Unlike human traditions and religions, the biblical worldview does not call for us to try harder in our own strength. Many teachings have emerged within the church that emphasize obedience without showing that the only kind of obedience that is of value is that which flows from a heart of trust and is fueled by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 1:5; 16:26). In other words, God is not asking us to work harder, try harder and strive harder in our own fleshly strength. This kind of "obedience" is self-righteous and holds contempt for others who do not obey as well as we think we do (Luke 18:9). He has a much better way of obedience that flows from faith, and he beckons us to enter into the rest of faith as discussed in Hebrews 4.
What does this mean, and how do we do this? First, we recognize that we have done nothing to deserve our salvation and that it is a complete gift of God (Titus 3:4). Second, we recognize that our sanctification is God at work in us, enabling us to desire and live in a way that brings him glory, "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him" (Philippians 2:13). As he works in us, we also work powerfully by the Spirit according to the Word to obey his good commands. And finally, we abide in his love by living and walking in the Spirit and putting off the works of the flesh, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). When we walk in the Spirit, obeying God's good commands by faith, we have great joy that we are pleasing God and bearing fruit for his glory (John 15). We begin to know him deeply as our good Father, who withholds no good thing from us (Psalm 84:11) and is transforming us into his holy image.
