Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

¹⁷ But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you re ^[a]delivered. ¹⁸ And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (NKJV)

¹⁷ Pero gracias a Dios, que aunque erais esclavos del pecado, habéis obedecido de corazón a aquella forma de doctrina a la cual fuisteis entregados; ¹⁸ y libertados del pecado, vinisteis a ser siervos de la justicia. (RVR 1960)

In yesterdays opening segment we set the context for Paul’s exhortation here in Romans. Today we pick up with verse 17 and 18. 

v.17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were ^[a]delivered. 

This seems pretty straight foreword. Thank God, Paul says, that y’all who were once slaves to sinful self, were obedient, that is answered the call of Holy Spirit upon your heart, AFTER hearing that form of doctrine to which you were ^[a]delivered. 

The last part can not be stressed enough. The Greek word translated “form” means model or pattern and of course doctrine means teaching. Another translation for “delivered” is entrusted, so this verse could read But thank God, that though you were slaves to your sin nature, you obeyed your heart, that the Holy Spirit urged, and followed the pattern of teaching entrusted to you. 

v.18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

What is the price to be paid for this transformation from a slave to sin? You will become  slaves of righteousness. As we noted yesterday this is not a slavery that restricts and restrains but one that sets one free. We become slaves to the conformity of God’s will and purpose for our life. 

John Clavin in his commentary states: It must be observed, that no one can be a servant to righteousness except he is first liberated by the power and kindness of God from the tyranny of sin. So Christ himself testifies, “If the Son shall free you, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36