BOUND TO RIGHTEOUSNESS: A CALL TO HOLINESS By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Romans 6:22 - "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."
________________________________________
Introduction
In a world overwhelmed by iniquity, deception, and rebellion against God, many have found themselves bound to sin rather than to righteousness. The influence of demonic forces has led multitudes astray, causing them to forsake the path of holiness for worldly acceptance. However, God’s desire is not for His people to be enslaved by sin but rather to be bound to Him in righteousness and truth. This teaching emphasizes the importance of living a life wholly dedicated to God, forsaking the ways of the world, and walking in obedience to His commands.
________________________________________
Bound by Sin or Bound by God
Romans 6:16 - "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
Human beings are created with the capacity to choose whom they serve. Many have chosen to be bound by sin, following the ways of the world, rather than yielding to the righteousness of God. Those who give themselves over to the pleasures of the flesh and demonic influences inevitably find themselves in deeper captivity. On the other hand, those who yield to God’s commands experience freedom, joy, and peace in Christ.
________________________________________
The Deception of Worldly Trends
Colossians 2:8 - "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Many today are deceived into thinking that following modern trends, ideologies, and worldly movements will still make them acceptable to God. However, Scripture is clear that conforming to the world leads to spiritual compromise. The church, which is supposed to uphold righteousness, has often fallen into the trap of compromise, accepting corruption and sin to remain socially relevant. This has led to a dilution of truth, where many profess Christ but deny Him through their actions.
________________________________________
Compromising Churches and False Doctrine
2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
Many churches today no longer stand for the righteousness of God. In fear of persecution and desiring to attract larger congregations, they have compromised the Gospel by embracing ungodly practices. Instead of calling people to repentance, they promote teachings that accommodate sin, leading people astray and making them comfortable in their transgressions. Such congregations have become dens of hypocrisy and rebellion against God’s standard of holiness.
________________________________________
The Call to Righteousness and True Identity in Christ
1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
God calls His people to holiness, not compromise. The true identity of a believer is found in obedience to Christ and submission to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Those who truly belong to God will separate themselves from the defilement of the world and choose to walk in righteousness, even if it means standing alone against the crowd.
________________________________________
The Dangers of Being Bound to Sin
Proverbs 14:12 - "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
Sin is deceptive, and those who indulge in it believe they are experiencing the best of life. However, the reality is that sin leads to destruction. Many who reject God’s commands and live for worldly pleasures will ultimately face sorrow, regret, and eternal separation from Him. God does not desire this fate for His people; instead, He calls them to repentance and righteousness.
________________________________________
Freedom Through Christ
John 8:36 - "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
True freedom is found in Christ. Those who submit to Him and follow His ways are delivered from the bondage of sin and given new life. The invitation to salvation is open to all, but it requires genuine repentance, faith, and a willingness to forsake the ways of the world.
________________________________________
Summary
The choice to be bound to sin or bound to righteousness is one that every individual must make. The world promotes rebellion against God, encouraging people to follow sin under the guise of modernity and progress. However, God’s call remains unchanged—He requires holiness, obedience, and faithfulness from those who claim to be His. The church must return to the standards of Scripture and refuse to compromise with sin.
________________________________________
Conclusion
Righteousness is not an option for believers; it is a divine requirement. The world may lure many into its deceptive ways, but those who truly seek to please God must reject sin and embrace the holiness that He demands. God’s desire is that all would be bound to Him in love, faithfulness, and righteousness.
________________________________________
The Call to Action
Repentance is the first step towards breaking free from the bondage of sin. Those who have been entangled in worldly ways must turn back to God, forsaking iniquity and submitting to the lordship of Christ. The church must also take a stand for truth and refuse to be swayed by societal pressures. Every believer must examine their heart and ensure they are bound to God and not to sin.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
God is faithful to those who remain true to Him. No matter the opposition or trials that come, He will uphold His people and give them strength to walk in righteousness. Choose to be bound to God, and He will guide you in His perfect way.
________________________________________
Salvation Prayer
If you have not yet given your life to Christ or have strayed from the path of righteousness, you can pray this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You in repentance. I acknowledge that I have sinned and have been bound by the ways of the world. I ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and I commit to following You in righteousness and truth. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your ways. Thank You for Your mercy and love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
