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The book of Romans ends with a dynamic expression of the powerful, spirit-provided life God has given us.
Romans 16:25, 26 Now to Him who is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and (which is) the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the writings of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations unto the obedience of faith.
I have often heard Christians say, “We ought to obey God.” But in that context they have never then provided a simple, clear explanation as to what that obedience is. Keep the 10 Commandments? So I’m sitting here, agonizing over how I’m going to pay the rent, but at least I’m not lusting after my neighbor’s wife or goods, I’m not lying, committing murder or stealing. Is that obedience? I’m unhappy in my marriage, distrustful of my wife, can’t stand my boss and hate my job, but I’m not breaking any of the commandments…..so am I obeying God? I’m high on drugs, depressed and thinking of killing myself, and I’m going to a seance tonight to see if I can connect with my dead brother, but I’m okay with God because I’m not breaking any of the 10 Commandments?
The reason it can be so difficult for Christians to live their faith is that their faith is learned and lived in a building once a week for an hour or two, and has mostly to do with an outward show in the flesh. Hey, nothing wrong with “lifting holy hands” and swaying back and forth in spiritual ecstasy in a church on Sunday, but when am I ever going to do that during the week at home or at work or out shopping?
No, it’s not any outward show that pleases God. Rather, what pleases God is for us to accept and walk in the faith He provides for us.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
This word “hearing” indicates a being instructed. And the word “word” (rema) indicates the impact that the logos (word) of God has on the hearer…. when and where it connects with, means something, comes alive to you! According to the truth of this verse of Scripture, God Himself provides faith to us, by His divine and direct communications to us.
Also, faith is a manifestation (what many call “gift”) of the spirit.
I Corinthians 12:7-9a But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one (for one profit) is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to (for) another (profit) the word of knowledge; To (for) another, faith by the same Spirit;
When one walks in the spirit, allowing it to be manifest in his/her life, thinking and behavior, a result is that the fruit of the spirit burst forth in glorious presence and power. One of the fruit of the spirit is faith!
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith ……
So here’s the order of how we receive and grow in faith, all provided by God Himself.
1) Faith comes……you are instructed by God…….
2) Faith manifests…..you walk in that instruction……..
3) Faith grows……as you reap the rewards……..
Thus far I have only used the term “spirit” when speaking of God’s working in and for us. But let us substitute “Christ” for the “spirit” within; which we can truthfully do, for “Christ in you” is the the spirit in you; it is but signifying a different facet of that nature of God of which we are born when we believe unto Jesus. The Greek word for Christ, christos, is also translated “anointing.” (Christ is the anointed one).
I John 3:27 But the anointing which you have received of Him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.
The obedience of faith is to walk in the revelation of the Christ within, which is to walk in the reality of what the spirit of God has taught you. This is what Paul did, and what he desired for others.
Galatians 1:15a, 16a But when it pleased God….To reveal His son in me
Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
Paul understood that the gospel he preached had the power to bring the faith of Christ…Christ, the power of God. (I Corinthians 1:24).
Ephesians 3:4 (correctly translated) Whereby, when you read, you may have my understanding in the mystery of the Christ.
Romans 1:16a For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believes;
When the reality of what is being preached (either by hearing the spoken word or by reading the written word) bursts upon your understanding (which can only happen by the working of the spirit of Christ within)…….there, faith has come! Now, walk in that understanding. This is the obedience of faith!
Galatians 2:20, 21 I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Do you see the simple beauty of it? God provided Christ and He provides Christ. The truth of Christ is imbued with the spirit of Christ, which can activate its own reality in the heart (life, mind, understanding) of a person, asking only in return that that person walk in the truth revealed. There it is! The obedience of faith!
Colossians 2:6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him; Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Here is expressed not only the instruction of Christ, but also the manifestation and fruit of his spirit. There it is! The obedience of faith. Walk in the revelation of the Christ within which you receive, and Christ within will grow bigger and bigger within you. Never let anything other than the revealed Christ take precedence in your life with God.
II Corinthians 10:5 Casting down logical reasonings, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowing of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
The obedience of Christ is the obedience of faith.
Read the word concerning Christ. Seek God to have that word come to life in your understanding. Rest in the peace of knowing that that Christ which is being revealed within you is all you need to walk with God in ever increasing spiritual power and joy.
Paul actually begins Romans the same way he ends it, by a call to the obedience of faith. As you finish this study, I pray you are filled with knowing of God, that He will bring to life within you the realization of the spirit of His son, Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:5 (correctly translated) By whom (the spirit of holiness) we have received grace and apostleship unto the obedience of faith among all nations, on behalf of his name.
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Other related studies:
How Do We Get Faith? ….. God GIVES It To Us
The Faith of Christ has Come!
Godly Logic (How to Serve God)
What Pleases God
The Law vs. Faith
Learning to Recognize the Voice of God
What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and How to Preach It.
