“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
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:13
2 Corinthians 8:9
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” – 2 Corinthians 8:9
Job 14:1-2
“Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not.” – Job 14:1-2
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
Psalm 119:41-42
“Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me.” – Psalm 119:41-42
Psalm 86:9
“All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.” – Psalm 86:9 (ESV)
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (ESV)