What does Paul mean by the word "sin" in Romans 6:13?
In Romans 6:13, Paul uses 'sin' to mean the old Adam, the old sin nature. It is not merely an isolated act but the indwelling principle within the members of the flesh. He urges believers not to yield their bodily members as instruments of unrighteousness to that sin nature.
Les explains that in Romans 6:13 Paul is using 'sin' as a synonym for the old Adam, the old sin nature. The verse says, 'neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin,' and Les connects that phrase directly to the old Adam. It is not merely a single wrong act; it is the fleshly nature Paul labels the old Adam. Les emphasizes that yielding is up to us: God gives free will and does not force obedience, but the indwelling Spirit constantly urges us. The opposite choice is to yield ourselves unto God as those alive from the dead, and our members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
More Questions
What is Paul dealing with in Romans chapter 6?
In Romans chapter 6, Paul is dealing with reckoning old Adam as our mortal enemy and putting him constantly to death, and Romans 6:13 is sufficient to show it.