Romans 6:19 in the TNIV and Message translations
It is de-emphasized in the Message translation, but Paul is using a slavery metaphor in most of chapter 6. It is hard to imagine slavery being anything other than bad. It is the opposite of freedom, one of our highest values. So it makes sense to us for Paul to describe sin as slavery, and Grace as freedom. We get that. But Paul then describes the Christ-life also as slavery. Become a slave to God, he says. In this kind of slavery there is true freedom, he says.
Underlying truth #1: slavery is our only real choice. The idea that we can be the masters of our own destinies is a myth. Freedom from God is just slavery to sin, packaged to appeal to our egos. It is delusional. You and I will never, in truth, sit on the throne of our own lives. We do, however, get to choose who does.
Underlying truth #2: freedom comes not from us taking the throne, but from the character of the Master who does. We can be free, as slaves to God, because of our Master's nature. As His servants, we are free from the chains that once held us. We walk freely in the world and enjoy all the benefits of His household. But make no mistake, we belong to Him. Like the prodigal son, we can only expect to be servants, but God embraces us and calls us sons and daughters.
I would rather be a slave in God's household and than a "master" in my own. I've already tried the former, and it doesn't work out so well.
Why do you think the illusion of controlling one's own destiny has such an appeal? What benefits do you enjoy as a "slave to God"?
I think it's interesting that Paul doesn't say we are a "slave to God" but rather a slave to "righteousness leading to holiness." Paul hammered the Roman Christians for over-the-top, ever-increasing addiction to sin in previous chapters, and now he wants them to pursue holiness with that same fervor. Because of what Christ has done for us, we can pursue holiness by committing ourselves to living in God's freedom. All that pursuit without Christ, just leads back to death. This goes right along with Paul's call for Christians to run the race in a worthy manner, to buffet our bodies and to train for godliness. Now, this training leads to holiness, because of life and freedom.
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