Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 6:13. It’s a really important one about how we change our lives! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: You’re used to living with sin – you’re influenced by it, it pulls at you, and you might even participate in it. But with a little help from God, you can choose a different path. Here's the breakdown: “Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin…” This is saying that you are still allowing yourself to be controlled by sin. You’re not completely free to choose what you do. Your body – your life, your actions – is still susceptible to its influence. “…but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead…” This is a really powerful image. “Alive from the dead” means we've been changed! We’re no longer stuck in a state of being controlled by sin. It's like we’ve been resurrected – given a new beginning! “…and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.” This is the key part. “Your members” refers to you . But these members aren't just any parts of you – they’re your parts that are now working for good. They're being used as tools to live a life pleasing to God. You are now instruments – like a musical instrument – playing your role in righteousness, reflecting God’s goodness and love. So, the whole verse is saying: We need to stop letting sin control us and start using our entire selves – all of who we are – to glorify God. We're being called to become instruments of righteousness, living lives that reflect God's will. In a nutshell: We’re free to choose good, and we can use our whole selves to be pleasing to God. --- Does this explanation make sense? Would you like me to: Explain it in another way (e.g., using a metaphor)? Discuss the significance of this verse in a broader context of Christian belief?