Faith-Driven Obedience: Why Obedience to God is Better Than Sacrifice
- Chad Fisher
- Mar 5, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 11
By Pastor Chad Fisher, sharing biblical insights to inspire and strengthen your faith and relationship with God.
Obedience is an essential part of the Christian life. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What does it really mean to obey God?
The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 15:22: "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams." (ESV)
Samuel’s point was clear — God desires obedience more than outward acts of religious devotion. Sacrifice without obedience is empty.
Obedience vs. Works
Many believers confuse obedience with works. Works are human attempts to convince God to act — reading the Bible, praying, or fasting simply as a religious duty, thinking these activities will earn God’s favor.
True obedience, however, flows from faith in Jesus Christ. It is the willing action of doing what God says because we trust Him. No amount of works can replace the obedience of faith.
When we are new in our walk with God, we may see Him respond to our sincere — though immature — works. But spiritual maturity calls us to move beyond performance-based Christianity into a faith-driven obedience rooted in relationship.
Faith and Relationship Go Hand in Hand
Hebrews 11:6 reminds us: "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (ESV)
Relationship with God (“drawing near”) and faith (“believing”) cannot be separated. Everything in the Christian life must proceed from faith. Romans 14:23 says: "For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." (ESV)
If obedience does not come from faith, it’s not the obedience God desires. Our actions reveal the condition of our faith — we obey what we truly believe.
Faith Produces Obedience
Disobedience is often the result of disbelief. Doubt leads to disbelief, and disbelief leads to disobedience. James put it plainly: James 2:17-22 says, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead… You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe — and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works." (ESV)
Faith is more than intellectual belief; it is proven by obedience to God’s Word.
Why Willpower Alone Won’t Work
Many Christians, after failing to obey, decide to “just try harder.” They make promises to be more disciplined, only to fall short again. This leads to discouragement and defeat.
Why? Because obedience fueled only by willpower cannot last. True obedience must flow from a living relationship with Jesus and be empowered by faith. Growth in faith naturally leads to growth in obedience.
How to Grow in Faith and Obedience
If you believe in Jesus, your life will show it — you will reject sin, follow His Word, and obey His leading. But faith is not the result of striving; it comes from relationship.
Romans 10:17 tells us: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (ESV)
Reading Scripture is not about earning God’s approval — it’s about knowing Him more, growing in faith, and living out that faith in obedience.
Final Encouragement
If you want to walk in greater obedience to God, focus on strengthening your faith and deepening your relationship with Him through prayer, the Bible, and fellowship with other believers. Out of that faith-filled relationship will come the obedience that pleases Him.
Obedience is not about performing for God — it’s about trusting Him enough to do what He says. Blessings!
Want more verses that will stir your faith? Check out this list of over 70 Bible Verses about Faith to deepen your understanding and live a life grounded in God’s promises.
Further Study
Want to go deeper on this topic? Explore these related articles:
What Is Faith in the Bible? — reinforces the spiritual basis of obedience.
Faith Is Powerful — explores how true faith moves us to act.
What Does Hebrews 11 Teach Us About Faith? — shows real-life examples of faith in action.
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