“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3
1 Corinthians 1:30-31
“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 4:2-3
Psalm 92:8
“But You are on high forever, O Yahweh.” – Psalm 92:8
John 11:25-27
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27
John 8:23-24
“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24
John 6:39-40
“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40
John 2:18-21
“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Psalm 85:6
“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
John 14:19
“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19