Work by Faith

Scripture: What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone. Romans 9:30-32

Observation: In comparing the Jews and the Gentiles, Paul lays out the basic and definitive "faith vs. works" discussion. However, there is a nuance to this passage that goes WAY beyond the basics. The issue is NOT that works are meaningless when it comes to righteousness and salvation. It is that works performed without faith are meaningless.

In Paul's example, Jewish compliance with the Law does not provide righteousness, but not because of the Law, but because of the attitude of the Jews - they have not pursued the Law by faith. It is THIS clarification that brings the "saved by faith" discussion into alignment with other elements of scripture. For example, when James writes about works, he too includes the context that works exhibit faith, and as Paul is saying it is both faith and works that are being exhibited together. The Law does not exist for compliance ... it exists as a method for exhibiting faith.

Application: Attitude matters!!

When I serve God - at a light show, or by de-icing sidewalks before service, or by inviting people to church events, or by telling someone about Jesus, or actively avoiding anger - I am obeying various commands. However, compliance is not enough. I must be doing these things because of I have faith ... that I believe in Jesus as the Messiah, and know that God is sovereign in the world and worthy of my love and trust and hope. As a result, my obvious response is to obey their words.

This is deeper than "faith vs. works". This is about doing works because of faith. Works are spawned by faith. Works are the natural progression of faith. And so as I head into a season of joy - and a pretty good amount of work - I must guard my faith as the source of strength and love to enable that work.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the works you have laid before me. I continue to serve behind the scenes, and I continue to lead in some activities, and I continue to engage where you call me, and I continue to seek opportunities to do you will daily at work. May I remember to always tie that work to my faith in you, so I will never weaken, and never stumble. Amen.