Everyone serves something- true freedom is found in belonging to Christ.

Paul reminds us that everyone serves something. Sin may promise freedom, but it leads to bondage and death. Obedience to God may look like surrender, but it leads to righteousness, freedom, and life. True freedom is not doing whatever we want, it is belonging to the One who gives life.

Paul contrasts two outcomes:

• the wages of sin = death
• the gift of God = eternal life in Christ

Sin gives what is earned. God gives what cannot be earned. That is the difference between bondage and grace.

Reflection ?: What patterns, habits, or desires compete for mastery in your life?

Dig Deeper: How is biblical freedom different from the world's definition of freedom?