I Will Boast

GETTING STARTED

In 2012, The Wall Street Journal reported that boasting triggers the same sensation in our brain as food, money, and sex. Whom we identify with and how we view ourselves are big parts of our identity; however, that desire is designed by God to be found in him and in our relationship with Jesus alone. When we equate our ideas and relationships with our sense of worth, we quickly drift into either a sense of self-sufficiency or fear. Both of behaviors are rooted in sin, doubt, and self-deception, and they keep us from experiencing true intimacy with Jesus and each other.

  • To whom do you look for assurance or acceptance?

READ THE WORD: 1 CORINTHIANS 3:18-23 (ESV)

18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 21 So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What are we supposed to become, and why (vs. 18)?
  2. What does this passage say about “the wisdom of this world” and “the thoughts of the wise”?
  3. The Corinthian Christians were boasting and putting value on which teacher they followed—Paul, Apollos, or Cephas. What is the danger of identifying with a teacher or Christian leader, rather than with Jesus?
  4. Aside from a relationship with Jesus, whom do you find yourself getting your identity, self-worth, or acceptance from? What are the dangers for you of finding your identity in people other than Jesus?

RESPOND TO GOD

When we seek fulfillment in anyone other than Jesus, we sin. Paul says he will boast in nothing but the cross of Christ (Gal. 6:14), meaning that all of his identity, purpose, and value can be summed up in the grace and forgiveness he has received from Jesus, so that “no man may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9) in his own salvation! May we be on guard to never give any person—ourselves or someone else—the glory that is reserved for God alone.

  • Ask God to show you areas of your life in which you are boasting in something other than Christ. 
  • Confess that to God and ask him to help you overcome that barrier to true intimacy.