Dr. Nilo H. Flores – Business for Christ

Dr. Nilo H. Flores

August 13, 2026

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
— Romans 6:23 (KJV)

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us Your Word, which tells us the truth about sin, judgment, grace, and salvation. Today, help me understand the seriousness of sin and the terrible consequences that sin brings.

Give me a heart that does not take sin lightly. Help me understand that sin is not merely a mistake or a weakness, but rebellion against Your holy and righteous character.

Thank You that although sin brings death, You have provided eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Help me appreciate the sacrifice of Christ more deeply and live each day with gratitude for the salvation You have freely given.

May this lesson strengthen my faith and give me a greater desire to tell others about the Gospel.

In the precious name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.

Introduction

Yesterday, we learned an important truth:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23 (KJV)

Today we must take the next step.

If all people have sinned, what is the consequence of sin?

The Bible gives us a clear answer:

“For the wages of sin is death…”
— Romans 6:23 (KJV)

Sin is serious because sin has consequences.

Our world often treats sin lightly.

People laugh about things that God calls sin. Entertainment can make sinful behavior appear normal. Society may even celebrate what Scripture condemns.

But God’s Word does not change according to culture.

Sin is still sin because God is still holy.

The penalty of sin reminds us that mankind does not merely need improvement.

Mankind needs salvation.

What Does “Wages” Mean?

Original Greek Study

Greek Word: ὀψώνια
Transliteration: opsōnia
Pronunciation: op-so’-nee-ah

The word ὀψώνια (opsōnia) refers to wages, payment, or compensation.

In the Roman world, the word could refer to the provision or payment given to a soldier.

Paul uses this picture to communicate an important spiritual truth:

Sin has earned a payment.

That payment is death.

A person does not have to request the wages of sin.

Sin itself brings its consequence.

Just as a worker receives wages for his labor, sin produces its terrible result.

1. The Wages of Sin Is Death

Romans 6:23 says:

“For the wages of sin is death…”

Notice that Scripture does not say:

“The wages of some sins is death.”

It says:

“The wages of sin is death.”

Sin brings death because sin separates mankind from the holy God who is the source of life.

Physical death entered the world because of sin.

Spiritual death is also a terrible consequence of sin.

The Bible teaches that apart from Christ, sinners are:

“dead in trespasses and sins”
— Ephesians 2:1 (KJV)

This is why salvation is not simply about becoming a better person.

A dead person does not merely need encouragement.

He needs life.

And spiritually dead sinners need the life that only Jesus Christ can give.

2. Sin Brings Separation From God

The prophet Isaiah said:

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God…”
— Isaiah 59:2 (KJV)

God is holy.

Sin is contrary to God’s holiness.

Because of sin, mankind is separated from fellowship with God.

This is one of the greatest tragedies of sin.

Sin does not merely damage our reputation.

Sin damages our relationship with our Creator.

A person may have money, success, education, influence, and possessions, but none of these things can remove the separation caused by sin.

Only Jesus Christ can reconcile sinners to God.

3. Sin Brings Judgment

The Bible teaches that every person will give an account to God.

Hebrews 9:27 says:

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

Death is not the end of man’s accountability.

There is judgment.

God sees what people do.

God knows what people think.

God knows what people say.

God knows what people hide from everyone else.

Nothing is hidden from Him.

That truth should cause us to take sin seriously.

4. Sin Cannot Be Removed by Good Works

One of humanity’s greatest mistakes is thinking:

“If I do enough good things, perhaps God will overlook my sins.”

But good works cannot erase sin.

Imagine writing a long list of good deeds on one side of a page and sinful deeds on the other.

Our good deeds cannot simply cancel our sins.

God’s standard is perfect righteousness.

That is why salvation cannot be earned through human effort.

Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

“Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

We need something greater than our works.

We need the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

5. Sin Has a Terrible Future Without Christ

The Bible gives serious warnings concerning final judgment.

Revelation 20:15 says:

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

This is not a subject we should avoid because it makes us uncomfortable.

God warns us because He wants people to turn to Him.

Hell is not something to joke about.

Eternal judgment is not a fictional idea.

It is a solemn biblical reality.

The seriousness of judgment should cause believers to have compassion for those who are still without Christ.

6. But Romans 6:23 Does Not End With Death

Here is where the Gospel becomes beautiful.

Romans 6:23 begins with:

“For the wages of sin is death…”

But it continues:

“…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

What a wonderful contrast!

SIN — DEATH

GOD’S GIFT — ETERNAL LIFE

We earn death through sin.

But we do not earn eternal life.

Eternal life is God’s gift.

That is grace.

We deserve judgment, but God offers mercy.

We deserve death, but God offers life.

We deserve separation, but God offers reconciliation.

We deserve condemnation, but God offers salvation through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Paid the Penalty

The reason eternal life can be offered to sinners is because Jesus Christ paid the price for sin.

Isaiah prophesied:

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…”
— Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

Christ took our place.

He suffered for sinners.

He died on the cross.

He shed His blood.

He was buried.

And He rose again.

The Gospel is not merely that Jesus died.

The Gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”
— 1 Corinthians 15:3 (KJV)

Jesus Christ is the answer to the penalty of sin.

The Cross Shows Both God’s Justice and Love

At the cross, we see two great truths about God.

God’s Justice

God does not simply ignore sin.

Sin must be judged.

God’s Love

God provided His Son to bear the penalty for sinners.

Romans 5:8 declares:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

The cross demonstrates that God takes sin seriously while also demonstrating the immeasurable love of God toward sinners.

Business for Christ

The truth about the penalty of sin should influence the way we conduct our businesses and relationships.

Business is important.

Providing for our families is important.

Working honestly is important.

Building a successful organization is important.

But none of these things is more important than a person’s eternal soul.

Jesus asked:

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
— Mark 8:36 (KJV)

A businessman may gain millions and still lose his soul.

A professional may receive many awards and still die without Christ.

A successful person may have everything this world can offer and still need a Saviour.

Therefore, Business for Christ should never be merely about business.

It should be about using our influence, work, relationships, and opportunities to point people to Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

Ask yourself honestly:

• Do I understand the seriousness of sin?
• Have I trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour?
• Am I depending on Christ rather than my good works?
• Am I taking God’s warnings about judgment seriously?
• Do I have compassion for people who are still without Christ?
• Am I using my influence to share the Gospel?
• Does my daily life demonstrate that eternal things matter?

Do not postpone the most important decision of your life.

You can postpone many things, but you cannot postpone death forever.

Today is the day to consider where you stand before God.

Today’s Challenge

Read and meditate on:

Romans 6:15–23
Isaiah 53
Ephesians 2:1–10
Romans 5:6–11

Spend time thanking God that Jesus Christ willingly paid the penalty for sin.

If you have never trusted Christ as your personal Saviour, carefully read the Gospel and consider God’s invitation to receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Then pray for at least one person who needs Christ.

Ask God to give you an opportunity to share the Gospel with that person.

Remember:

Sin earns death, but God’s grace offers eternal life through Jesus Christ.

✍️ Quotation by Dr. Nilo H. Flores

“Sin carries a terrible penalty, but God’s grace provides a wonderful answer. The cross reminds us that our sin was serious enough to require Christ’s sacrifice, and God’s love was great enough to provide it.”

— Dr. Nilo H. Flores

😊 Flores Faith Smile

A father was explaining Romans 6:23 to his young son.

He said:

“Son, the Bible says the wages of sin is death.”

The boy thought for a moment and asked:

“Dad, does that mean if I sin, I don’t get my allowance?”

The father smiled and said:

“No, son. It means something much more serious. Sin has a spiritual consequence, and that’s why we need Jesus.”

The boy replied:

“Oh! Then I definitely need Jesus more than I need my allowance!”

The father smiled:

“Now you’ve got the right priority!”

Lesson to Remember:

Our greatest need is not money, possessions, or success. Our greatest need is Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Word that tells us the truth about sin and its consequences.

Help me understand that sin is serious and that its wages are death.

Thank You for Your wonderful grace and for sending Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for my sins.

Thank You for the cross, the shed blood of Christ, His death, His burial, and His glorious resurrection.

Help me never take Your salvation for granted.

Give me compassion for those who are still without Christ. Give me courage to share the Gospel and wisdom to point others to Jesus.

May my life, my work, my business, my relationships, and my influence bring honor and glory to You.

In the precious name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.

Memory Verse

Romans 6:23 (KJV)

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Today’s Prayer Focus

 Thank God for Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for our sins.

Ask God to help you take sin seriously.

Pray for people who are still separated from God.

 Pray for someone who needs to hear the Gospel.

 Ask God for boldness to share Christ with others.

Thank God for the gift of eternal life.

BUSINESS FOR CHRIST

Preaching the Gospel • Equipping Believers • Making Disciples

Tomorrow — Day 9

THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
— Romans 6:23 (KJV)

Τῷ μόνῳ Θεῷ δόξα

Tō monō Theō doxa

To God Alone Be the Glory