Raise your hand if you have a favorite Bible verse. If you’ve been reading the Bible for a while, chances are you have at least one or two. Perhaps you have a favorite book as well. One of my favorite books of the Bible is Romans. I simply love the logical flow of Paul’s letter.
Recently, I came across verse 6:13, “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”
I couldn’t help but pause to look up the passage in the original Greek. When I did, I discovered something. The original Greek word translated “instrument” also means spear or weapon. I don’t know about you, but this conjures up quite the mental picture! Suddenly, I saw the passage in a whole new light.
Just for fun, re-read the Scripture below where I’ve replaced the word “instrument” with the word “weapon.”
“Do not present your members to sin as weapons for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as weapons for righteousness.”
God’s Weapons of Righteousness
You and I live within an unseen, but very real spiritual realm. The powers of darkness are continually trying to exert their influence over mankind. But we know Who wins in the end. The reality is that Satan is not afraid of you; he is not afraid of me . . . but he trembles at the Name of the One who is in you. As servants of God, we are no longer “weapons of unrighteousness” in Satan’s hands, but have the opportunity to be weapons of righteousness in God’s hands!
Are you ready to make it personal? Consider praying this prayer:
King in Heaven,
May I serve you as a devoted servant, even a weapon of righteousness, in your mighty hand. May I be a sharpened arrow in your quiver, to be used to advance your Kingdom-work as long as you give me breath. Sharpen me, oh God. My words, my hands, my feet – all of me – for it all belongs to You. You own me and I am so grateful! The enemy no longer has any hold on me for you have set me free from his hideous chains. I am no longer a slave to sin but a slave to righteousness by the power of Your blood and Your glorious Holy Spirit living within me. Have your way in me, King Jesus. Amen.
The fascinating topic of God’s sovereignty over Satan is at the center of my new Bible study, LEGION: Rediscovering the God Who Rescues Me. Based on the story of the man rescued from a legion (army) of demons, this 6-week action-packed study is one you don’t want to miss!
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of several books and Bible studies.
Where do you go to read the original green version of the Bible verses?
Hello Amanda. Thank you for your question. We are blessed to have several quality translations available to us. I share my favorites here in my free Bible Study Toolbox, which you can access here. https://www.shadiahrichi.com/resources/
While you’re there, I encourage you to join my email community to gain access to all the free premium resources. May the Lord bless you as you study His Word!