The Inescapable Tension

Read Roman 6: 1-15 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?

Because of grace we have been freed from sin's slavery, from bondage to sinful attitude, urges, and actions. But that creates a tension. Once we become free in Christ and live by grace, we can take our liberty to an extreme and live a life of license. Paul addresses this tension in Roman 6:1-15.
What then,? Shall we sin because we are not under law but grace? May it never be!
     The freedom we have in Christ is not a freedom to do anything we want to do, but to be everything God creates us to be. Before our conversion we are enslaved to sin. Since then, we've become emancipated not to run riot through the dead-end alleyways of self-indulgence, but to serve a great master. . . righteousness (see v.18).
     Maybe an illustration would help bring the concept down to earth. Suppose you were given the keys to a new car whose speedometer went to 120,mph. Does it follow that you have the right to race through the streets with reckless abandon? To go on a joyride that jeopardizes the safety of everyone you go speeding fast? No, certainly not. That's why Paul warned the Galatians to steer their freedom in another direction. Sayest, For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another (Galatians 5:13).
Joyous Benefits of Being Liberated
With our freedom in Christ come several exciting benefits. We are no longer bound by our fleeting impulse or our flaming desires. We are free to make good, objective choices. We are able to them independently without the tyranny of needing to compare ourselves with others. And we are able to grow toward greater flexibility and maturity into the person God created us to be.
Telltale Signs of Being Irresponsible
Freedom--whether we,'re talking about it in the political realm or in the moral realm--doesn't imply freedom from responsibility. Some however, have interpreted their freedom in Christ to be absolute, without restraint and without and without responsibility to others.
    These libertarian are easy to spot. They have a lack of love and concern for others. They rationalize sin. They are unwilling to be accountable. They resist anyone getting close enough to give them advice. And they disregard new converts and those weak in the faith.