; his ease and comfort were never consulted; he was treated worse than a beast; and, in many cases, his life hung on the mere caprice of the master. This state is the state of every poor, miserable sinner; he is the slave of Satan, and his own evil lusts and appetites are his most cruel task-masters. The same word is applied to the servants of Christ, the more forcibly to show that they are their Master's property; and that, as he is infinitely good and benevolent, therefore his service must be perfect freedom. Indeed, he exacts no obedience from them which he does not turn to their eternal advantage; for this master has no self-interest to secure. See on Rom 1:1 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey--with the view of obeying him. his servants ye are to whom ye obey--to whom ye yield that obedience. whether of Sin unto death--that is, "issuing in death," in the awful sense of Rom 8:6, as the sinner's final condition. or of Obedience unto righteousness--that is, obedience resulting in a righteous character, as the enduring condition of the servant of new Obedience (Jo1 2:17; Joh 8:34; Pe2 2:19; Mat 6:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves,.... The apostle goes on with his answer to the above objection, by making use of an argument from the nature of servants and their obedience, a thing well known to everyone, and which none could be ignorant of; which he delivers by way of distribution, that such who yield themselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness: such who obey sin, are the servants of sin; they are at the beck and command of sin; they give up themselves to the service of it with delight and diligence, and are perfect drudges to it: this is a very unhappy situation; their service is very unreasonable; and they are rendered incapable of serving God, for no man can serve two masters; they are hereby brought into the drudgery of the devil; into a state of bondage, out of which nothing but grace can extricate them; into a very mean and contemptible condition, and even a deplorable one; for if grace prevent not, they will have the wages of sin paid them, which is death, for their obedience is "of sin unto death"; which will lie in an eternal separation from Father, Son, and Spirit, in a sense of divine wrath, and in the company of devils and damned spirits: now this is added, to show the malignant nature and just demerit of sin, and to deter and dissuade persons from the service of it: on the other hand, such as obey the Lord, are the servants "of obedience unto righteousness": but why is not this obedience, which is the obedience of faith to the Gospel, of Christ, and of the new man to God or Christ, said to be "unto life", as the antithesis seems to require? because though death is the fruit of sin, yet life is not the fruit of obedience, but the fruit of obedience is righteousness; by which is meant, nor a justifying one before God, but righteousness before men; or a course of living soberly and righteously, which is the effect of being under grace; and hence it appears, that true believers can make no such ill use of their privilege, as is suggested in the objection.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:16 righteous living (Greek dikaiosunē, “righteousness”): In the first part of Romans, Paul uses this Greek word in a judicial sense, referring (1) to the activity of God to set people in a right relationship with himself or (2) to the righteous standing that believers enjoy as a result of Christ’s work (see, e.g., 1:17; 3:21-22; 4:3, 5). Here, Paul uses the same word as it is often used in the Old Testament, meaning the right behavior that God demands from his people.