Romans 3:31 ::

Romans 3:31 (The Message and TNIV)


By focusing more on what God does in our reconciliation than what we do, it’s easy to slip into thinking that we don’t have to worry about our actions and obedience.  Paul is stern in warning this is not the case.  When we put this new life into it’s proper place, we actually affirm the ways of God by falling into obedience.

The proper place Paul is referring to is an understanding that the works of obedience come as a result, not as a requirement, of God’s acceptance and pleasure of us.  Any time we get this order wrong, we become addicted to doing, expecting God to bless because....  In essence, we do because He already did.