The Connection Between Faith and Obedience

Introduction:

Faith and obedience are inseparable in the Christian life. True faith is not just a matter of intellectual belief or emotional conviction—it compels us to act. When we trust God, we naturally want to follow His commands. Obedience is the outward expression of inward faith. Jesus made it clear that loving Him means obeying His commandments. Today, we will explore how obedience flows out of genuine faith and why it is non-negotiable for believers.

Scripture Reflection:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 (ESV)

In this simple yet profound statement, Jesus ties love to obedience. It’s easy to say we love God, but the true test of our love is how we respond to His word. Faith and obedience are intertwined because genuine love for God leads to a desire to follow His will. When we trust that God’s commands are for our good, obedience becomes an act of love, not a burden. As followers of Christ, we are called to demonstrate our faith through obedience, showing the world what it means to walk in God’s ways.

Obedience as a Sign of Faith:

Obeying God Out of Trust and Love (1 John 5:3):

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

John echoes the words of Jesus, reminding us that obedience is not meant to be a heavy load but a reflection of our love for God. When we truly trust God, we recognize that His commands are not restrictive—they are life-giving. Obedience is not about rigid rule-keeping but about aligning our lives with God’s perfect will. Faith empowers us to trust that God knows what is best for us, even when following His commands is difficult. Love and trust fuel our obedience, and in doing so, we grow closer to God.

Why Obedience is Non-Negotiable for Believers:

Jesus’ Teachings on Faith and Obedience:

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently taught that obedience to God is the mark of true discipleship. In Matthew 7:21, He says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Jesus calls for more than lip service—He calls for lives that reflect faith through action.

Faith without obedience is incomplete. It’s one thing to believe in God’s promises but another to live according to His commands. Jesus’ own life was marked by perfect obedience to the Father. He lived out His faith by submitting to God’s will, even to death on the cross. For believers, obedience is not optional; it’s essential to following Christ.

Why Obedience is Non-Negotiable:

1. Obedience Reflects Trust in God: When we obey God, we demonstrate that we trust Him more than we trust ourselves. Even when God’s commands challenge our desires or understanding, obedience shows that we believe His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

2. Obedience Shapes Us Into Christlikeness: Obeying God’s commands shapes us into the image of Christ. As we follow His teachings, our lives become more aligned with His character, reflecting His love, humility, and righteousness.

3. Obedience Brings Blessing: God promises blessings to those who obey Him. In Deuteronomy 28, we see that God’s favor rests on those who keep His commandments. Obedience leads to a life of peace, joy, and spiritual fruitfulness.

True faith requires obedience to God’s commands. Our love for God is proven in our willingness to follow Him, even when it is difficult.

Action Step:

Identify an area of your life where you are struggling to obey God. It could be in relationships, finances, a specific calling, or overcoming a sinful habit. Commit this area to prayer and ask God to help you trust Him fully so you can walk in obedience. Let this be a turning point where your faith leads you into action, following His commands with trust and love.

Recommended Book: Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples by Francis Chan

Francis Chan’s Multiply emphasizes the importance of living out our faith through obedience and disciple-making. This book calls believers to follow Jesus’ command to make disciples and live out their faith in practical, everyday ways. Multiply is a perfect companion to this devotional as it challenges readers to move beyond belief and into obedience, both in their walk with God and in their mission to reach others.

Worship Song: Trust and Obey by John H. Sammis

This classic hymn beautifully captures the heart of today’s devotional. The lyrics, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey,” remind us that the joy of following Christ comes when we trust Him enough to obey His commands. As you listen to or sing this song, let it inspire you to surrender fully to God and to live a life marked by faith-filled obedience.

It begins with Christ!

If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it begins with the first step. Believe in Him and make Him Lord of your life! Committing your life to serve Him is the most significant decision! For more information on serving the Lord, CLICK HERE!

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Blessings,

Chad 

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