“God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:28-31
Reflect
“And because of him, you are in Christ Jesus.”
What a humbling statement. But Paul, the author of the first letter to the church in Corinth, doesn’t stop there. He also reminds them, and us, that any wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption come from God alone. This leaves us absolutely no room for boasting.
The godly counsel you give and the fruit you bear is all wrought about by God. Friends, we couldn’t even try to muster up the strength from our own being to save ourselves; it was wholly a work of God. We were dead—we couldn’t choose to be saved without Him first raising us to life by His own power (Ephesians 2:1). Why on earth would we think our good works and growth in Christ are ours to claim for boasting?
Are you knowledgeable in the Word? Praise God! Do you have a good grasp on theology? Awesome, praise Him! Have you spent years in fruitful ministry? Praise the Lord! Any good work, from the seemingly smallest to the most impactful, is reason to boast in the Lord alone. Any gift we have or wisdom we receive is given by the God of wisdom. Believer, don’t boast.
Pray
Father, I praise You for saving us and sanctifying us. May we see the fruit in our lives and praise You rather than puffing ourselves up. May we say to the world, “Look what He has done! I could never have done this.” I pray our good works would bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Your Turn
Do you need to repent of any boasting or arrogance in your life? Have you taken credit for things that God alone has done?
