How can we apply Romans 3:31 to our daily obedience to God's commands? Verse in focus Romans 3:31: “Do we, then, nullify the Law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the Law.” Grace That Upholds, Not Undermines • Faith in Christ never cancels God’s standards; it plants them deeper in our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). • We are saved apart from works (Romans 3:28), yet the same faith that saves propels us to obey (James 2:17). • Christ fulfilled the Law perfectly (Matthew 5:17); by union with Him, His life in us begins to mirror that obedience (Galatians 2:20). Daily Habits That “Uphold the Law” • Start with love: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Ask, “How can I show love for God and neighbor in this moment?” (Matthew 22:37-40). • Rely on the Spirit: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Invite His guidance before decisions, routines, conversations. • Feed on Scripture: Regular reading equips us to recognize God’s will and resist sin (Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Confess quickly: When we fail, agree with God (1 John 1:9). Restored fellowship keeps obedience joyful, not burdensome (1 John 5:3). • Serve with gratitude: Good works are “the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:11). Look for ways to bless family, church, coworkers, neighbors. • Practice integrity: Whether taxes, timecards, or traffic laws, honesty reflects God’s character (Ephesians 4:25). • Guard the tongue: Speak truth seasoned with grace (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6). • Cultivate generosity: Cheerful giving fulfills the command to love and meet needs (2 Corinthians 9:7; Deuteronomy 15:11). What This Does Not Mean • Obedience is never a ladder to earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Rule-keeping without love is empty (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). • Christian liberty is not a license to sin (Romans 6:1-2; Galatians 5:13). Verses That Echo the Harmony of Faith and Law • Matthew 5:16 — shine good works so the Father is glorified. • Titus 2:11-12 — grace teaches us to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives. • Romans 8:4 — the righteous requirement of the Law is fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit. • James 1:25 — the one who looks into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres will be blessed in what he does. Living the Verse Faith plants us firmly in Christ; the Spirit energizes us; love motivates us. Each act of obedience today—small or large—confirms that we are not nullifying the Law by faith but honoring the God who saved us. |
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