does obedience reflect Your faith
What does obedient faith look like? We do a lot of things in the name of religion, but what about according to the gospel? Are we obedient to what God calls us to do? Does our faith make a difference in how we live our lives? In other words how does what we do align with God's purpose for us? How "love"ly are you today?
Scripture:
Lesson:
As followers of Christ we receive grace as a gift but with that grace comes the responsibility to go out and share the gospel. Paul is going to great lengths in this introductory chapter of Romans to make sure that we understand that the Gospel is universal and that as a follower of Christ, we have been sent forth by God on a mission, to bring about obedience of Faith. To know the fact of the gospel is not enough. Paul is saying here that we must have a faith that leads to obedience.We are to be about God's business of sharing the gospel for Christ's sake. In other words, our purpose is to be about glorifying God. As we think about obedience, one might wonder just why Paul would talk about obedience. But what kind of faith would one have if it did not result in obedience. As a kindergarten teacher I know the significance of teaching obedience, for obedience is the starting point of discipleship. As believers we start our walk with Christ beginning with obedience of our faith just as Christ began his ministry in obedience to the Father.
With this said, Paul will continually see a thread throughout Romans that says that the gospel is about Christ, according to the scriptures, for all people, unto the obedience of faith and to glorify God.
With this said, Paul will continually see a thread throughout Romans that says that the gospel is about Christ, according to the scriptures, for all people, unto the obedience of faith and to glorify God.
Application:
- As believers, we have received grace and apostleship (a mission to go forth and spread the gospel). What are you going to do about this calling?
- Who is the object of your faith? The church, you, your cause, Christ?
- What are some evidences or your obedience of faith? Does your faith encourage others to obedience?
- How often do you encourage others by praying or meeting their needs?
- Do you feel an obligation to reach all people? What evidence is there that you do?
- As you walk in obedience, how freely does love flow from your actions, or do you act and react out of necessity or the "have to" attitude?
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy in providing a way of salvation for all who will believe. Open doors of opportunity that I may go forward and spread the gospel. Help me to be open to all people and to extend your love to them. Help me to be an encourager. Forgive me of the time when I have not been obedient and even unpleasing to you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy in providing a way of salvation for all who will believe. Open doors of opportunity that I may go forward and spread the gospel. Help me to be open to all people and to extend your love to them. Help me to be an encourager. Forgive me of the time when I have not been obedient and even unpleasing to you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
well, I was impressed that night in our Bible study class when you told about that teacher incident that happened when you had to trash a bit more than a bad joke. It takes guts to stand up for Jesus knowing that we will be persecuted and often called names. You were the right person to teach Romans, no doubt.
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