April 10, 2020: SOAP #3781:  1Samuel 8-10; 2Corinthians 10 (Fm: 11/17/2012)

Scripture:   2Corinthians 10:17 But, “Let him 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.

Observation:    In the previous verses Paul gives guidelines for boasting.  First (verse 12), boasting should not be done to compare one person to another—to make one person look better than another.   Second (verse 13), boasting should be limited to the areas God has assigned.  Third (verse 14), boasting should be limited to stating the truth.  Fourth (verse 15, 16), boasting should not be taking credit for what others have done.   Fifth (verse 17), boasting should be centered in the Lord.

Application:    We all understand a young child standing on a chair by the sink “helping” to wash the dishes.  Afterwards they brag about what they did, looking for some praise.  But as I grow and mature, I do a better job washing the dishes and I recognize the help of others in the process.  And so, it is with my spiritual growth.  My boasting changes as I mature.  I grow to understand the big picture!  In my conversation, instead of saying, “I did this…” or “I did that…”  I begin to say, “God did this…that!”  (Note; Pro 27:3)

My best boasting is when I sing, “Look what the Lord has done!”  And the Lord likes to boast, “Look what my child has done!”  He is not that different than earthly parents!

Prayer:   Lord, May my life bring you much joy and give you reason to boast.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!