Romans 6:20

For when you were [once] slaves to [the practice of] sin, you were free from [being controlled by] righteousness.

Romans 6:16-17

Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness.

John 8:34

Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

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 you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness.
John 8:34
Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

General references

Colossians 3:7
You people also once lived like this when you practiced these things.