Romans 6:19-20 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh… I. ITS METHOD. "After the manner of men," i.e., (Gr.) humanly — as men ordinarily speak, borrowing any illustrations from common life. Spiritual subjects are made plainer by familiar comparisons, and so preachers should use simple language and homely illustrations. This was exemplified in Christ, and inspired writers in general. The most useful preachers have ever been those who speak most humanly. The arrow too high flies over the head; too low falls short of the mark. II. THE REASON FOR THE METHOD. "The infirmity of your flesh" — imperfect knowledge through the flesh — an apology for the use of the expression "slaves," etc. Some believers are still babes and carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Hebrews 5:12-14); others are spiritual and of a full age. In God's family are fathers, young men, little children (1 John 2:12-14). The flesh is an impediment to the apprehension of truth. Carnal nature views holiness not as liberty but as bondage. Arguments and modes of speaking to be adapted to the hearer's state. Let not the mature and enlightened, then, cavil at methods adapted to reach the immature and ignorant and vice versa. III. ITS SUBSTANCE. 1. A reminiscence. "As ye have yielded your members" servants — (1) To uncleanness, a characteristic of heathen life in general (Romans 1:24). Uncleanness is sin against oneself: unchastity of life. All sin is uncleanness; some sins especially so (Romans 13:13). The greatest slave is he who serves sensual pleasures. (2) To iniquity — unlawfulness — what is opposed to God's law, and even the laws of human society (Luke 18:4). Uncleanness and iniquity include the whole circumference of sin (Matthew 15:19). (3) Unto iniquity — to the practice of iniquity as a result; to an always still greater progress and depth in iniquity. The practice is the necessary effect of the bondage. Sin allows none of its servants to remain idle. 2. An enforcement of duty. "Even so now" — as heartily and thoroughly, and in consideration of the past "yield your members" — (1) Servants to righteousness. Still servants, but to righteousness instead of sin. Christ gives His disciples a yoke, but it is an easy one. Servitude to righteousness means truest liberty. (2) Unto holiness — so as to practise and grow in it. Holiness is that which is in accordance with God's will, and embraces the whole man (1 Thessalonians 5:23). It is a matter of growth. The faithful performance of one duty prepares for that of another. Victory over one sin strengthens us for victory over a second. The practice of righteousness confirms the principle of holiness. Gracious acts strengthen gracious habits, as labour adds to muscle. (T. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
    |