0638. 623. Paul’s Sevenfold Boasting

623. Paul’s Sevenfold Boasting

The Apostle frequently uses the word for boasting, and its co-relative, which means to glory in, make a boast of, and to speak loudly about anything or anyone. Sometimes the word is rendered “rejoice,” “glory,” and “boast.”

1. Boasting in Christ. “Rejoice (“glory,” R.V.) in Christ Jesus” (Php_3:3). When we make our boast in the Lord we have some One who is worthy in whom to glory. If we glory in what we are, in what we can do, or in anything we have, we are missing the mark, and dishonouring the Lord.

2. Boasting in God. “But we also joy (boast) in God” (Rom_5:11). To be reconciled to God, and to be saved in His life is good and better; but the superlative is to joy in Him. “Any salvation short of knowing God Himself is no salvation at all.”

3. Boasting in Tribulation. “But we glory in tribulations also” (Rom_5:3). Tribulations are hurtful, and they may be harmful. They may not be toothsome, but they are often wholesome. The knocks that are meant to bruise, often bless. To glory in them is only possible as we “boast in the Lord.”

4. Boasting in the Cross. “God forbid that I should glory (boast), save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal_6:14). The apostle was not merely boasting in Christ’s atonement, but in the sufferings which came to him because of his crucified Lord.

5. Boasting in Infirmities. “Glory in mine infirmities”

(2Co_12:9). The infirmities were bodily weaknesses. He felt them keenly, and prayed about them earnestly, and found in them a strength through the sufficient grace of his Lord.

6. Boasting in Exaltation. “Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted” (Jas_1:9). God’s liftings-up are not meant to lift us in pride, but to inspire to thankfulness and humility.

7. Boasting in Hope of the Glory. “Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Rom_5:2). The outlook of the believer is bright with coming glory.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH