1 Corinthians: Not in VainSýnishorn

Boasting – is it good or bad? As Paul deals with the underlying issues in the Corinthian church, he wants to flip our idea of boasting on its head. 

As far as pastoral strategies go, we may feel that Paul’s approach in verse 26 isn’t particularly tactful! Can you imagine your pastor beginning a sermon like this? The apostle takes the Corinthians down memory lane and reminds them they were nothing special when they were converted. At first glance, this could seem just plain rude! 

But just as Paul has unpacked how God’s methods are different to the world’s (1:18–25), now he tells the Corinthians that they are living evidence of this! Did you spot the repeated phrase in verses 27-28? The phrase ‘God chose’ comes three times in quick succession. God has a completely different way of working! Although Paul has said the Christians in Corinth were ‘nobodies’, this actually serves to underline where our spiritual confidence lies: not in ourselves, but in God. 

Because, whilst our culture tends to value those who are strong or wise or seemingly significant (inevitably leading to human pride), the gospel offers a much more certain ground for our hope and confidence. Only in Jesus do we find ‘our righteousness, holiness and redemption’ (v. 30). Here Paul is alluding to part of a verse from the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 9:24) that is also quoted in verse 31. It’s in Jesus, rather than ourselves, that we find everything we need. 

As we step back we see that this passage should result not in less boasting but instead a radical change in the grounds of our boasting. We can boast in something more certain and which therefore brings more joy; this is ‘boasting in the Lord’ (v. 31).

Reflection

When might you be tempted to boast in yourself? 

Take time to boast in the Lord and give thanks that it is through faith in Jesus that we are redeemed, justified and sanctified.