“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 1:30-31
Main Thought: We all know that it is wrong to boast or brag about ourselves. Proverbs 27:2 tells us “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth…” So when it comes to ourselves and boasting of our own accomplishments or knowledge, it is wrong. However, in this passage of Scripture we are told boasting is appropriate, because in this case, our boasting is in what Christ has done for us and what we are now in Him. The history of the church at Corinth at this point was one of division, pride, and arrogance. Some had picked sides in regards to preachers (1 Cor. 1:12), others were taking pride in certain spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12 & 1 Cor. 14), and some flaunted their wealth at the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:17-21). In these verses, Paul reminded them, and us, that all that we possess as Christians is in Christ, and there is no place or room for boastfulness or pride. Because of Christ, we now have true wisdom, not the wisdom of the world that is only temporal, but the wisdom of the Gospel that leads to eternal life and the wisdom of His Word that helps us to grow in Christ and walk righteously in this world. Paul also reminded them that in Christ they are righteous because the righteousness of Christ has been put on our account, meaning we are now declared eternally righteous in the eyes of God (Rom. 4:23-5:3). Also, because of Christ we now possess a position of sanctification, or holiness, where God does not see us in our sinfulness, but because of Christ we are seen as eternally holy. And last, because of Christ we now possess redemption, which means we have been bought by Christ out of our slavery to sin and the punishment of our sin; we have been delivered by Christ’s blood from that. This is why if we do any boasting, or any bragging, as Christians it should always be in our Lord, because all that we possess is because of what He has done for us. After all, He became the substitute for our sins. May our lives and our mouths boast to others of what we are and have because of Christ.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 15:1-2
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” – Romans 15:1-2
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6
Hebrews 11:24-26
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” – Hebrews 11:24-26
Revelation 22:20-21
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” – Revelation 22:20-21
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Isaiah 8:20
“To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” – Isaiah 8:20
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7
1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not quench the Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Colossians 2:5
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” – Colossians 2:5
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1