We, all of us, are slaves to sin. We don’t often use such terminology. It’s offensive. We bristle at the suggestion we are slaves to anyone or anything. After all, we are the masters of our destiny, right? The truth is until we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are slaves to sin. The first time we indulge in sin, the first time we disobey God, we enter into slavery. Understand it is our choice. We make the choice to enslave ourselves. It’s a ludicrous truth. Why would anyone willingly subject themselves to a life of slavery?
And make no mistake, this isn’t a play on words. I recognize slavery is a term packed with emotion and history and is not one I toss about carelessly. But Jesus Himself told us everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34). Those are His words, not mine. When we choose to sin, we choose to become slaves.
We see this played out in obvious addictions all around us. Choices we thought we could handle soon begin to rule our lives. Whether the addiction is a substance or a behavior, the results are equally deadly for our souls. Sin, which seemed so harmless at first, begins to dictate our decisions and rule our choices. The reason we often feel so helpless in our ability to resist sin’s temptation is it has become our master. We, in turn, have become slaves to sin. We do what sin dictates, we go wherever it leads us, and we will die because of our choice to give into it.
But of course, there is good news. There is a way out of our slavery and despair. Jesus came to free us. He said whoever He sets free is free forever (John 8:36). Once freed by Jesus we need never go back to living life as a slave. He has given us victory over every temptation, every addiction, and every fear. Whatever you’ve been struggling to overcome, Jesus can deliver you. No matter how strong the addiction, Jesus can break it. There’s a catch of course; you must ask Him to save you from your sin. You’re going to have to admit you need help. You’re going to have to admit you need Him.
The same way we voluntarily entered a life of slavery, Jesus provides a way for us to walk away. He provides the way to freedom. But in the same way we chose slavery, we must also choose freedom. He won’t force you to come to Him. While it will break His heart, Jesus will allow you to live out your days and even your eternity as a slave. It doesn’t have to be this way though. When He died on the cross, Jesus paid the price to redeem you from your life of slavery. When He rose from the grave, He broke every chain holding you down. Jesus has set you free. None of us need to live as slaves to sin any longer. The price has been paid.