2 CORINTHIANS 10
13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. 17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. – 2 Corinthians 10:13-18
2 CORINTHIANS 10 BOAST ONLY IN THE LORD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As a follower of Jesus, there is no room for arrogance
God opposes the proud but the meek, he delights in
Because everything we have comes from the Lord
Why boast of anything that belongs to this world?
As believers, we are only to boast God’s work in us
We can not take credit for anything else God has done.
In this letter, Paul focuses on the act of boasting. He tells the believers not to engage in this act except if it was to boast about the influence of God in their lives. As Christians, we cannot be like the proud and arrogant unbeliever who relies only on himself and on his own understanding. Paul reiterates this letter in Ephesians 2:8-9 when he said “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Because of sinful nature, we love to focus on ourselves and promote ourselves. The act of boasting is not a trait that any believer must engage in except if it is to give God the glory. In John 3:30, John declares “He must increase and I must decrease.” John was referring to give all the glory and the credit to the Lord Jesus Christ and pave the way to the fulfillment of his coming to save us. We only boast of what will praise and bring glory to God.
REFLECTION
- What are some things that a believer can boast about to unbelievers?
