Romans 6:19

I speak after the manner of men (anqrwpinon legw). "I speak a human word." He begs pardon for using "slaving" in connection with righteousness. But it is a good word, especially for our times when self-assertiveness and personal liberty bulk so large in modern speech. See 2 Corinthians 3:5 ; Galatians 3:15 where he uses kata anqrwpon. Because of the infirmity of your flesh (dia thn asqeneian th sarko umwn). Because of defective spiritual insight largely due to moral defects also. Servants to uncleanness (doula th akaqarsiai). Neuter plural form of doulo to agree with melh (members). Patently true in sexual sins, in drunkenness, and all fleshly sins, absolutely slaves like narcotic fiends. So now (outw nun). Now that you are born again in Christ. Paul uses twice again the same verb paristhmi, to present (paresthsate, parasthsate). Servants to righteousness (doula th dikaiosunh). Repeats the idea of verse Galatians 18 . Unto sanctification (ei agiasmon). This the goal, the blessed consummation that demands and deserves the new slavery without occasional lapses or sprees (verse Galatians 15 ). This late word appears only in LXX, N.T., and ecclesiastical writers so far. See on 1 Thessalonians 4:3 ; 1 Corinthians 1:30 . Paul includes sanctification in his conception of the God-kind ( Romans 1:17 ) of righteousness (both justification, Romans 1:18-5:21 and sanctification, chapters Romans 6-8 ). It is a life process of consecration, not an instantaneous act. Paul shows that we ought to be sanctified ( Romans 6:1-7:6 ) and illustrates the obligation by death ( Romans 6:1-14 ), by slavery ( Romans 6:15-23 ), and by marriage ( Romans 7:1-6 ).