Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 6

Our bodies are weapons in the fight between good and evil

Romans 6:13

In this world, there is constant war between what is good and evil. We sometimes see the effects of it in wars between nations and fights between people.

If we could see the spirit world, we would know the cause of all these troubles. The devil and his evil forces are fighting against God’s armies of angels (God’s special servants). The Bible often refers to that war (for example Daniel 10:12-13; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8-9). In the end, Christ will completely defeat every evil force (Revelation 19:11 to 20:3; Revelation 20:7-10).

However, at the present time, that war continues. Christians are very aware of how it affects their own lives. They must constantly choose whether to do what is good and right. Of course, that is not only a problem for Christians. Anyone with a conscience must make such decisions constantly (2:14-15).

We carry out our actions, whether good or evil, with the parts of our bodies (Mark 9:43-47). Therefore, Paul refers to the parts of our bodies as instruments, in other words, tools. In the original language (Greek), Paul uses a word that means weapons: tools for war. In this great battle between all that is good and evil, we too are active. In other words, our good or bad actions show which side we support. We can work for what is good, or against it. We can work for God, or against him.

Christians have already decided on which side they belong. Formerly they were God’s enemies; now they have become his friends (5:10-11). So now they should use their daily decisions to support his rule, and to do what is right. God has carried out the most wonderful change in their lives (2 Corinthians 5:17). Evil behaviour belonged to their former lives - it should not have any part in their lives now (1 Corinthians 6:9-20).

Next part: Sin will no longer control God’s people (Romans 6:14)

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