Romans 6:20
When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness [you had no desire to conform to God’s will].
Romans 6:16-17
Do you not know that when you continually offer yourselves to someone to do his will, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey, either [slaves] of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness (right standing with God)?
John 8:34
Jesus answered,
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Summary
For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
The servants
General references
Bible References
The servants
Romans 6:16
Do you not know that when you continually offer yourselves to someone to do his will, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey, either [slaves] of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness (right standing with God)?
John 8:34
Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, everyone who practices sin habitually is a slave of sin.
General references
Colossians 3:7
and in these [sinful things] you also once walked, when you were habitually living in them [without the knowledge of Christ].