Tuesday, April 13
The obedience that comes from faith
Scripture: Joshua 15-16, Psalm 44, Romans 16
Romans 16:25–27 25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Observation
Paul’s benediction ends this letter with a reference to helping Gentiles come to “the obedience that comes from faith.” The NIV has a footnote that says, “that is”—ie, “the obedience that is faith.” Paul not only ends the letter with this phrase, but begins with it too.
Romans 1:5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.
In Paul’s mind, obedience and faith were inextricably linked. If you believe, you obey. To have faith in Jesus is to follow Jesus. You can’t do the first without the second. Faith is obedience.
If you tell me that it’s going to rain and I believe you, I’ll take an umbrella or a rain coat. Faith results in action or obedience. To say you believe and do nothing is not faith at all, just lip service.
The gospel says that we are saved by faith, not works of the law. But it would be wrong to think that one can believe and not obey. It’s the proverbial cart and horse: the horse is faith, the cart is obedience. We believe and obedience follows. We have faith and we follow. But the two are inextricably linked. If your faith doesn’t result in obedience, it isn’t genuine faith.
Application
Paul’s application was to call people and help them come to the obedience that comes from faith. This is gospel work: to call people to genuine faith that results in obedience. Or said another way: to help people find and follow Jesus.
Because we know Him, love Him and trust Him, we do what He says. We do what He wants. “May Your will be done.” That’s real faith—when you trust Him so deeply that you know His way is best and you follow.
Today, I’ll help people follow Jesus…and I’ll follow Him myself into the obedience that is faith.
Prayer: Lord, don’t ever let me separate faith from obedience, but let my faith express itself in full obedience. May Your will be done in my life. I’m following You!