Works or Obedience?

 

There seems to be a lot of confusion among Church folks about the difference between works and obedience. Let's look at what the Bible has to say about it.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel wrote: "Behold, to obey (God) is better than sacrifice, And to heed (God's instructions) than the fat of rams." ~ 1 Samuel 15:22

In the New Testament, Paul wrote to the Ephesians "not by works lest any man should boast." ~ Ephesians 2:8-9

Then James says: "But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead"? ~ James 2:20

Are Paul and James making contradictory statements?  Not at all. Paul is saying don't pretend to be a goodie two shoes to make brownie points with God or to make yourself look good to man. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:5

 

James Expands on Faith

 

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. ~ James 2:14-24

 

If you have faith God will save you, then obey Him. The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God. [Acts 5:32] Although salvation is a free gift, we must still work it out by obedience. ~Philippians 2:12

 

An example of works and obedience is the story of Noah. If Noah had said, I have faith God will save me, but did not work to build the Ark, he would have drowned. 

 

The bottom line: If God says do a certain thing, try to do it as best you can. If God says not to do something, make a conscious effort not to do it. A servant obeys his master because he is forced to. A Son obeys his Father because he loves Him and wants to please Him.

Renew Your Strength Bible Lesson. Bible Quiz... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2022/10/quiz.html

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.