A willing servant of sin
For all this time he is the servant of sin. He commits sin, more or less, day by day. Yet he is not troubled. He is in no bondage, as some speak. He feels no condemnation. He contents himself, even though he should profess to believe that the Christian revelation is of God, with this: Man is frail. We are all weak. Every man has his infirmity.
Perhaps he quotes Scripture. Why, does not Solomon say, The righteous man falls into sin seven times a day? And doubtless they are all hypocrites or enthusiasts who pretend to be better than their neighbors. If at any time a serious thought fixes upon him, he stifles it as soon as possible with, Why should I fear, since God is merciful, and Christ died for sinners? Thus he remains a willing servant of sin, content with the bondage of corruption, inwardly and outwardly unholy, and satisfied with that, not only not conquering sin, but not striving to conquer, particularly that sin which does so easily beset him.
1771 text
7. For all this time, he is the servant of sin. He commits sin, more or less, day by day. Yet he is not troubled: He “is in no bondage;” (as some speak) he feels no condemnation. He contents himself, (even tho’ he should profess to believe that the Christian revelation is of God) with, “Man is frail. We are all weak. Every man has his infirmity.” Perhaps he quotes scripture: “Why, does not Solomon say, ‘The righteous man falls into sin seven times a day?’ And doubtless, they are all hypocrites or enthusiasts who pretend to be better than their neighbours.” If at any time a serious thought fix upon him, he stifles it as soon as possible, with, “Why should I fear, since God is merciful, and Christ died for sinners?” Thus he remains a willing servant of sin, content with the bondage of corruption; inwardly and outwardly unholy, and satisfied therewith; not only not conquering sin, but not striving to conquer, particularly that sin, which doth so easily beset him.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 9 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:15.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.