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Question 10

The lesson insists Paul ends Romans by emphasizing “the obedience of faith,” quoting Chrysostom (“Faith requires obedience, not inquisitiveness”) and Hermas (blessing promised “only if they will keep the commandments”); where do evangelical habits of assurance, “grace vs. works” language, or curiosity-driven theology resist this, and what concrete acts of obedience would expose whether your faith is truly the kind Paul describes?

Another way to ask: Paul ends Romans by stressing “the obedience of faith.” Where do common evangelical habits (easy assurance, “grace vs. works” talk, or chasing new ideas) push back against that, and what specific acts of obedience would show whether your faith is real?

Direct Answer Based on Bercot’s teaching, evangelical habits resist Paul’s emphasis when they treat faith as opposed to obedience; the “obedience of faith” means genuine faith includes doing God’s will and keeping his commandments, not merely theological curiosity.

Support from Transcript:

Bercot says many “falsely imagine” Paul “pits faith against works, obedience,” and he insists “there is no conflict between faith and obedience. Both are essential.”
He notes Paul closes with the phrase “for the obedience of faith,” as a fitting final clarification.
He quotes Chrysostom: “Faith requires obedience, not inquisitiveness,” contrasting obedient trust with curiosity-driven questioning.
He quotes Jesus: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’…but he who does the will of my Father.”
He quotes Hermas: God blesses “only if they will keep the commandments of God, which they have received in great faith.”

Discussion Follow-ups What does your group talk about more—assurance language or obedience? What specific commandments of Jesus (doing the Father’s will) are easiest for your church culture to explain away rather than practice?

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