Click here to subscribe to Nicole's mailing list and receive bonus resources on RomansClick here to join the conversation in Nicole's Romans Facebook groupQuestions We Ask Every Time We Read the Bible: 1. What do the verses say? 2. What's the backstory? What's the context? 3. What does it mean? What are the principles of this passage? What does it say?It’s okay to be confused or uncomfortable while reading scripture. When reading tends to feel like this, it is important to refer to the study notes. If we are justified, how do we grow into maturity in Christ? We are going to talk about maturity in three parts over the next two or three weeks: 1.Freedom from sin’s tyranny.2.Freedom from condemnation.3.Life in the power of the Spirit.What’s the backstory?In verse 18-19, Paul uses the analogy of slavery, which may be hard to digest in 2021 as we go through this difficult time in our history. In verse 19, Paul also uses the word “offer,” which may be easier to understand in this context. Paul suggests that we offer ourselves as willing servants to the Lord.What does it mean? We are free not from sin itself, but from the enslaving, tyrannical nature of sin. In the power of Christ, we have the ability of Christ to break out of our patterns and give ourselves to a higher power. Sin is deceptive in its charm, but destructive in its nature. What does it mean for me? What does increasing holiness look like in your life? Increasing holiness is a person looks like someone that is full of love, presence, kindness, and in enjoyment of the world. Resources:Help! My Bible Is AliveFollow Nicole: Her Site | Facebook | InstagramEpisode Image Credit: Getty Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.