as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.
But as the servants of God - Not free from all restraint; not at liberty to indulge in all things, but bound to serve God in the faithful obedience of his laws. Thus bound to obey and serve him, they could not be at liberty to indulge in those things which would be in violation of his laws, and which would dishonor him. See this sentiment explained in the notes at 1Co 7:22; 1 Corinthians 9:21.