Belief is Greater Than the Law
Walking in the Obedience of Faith
Today, I want to have a conversation with you—not a sermon or a devotional—just a conversation. If you’re willing, let’s sit together for a few minutes and reflect on a powerful truth: Belief is greater than the law.
This idea comes straight from Romans 1:5, where Paul talks about the “obedience of faith.” That phrase hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s not obedience to rules or moral codes—it’s obedience that flows out of belief in Jesus Christ. And when we get that, everything changes.
Condemnation Keeps You Stuck
The first thing that stood out to me as I reflected on this idea is how condemnation interferes with our ability to succeed. When you feel guilty and like God is mad at you, it’s almost impossible to move forward. Condemnation is like a fog that clouds your vision and disrupts your faith.
Paul makes it clear in 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 that the law brings condemnation, but the Spirit brings righteousness. The law had glory once, but the glory of grace far surpasses it! That means we don’t live under condemnation anymore. We live in the freedom of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.
Faith is the Work
When Jesus was asked, “What must we do to be doing the works of God?” He answered, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:28-29). Did you catch that? Belief is the work.
We’re obsessed with works, aren’t we? Always trying to figure out what we need to do to be right with God. But Jesus flips the script. The work God wants from you is simply to believe—believe that Jesus has done it all. That’s what pleases Him.
Does this mean you can just do whatever you want and still be saved? Technically, yes. But the truth is, when you really grasp the grace of God, it changes you from the inside out. I’ve seen it in my own life—I live better for God on accident now than I ever did when I was trying so hard on purpose.
Faith Can Transform Your Behavior
Here’s a big takeaway: belief leads to behavior change, not the other way around. If you try to change your actions without changing your heart, you’re just spinning your wheels. But when you focus on what Jesus accomplished at Calvary, belief takes root, and your behavior starts to align with that faith.
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul said, “I believed, and so I spoke.” Belief shifts everything—it changes the way you think, speak, and act. Even if it takes time, like Abraham waiting 40 years before his faith was fully justified through works, the process is fueled by faith.
The Law Brings Condemnation; Faith Brings Freedom
In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul refers to the law as the “ministry of death.” That’s heavy. He’s talking about the Ten Commandments—engraved on stone and beautiful in their time, but ultimately fading. Why? Because they were meant to point us to something better: the ministry of the Spirit, which brings life and righteousness.
A lot of people live under the constant pressure of trying to measure up to the law. But here’s the deal: you’re never going to be good enough in your own strength. And that’s okay, because Jesus already did the heavy lifting. Faith in Him—not the law—is what brings you into right standing with God.
Belief is Greater Than the Law
So, how do we live out the obedience of faith? It starts by believing that Jesus finished the work. Stop striving, stop trying to earn favor, and start walking in the grace that’s already yours. Focus on what Jesus accomplished at Calvary. That’s where freedom begins.
The law was about doing, but faith is about receiving. And when you receive God’s grace, it frees you to reign in life (Romans 5:17). It’s not about struggling to be perfect; it’s about trusting the One who is perfect.
Practical Steps for Living by Faith
If you’re ready to step into the obedience of faith, here are a few practical things you can do:
Meditate on Grace: Spend time reflecting on what Jesus accomplished for you. Let that truth sink into your heart and transform your mindset.
Reject Condemnation: When feelings of guilt or failure try to creep in, remind yourself that there’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Celebrate Progress: Don’t get discouraged if change doesn’t happen overnight. Abraham waited 40 years for his faith to be justified in action. Give yourself grace as you grow.
Let’s Walk This Out Together
Belief is greater than the law. It’s greater than striving, guilt, and condemnation. And it’s the key to living a life that’s free, full, and pleasing to God. My prayer for you today is that you would step into the obedience of faith and experience the abundant life Jesus has for you.
