Commentary on Romans 6:19

Verse Text: "I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."

Introduction

This verse, nestled within Paul's discourse on the believer's relationship to sin and righteousness, illustrates the transformative power of grace in the life of a Christian. Paul makes an appeal to the human experience, inviting the readers to consider the ramifications of their choices in yielding their members either to sin or to righteousness.

Contextual Background

In Romans Chapter 6, Paul addresses the Roman church concerning the nature of sin and grace, emphasizing that believers are no longer slaves to sin but are to present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. This chapter stands as a crucial point in understanding the transition from the old life of sin to the new life in Christ.

Infirmity of Your Flesh

Paul acknowledges the "infirmity of your flesh," emphasizing the weakness inherent in human nature. As Matthew Henry notes, this phrase signifies the susceptibility of human beings to sin due to their unregenerate state prior to accepting Christ. Henry elucidates that while the flesh is weak, the spirit can be made strong through the grace of God.

Yielding Members

Paul's exhortation regarding yielding members to serve either uncleanness or righteousness serves two pivotal theological purposes:

• Choice and Responsibility: Paul underscores that yielding is a conscious choice. As Albert Barnes writes, believers have the agency to choose whom they serve, emphasizing the moral responsibility in the process of sanctification.
• Transformation: The act of yielding does not only imply submission but transformation. Adam Clarke argues that the believer's yieldance to God results in a substantial change in character, where service to righteousness leads to a life characterized by holiness.

Understanding Servitude

In the pursuit of holiness, the concept of servitude is paramount. The contrasting images of servitude to sin versus servitude to righteousness speak to the believer's identity.

Servants of Uncleanness

Paul's reference to yielding "your members servants to uncleanness" suggests a lifestyle governed by sinful desires. As noted by Henry, this uncleanness denotes a departure from the purity expected in a life transformed by Christ. The ongoing servitude to sin results in a spiral into greater iniquity, aptly captured by the phrase “unto iniquity.”

Servants of Righteousness

Conversely, yielding to righteousness is framed as an act of servitude that leads to holiness. Barnes asserts this yielding is not merely a one-time act but an ongoing commitment that requires diligence and effort in a believer's life. The transition from yielding to sin to yielding to righteousness encapsulates the sanctification process, as Clarke highlights the ultimate goal of holiness.

Theological Implications

Romans 6:19 provides rich theological insights into the doctrines of sin, grace, and sanctification. The interplay between servitude and grace offers profound implications for the modern Christian life:

• Grace-Affected Choices: Believers are called to respond to God’s grace through holistic yielding. Paul’s argument establishes that the experience of grace should manifest in the decisions made in daily life.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The believer’s transition is empowered by the Holy Spirit, as noted in the surrounding texts of Romans 6. The Spirit enables the transformation from sinfulness to a life of righteousness.
• Holiness as a Process: The call to holiness is also a perpetual process of yielding, not merely a destination. Henry emphasizes the importance of a consistent approach to living out one’s faith in practical terms.

Practical Applications

For pastors, students, theologians, and scholars, this verse serves as a foundation for several practical applications in the context of discipleship and community living:

• Encouragement in Discipleship: Teach the importance of yielding to God actively and consciously, emphasizing both the choice and the ongoing nature of such a commitment.
• Holistic Living: Encourage believers to reflect on areas of their lives where they may be yielding to sin and to seek ways to yield those areas to God instead.
• Community Accountability: Foster environments that promote mutual accountability among believers, encouraging openness about struggles with sin and celebrating victories in holiness.

Conclusion

Romans 6:19 elegantly articulates the believer's call to a life of righteousness, contrasting the servitude of sin with the freedom and empowerment found in yielding to God. As we engage with this text, we are reminded of our agency in the sanctification process and the profound implications it holds for our identity as children of God. Through the insights of esteemed commentators like Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, the richness of Paul’s theology unfolds, urging us towards a life marked by holiness and divine service.