Romans 6:21
Verse
Context
The Wages of Sin
20For when you were slaves to sin, you were free of obligation to righteousness.21What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.
Sermons
Ron Bailey
Phil Beach Jr.
Thomas BrooksThomas Brooks
St. John Chrysostom
J.C. PhilpotSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
What fruit had ye then in those things - God designs that every man shall reap benefit by his service. What benefit have ye derived from the service of sin? Whereof ye are now ashamed? - Ye blush to remember your former life. It was scandalous to yourselves, injurious to others, and highly provoking to God. The end of those things is death - Whatever sin may promise of pleasure or advantage, the end to which it necessarily tends is the destruction of body and soul.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death--What permanent advantage, and what abiding satisfaction, have those things yielded? The apostle answers his own question:--"Abiding satisfaction, did I ask? They have left only a sense of 'shame.' Permanent advantage? 'The end of them is death.'" By saying they were "now ashamed," he makes it plain that he is not referring to that disgust at themselves, and remorse of conscience by which those who are the most helplessly "sold under sin" are often stung to the quick; but that ingenuous feeling of self-reproach, which pierces and weighs down the children of God, as they think of the dishonor which their past life did to His name, the ingratitude it displayed, the violence it did to their own conscience, its deadening and degrading effects, and the death--"the second death"--to which it was dragging them down, when mere Grace arrested them. (On the sense of "death" here, see on Rom 5:12-21, Note 3, and Rom 6:16 : see also Rev 21:8 --The change proposed in the pointing of this verse: "What fruit had ye then? things whereof ye are now ashamed" [LUTHER, THOLUCK, DE WETTE, PHILIPPI, ALFORD, &c.], seems unnatural and uncalled for. The ordinary pointing has at least powerful support [CHRYSOSTOM, CALVIN, BEZA, GROTIUS, BENGEL, STUART, FRITZSCHE]).
John Gill Bible Commentary
What fruit had ye then in those things?.... That is, what profit, pleasure, satisfaction, or comfort, had ye in the commission of sin? Sin yields no real profit to the servants of it. If a man, by sinful practices, could amass together the riches of the Indies, or gain the whole world, yet if his soul is lost thereby, what advantage would it be to him? he would be infinitely the loser by it; nor would all his wealth and riches profit him in the day of God's wrath and righteous judgment: nor is there any true pleasure in sin; persons may imagine within themselves they enjoy a real pleasure whilst they are serving divers lusts; but this is but imaginary, it is not real; and this imaginary pleasure is but for a season; it issues in bitterness and death: nor is there any satisfaction in it; when men have endeavoured to gratify their carnal lusts and sensual appetites in every way that can be devised, they still remain as they were; nor can they reflect with real satisfaction, and without some slinging remorse, upon the methods they have pursued to gain it: nor is there any true honour in sin, nothing but what is scandalous and disgraceful to human nature; shame, sooner or later, is the fruit of sin: whereof ye are now ashamed; some men may be indeed for the present so hardened as not to blush and be ashamed at the commission of the vilest sins; such are they who have no sense of sin, have no fear of God, or regard to men; and so sin openly, and without any guise, glory in it, and make their boast of it: but when persons are wrought upon by the Spirit of God, they are ashamed of sin; which might be exemplified in the case of Adam and Eve, of Ephraim, of the prodigal son, and of the poor publican; the reason is, because light is struck into their hearts; and this makes manifest the odious and detestable nature of sin; sin is hereby seen in its own proper colours, as exceeding sinful, loathsome, and abominable: besides, the grace and goodness of God are discovered in the forgiveness of it; and the glory of God's purity and holiness, and the beauty and loveliness of Christ, are discerned by such persons; all which have a tendency to make them ashamed of sin, out of love with it, and to abhor it: and a good thing it is to be brought to be ashamed of sin here; for such who are not ashamed of it here, shall be brought to everlasting shame and confusion hereafter. Nay, this is not all; not only shame will be the fruit of sin, but it will also issue in death: for the, end of those things is death: the profit, the reward, and wages of them is death: sin not only brings a spiritual or moral death on persons, on all the powers and faculties of their souls, and is followed with a corporeal death; but if grace prevent not, it will end in an eternal one; for however right and good the ways of sin may seem to the carnal mind, "the end thereof are the ways of death" (#Pr 14:12 16:25).
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:21 eternal doom (literally death): Throughout chs 5–8, Paul uses death to describe the eternal consequences of sin (5:12, 14, 15, 17, 21; 6:16, 23; 7:5, 9-10, 13, 24; 8:2, 6, 13). The language goes back to God’s warning to Adam and Eve (Gen 2:17). This death is not primarily physical death; it denotes separation from the fellowship of God that, if not reversed through faith in Christ, will last forever.
Romans 6:21
The Wages of Sin
20For when you were slaves to sin, you were free of obligation to righteousness.21What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Truth in Jesus (Part 2)
By Ron Bailey1.1K45:08TruthJHN 2:25JHN 3:7ROM 5:1ROM 6:1ROM 6:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of sin and its consequences, particularly death. He emphasizes that the scripture reveals the reality of sin and its impact on the world. The preacher also highlights the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of different Bible truths and how they shape our understanding of God's plan. He uses examples from the book of Romans and the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea to illustrate these points. The sermon concludes with a reminder that it is through faith in Jesus Christ that we can find justification and peace with God.
Out of Adam and Into Christ - Part 2
By Phil Beach Jr.91:00:15Transformation in ChristIdentity in ChristChristROM 6:21GAL 6:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the transformative journey from being in Adam to being in Christ, highlighting the stark contrast between the two states. He explains that in Adam, humanity is bound to sin and death, while in Christ, believers are granted new life, righteousness, and the power to overcome sin. The sermon stresses the importance of understanding our positional standing in Christ and how it should manifest in our daily lives through the Holy Spirit. Beach encourages believers to meditate on Scripture and align their lives with the truth of their identity in Christ, ultimately aiming for a life that reflects the glory and righteousness of Jesus. He concludes with a prayer for revelation and empowerment to live out these truths.
To Sin and Not to Blush!
By Thomas Brooks0RepentanceSin and ShamePSA 51:3PRO 28:13ISA 30:3JER 3:25EZK 16:63LUK 15:18ROM 6:212CO 7:101JN 1:9REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep connection between sin and shame, asserting that true shame arises from the recognition of one's sins and the need for atonement. He reflects on Ezekiel 16:63, illustrating that when God's anger is pacified and sins are pardoned, the penitent soul experiences profound shame for past actions. Brooks warns that a person who has lost all sense of shame is in a perilous state, ripe for destruction and under the influence of evil. He contrasts the shame that accompanies sin with the false bravado of those who, like Caligula, take pride in their lack of shame. Ultimately, Brooks calls for a recognition of sin's shamefulness as essential for spiritual health and redemption.
True Repentance
By Thomas Brooks0True RepentanceThe Nature of SinPSA 51:3EZK 20:43ROM 6:21ROM 7:242CO 7:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true repentance involves a deep awareness of the sinfulness of sin and its destructive consequences, contrasting the nature of God with the nature of sin. He explains that true repentance is marked by sorrow, contrition, and a loathing of both sin and oneself, leading to shame and a desire to turn away from sin. Brooks illustrates that repentance is not a one-time act but a continual process of turning towards God and away from sin, highlighting the necessity of ongoing godly sorrow. He warns that those who do not actively repent may face dire consequences, urging believers to remain vigilant against sin. Ultimately, true repentance is a heartfelt response that seeks to draw closer to God, recognizing the weight of sin and the need for divine grace.
Homily 18 on Ephesians
By St. John Chrysostom0JER 38:4EZK 13:19EZK 18:4MAT 7:1JHN 3:20ROM 1:25ROM 6:21EPH 5:5John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warns against being deceived by empty words and highlights the wrath of God upon the disobedient. Chrysostom urges believers to walk as children of light, to reprove unfruitful works of darkness, and to live in goodness, righteousness, and truth, pleasing the Lord. He stresses the importance of exposing sin and encouraging repentance to bring light into the darkness of wickedness.
The Fruits of Sin and the Fruits of Holiness
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 130:3ROM 6:21EPH 2:8TIT 2:11HEB 12:141PE 1:151JN 1:9J.C. Philpot preaches about the infinite wisdom of God in devising the plan of redeeming love, emphasizing the need for believers to admire and understand God's wisdom in saving sinners. He explains how God's wisdom solved the problems of pardoning sin without compromising justice and making sinners fit for heaven. Philpot uses various characters to illustrate the journey from shame and death in sin to freedom, holiness, and the hope of everlasting life through Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
What fruit had ye then in those things - God designs that every man shall reap benefit by his service. What benefit have ye derived from the service of sin? Whereof ye are now ashamed? - Ye blush to remember your former life. It was scandalous to yourselves, injurious to others, and highly provoking to God. The end of those things is death - Whatever sin may promise of pleasure or advantage, the end to which it necessarily tends is the destruction of body and soul.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death--What permanent advantage, and what abiding satisfaction, have those things yielded? The apostle answers his own question:--"Abiding satisfaction, did I ask? They have left only a sense of 'shame.' Permanent advantage? 'The end of them is death.'" By saying they were "now ashamed," he makes it plain that he is not referring to that disgust at themselves, and remorse of conscience by which those who are the most helplessly "sold under sin" are often stung to the quick; but that ingenuous feeling of self-reproach, which pierces and weighs down the children of God, as they think of the dishonor which their past life did to His name, the ingratitude it displayed, the violence it did to their own conscience, its deadening and degrading effects, and the death--"the second death"--to which it was dragging them down, when mere Grace arrested them. (On the sense of "death" here, see on Rom 5:12-21, Note 3, and Rom 6:16 : see also Rev 21:8 --The change proposed in the pointing of this verse: "What fruit had ye then? things whereof ye are now ashamed" [LUTHER, THOLUCK, DE WETTE, PHILIPPI, ALFORD, &c.], seems unnatural and uncalled for. The ordinary pointing has at least powerful support [CHRYSOSTOM, CALVIN, BEZA, GROTIUS, BENGEL, STUART, FRITZSCHE]).
John Gill Bible Commentary
What fruit had ye then in those things?.... That is, what profit, pleasure, satisfaction, or comfort, had ye in the commission of sin? Sin yields no real profit to the servants of it. If a man, by sinful practices, could amass together the riches of the Indies, or gain the whole world, yet if his soul is lost thereby, what advantage would it be to him? he would be infinitely the loser by it; nor would all his wealth and riches profit him in the day of God's wrath and righteous judgment: nor is there any true pleasure in sin; persons may imagine within themselves they enjoy a real pleasure whilst they are serving divers lusts; but this is but imaginary, it is not real; and this imaginary pleasure is but for a season; it issues in bitterness and death: nor is there any satisfaction in it; when men have endeavoured to gratify their carnal lusts and sensual appetites in every way that can be devised, they still remain as they were; nor can they reflect with real satisfaction, and without some slinging remorse, upon the methods they have pursued to gain it: nor is there any true honour in sin, nothing but what is scandalous and disgraceful to human nature; shame, sooner or later, is the fruit of sin: whereof ye are now ashamed; some men may be indeed for the present so hardened as not to blush and be ashamed at the commission of the vilest sins; such are they who have no sense of sin, have no fear of God, or regard to men; and so sin openly, and without any guise, glory in it, and make their boast of it: but when persons are wrought upon by the Spirit of God, they are ashamed of sin; which might be exemplified in the case of Adam and Eve, of Ephraim, of the prodigal son, and of the poor publican; the reason is, because light is struck into their hearts; and this makes manifest the odious and detestable nature of sin; sin is hereby seen in its own proper colours, as exceeding sinful, loathsome, and abominable: besides, the grace and goodness of God are discovered in the forgiveness of it; and the glory of God's purity and holiness, and the beauty and loveliness of Christ, are discerned by such persons; all which have a tendency to make them ashamed of sin, out of love with it, and to abhor it: and a good thing it is to be brought to be ashamed of sin here; for such who are not ashamed of it here, shall be brought to everlasting shame and confusion hereafter. Nay, this is not all; not only shame will be the fruit of sin, but it will also issue in death: for the, end of those things is death: the profit, the reward, and wages of them is death: sin not only brings a spiritual or moral death on persons, on all the powers and faculties of their souls, and is followed with a corporeal death; but if grace prevent not, it will end in an eternal one; for however right and good the ways of sin may seem to the carnal mind, "the end thereof are the ways of death" (#Pr 14:12 16:25).
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:21 eternal doom (literally death): Throughout chs 5–8, Paul uses death to describe the eternal consequences of sin (5:12, 14, 15, 17, 21; 6:16, 23; 7:5, 9-10, 13, 24; 8:2, 6, 13). The language goes back to God’s warning to Adam and Eve (Gen 2:17). This death is not primarily physical death; it denotes separation from the fellowship of God that, if not reversed through faith in Christ, will last forever.