“let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” [2 corinthians 10:17]
in corinth, there were false teachers that were not only criticizing paul but were boasting about their own knowledge, wisdom and gifts. paul emphasizes the difference between the truth that he lived and preached and those who had selfish ambition.
here he is quoting Jeremiah 9:24, “but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that i am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. for in these things i delight, declares the Lord.”
hindrances in boasting in the Lord:
- not knowing his character because you don’t dwell in his word.
- not communing with him daily and praying without ceasing.
- boasting in ourselves instead of the Lord.
how can we boast about the aspects of God’s character when we don’t know what they are? we know by reading and studying it in his word.
he keeps his promises. “and also the Glory of israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.” 1 samual 15:29
his love is everlasting. the Lord appeared to him from far away. i have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore i have continued my faithfulness to you. jeremiah 31:3
he is timeless. he is infinite. “i am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” revelation 1:8
he is not contained. he is omnipresent. “am i a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? can a man hide himself in secret places so that i cannot see him? declares the Lord. do i not fill heaven and earth?” jeremiah 23:24
he is a hiding place. he is a shield. “you are my hiding place and my shield; i wait for your word.” psalm 119: 114
he is our shepherd. “the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. he makes me lie down in green pastures. he leads me beside still waters.” psalm 23:1
he is light. “this is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 john 1:5”
he sees. “so she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘you are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘truly here i have seen him who looks after me.’” genesis 16:13
he is just. “now, will not God bring about justice for his elect who cry to him day and night, and will he delay long over them?” luke 18:7
he is holy. “but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘you shall be holy, for i am holy.’” 1 peter 1:15-16
he is the Creator. “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” genesis 1:1
he is our Father. “is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you?” deuteronomy 32:6
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which aspect of God’s character will you boast in today?
~ natalie schmidt