But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. — Romans 6:17 KJV
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. — Romans 6:17 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
This verse is a powerful affirmation of transformation and redemption through faith, a theme that permeates much of Paul’s letter to the Romans. In essence, Paul reminds the Roman Christians that they were once ‘slaves’ to sin, bound by their previous life choices, and trapped in a cycle of disobedience that alienated them from God. But through the mercy and grace of God, they have been set free from this bondage and have become “obedient from the heart”.
Two significant elements that stand out in this verse are the concepts of “obedience” and “heart”. When Paul speaks of becoming ‘obedient from the heart,’ he refers to a deep, sincere commitment to live by the teachings of Jesus, a commitment that is not superficial or legalistic, but born out of genuine love for God and His word. The heart, in Biblical language, often denotes the very core of a person’s being, their truest self. Therefore, this is not mere external or ritualistic obedience, but a profound internal transformation.
The second part of the verse, “to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,” underscores the importance of Christian doctrine or teaching in this transformative process. It’s not simply about a vague sense of spirituality or morality, but a heartfelt dedication to the specific teachings that they had received, presumably about Christ and the Gospel.
Romans 6:17 also reminds us of the deep gratitude we ought to have towards God. Paul expresses this with his phrase “But thanks be to God,” signifying our gratitude for the transformative power of God’s grace, which frees us from the servitude of sin and enables us to embrace a life of obedience to Him.
The verse serves as a testament to the liberating power of faith and the importance of committing one’s heart to the teachings of Christ. It calls us to reflect on our journey, to appreciate the grace that has transformed us, and to commit ourselves ever more deeply to the path of righteousness. This transformation, from being ‘slaves to sin’ to becoming ‘obedient from the heart’, is a testament to the life-changing power of the Gospel.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, grateful for the transformative power of Your grace. We are thankful for the wisdom in Romans 6:17, which reminds us of the freedom we’ve found in You.
Lord, we confess that we were once slaves to sin, held captive by our own desires and misguided choices. But through Your love and mercy, You have delivered us from that bondage. You have turned our hearts towards You, and have filled us with a deep desire to obey Your Word and live according to Your teachings.
We pray for a renewed commitment to these teachings, Father. May they not just be words on a page, but life-altering truths that mold our character and guide our actions. May our obedience not just be a mechanical compliance, but a joyful response from our hearts, a sincere expression of our love for You.
Help us to live in this newfound freedom daily, not taking it for granted, but cherishing it as the precious gift that it is. May our lives be a testament to this transformation, a beacon of Your grace and love in the world.
Thank you, Father, for freeing us from the shackles of sin and granting us the gift of a new life in You. May we continue to grow in our faith, deepening our understanding of Your Word, and nurturing a spirit of gratitude for the redemption we’ve received.
We pray all these in the precious name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.