What An Oxymoron!

 Righteousness is all about God and being godly.  He deserves all the glory and credit for my resurrection and repentance.  Otherwise, thinking it all comes from me is what would be considered self-righteous.  Having been set free from sin i became a slave of righteousness - [ Romans 6:18] It's better to be free of sin than to be free of righteousness.  i can no longer cut the fruit that came off of the branch; in fact, that fruit is gone. Can't eat something that isn't there.  Now it's just a matter of fleshly lusts that creep up as sticky residue that hasn't been completely washed away.  i praise You, God, for convicting me, making me realize that what i'm actually writing about is genuine.

But now having been set free from sin and having become slaves of God you have your fruit to holiness and the end everlasting life. --[v. 22] What an oxymoron!  The end is the beginning!  People who aren't interested in righteousness and godliness wouldn't look at this as a contrast, just double-talk. i need not pray for deliverance from this present age of evil because Jesus' death on the cross has already delivered me.

With Your help, Lord, i can help others to be delivered from those who have perverted the Word.  i have stayed out of church on Sundays long enough now that i know there hasn't been anyone with the chance to pervert me.  Any perversions of my past were of my own dong, so i accept 100% responsibility for them.  i intend to uphold my relationship with You and any "services" i perform will be sanctioned by You first.