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1 Corinthians 2:8 – Acts of Ignorance

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Will

which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Truth to Learn

Christians should not be ignorant of God’s wise plan.

Behind the Words

“None” is translated from oudeis. This Greek word is made up of ou, which is the word of absolute negation, and heis, meaning the number one. Hence, oudeis literally means “not a single one.”

Archon is the word translated “rulers.” Back in verse six we saw that this word means “one who is first in rank or power,” that is, a ruler. There are two possible interpretations to this expression, which we will talk about later in today’s verse.

The word translated “knew” is from the Greek verb ginōskō. This word means “to know” either in a beginning sense of in a completed sense. It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect. Thus we can think of this as “they did not come to know in the past and as a result, they are ignorant of the fact even now.”

“Crucified” is from the verb stauroō, which means “to impale on a stick or to hang on a cross.”

Meaning Explained

In the past couple of verses, Paul has been talking about the wisdom of God in His plan of salvation. In yesterday’s verse he talked about it as a mystery, one that has been hidden in the past, but that is now revealed. He contrasted it with the secrets of the mystery religions that were only revealed to those who had been fully initiated into those religions. The central truth of the gospel, that Jesus is the Messiah come to save the world by offering up His sinless life, was hidden in the past.

The Jews of the first century were waiting for their Messiah and they expected that He could come at any time. However, they were looking for a powerful conquering King who would save them from the oppression of the Romans. Instead, He came as a humble servant, wholly committed to doing the will of His Father. This included His paying the penalty for the sins of all of mankind by offering up His own innocent blood. Instead of welcoming their Messiah King, the Jews and their religious leaders crucified Him because He claimed equality with God. They did not know the truth. They were ignorant of God’s wise plan as they crucified Him:

Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. (Acts 3:17)

If they had known, Paul tells us in today’s verse, “they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

The expression “rulers of this age” in today’s verse may have a dual meaning. On the surface, it refers to the political and religious leaders who condemned Christ to the cross. However, Paul may also have been referring to the rulers of the spiritual darkness of this age, Satan and his demons. In a very real sense, they exert a strong influence on what is happening in the world system today. Had they known that killing the Messiah was part of God’s wise plan, they might not have done it.

Application

Are you ignorant of God’s wisdom? Or do you understand God’s plan and proclaim the truth to those around you?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:7 – No More Mystery

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Will

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,

Truth to Learn

Christians are to openly proclaim the good news to everyone.

Behind the Words

“Mystery” is transliterated (a word taken directly from one language to another) from the Greek noun mustērion. It is derived from the verb muō, meaning “to shut the mouth.” In the first century a mustērion involved a hidden “truth” that was only revealed as part of an initiation. In the New Testament, mustērion identifies something which was hidden in the past, but which is now openly revealed to everyone.

The Greek word translated “hidden” is apokruptō. This word is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and the verb kruptō, meaning “to hide.” Thus, apokruptō means “to hide away” or “to conceal.”

Prooridzō is the word translated “ordained.” It is a compound word made up of pro, meaning “before, in position or time” and horidzō, meaning “to determine or appoint.” Therefore, we see that prooridzō literally means “to determine ahead of time.”

Meaning Explained

From the first century BC through the second or third century AD, Greek and Roman societies were heavily influenced by mystery religions. The three most prevalent were the cult of the Syrian goddess Cybele (known as the Magna Mater, or “Great Mother”), the cult of the mother-goddess Isis and her son Osiris (having originated in Egypt), and the cult of Mithra, which began in Persia. All of these religions shared several common themes: the central god of the religious cult was miraculously born, this god provided protection in this world and immortality in the after-life, and full participation was accomplished only after multiple initiations in which hidden knowledge was revealed to the initiates. It is no wonder that many in the Roman world pictured Christianity as simply another of these mystery religions.

In today’s verse and those following, Paul shows how Christianity is different from all of the mystery religions. He starts off his explanation by showing that Christianity also involves a mystery, the wisdom of God. However, in verse ten he will declare that the mystery is now openly revealed through the Spirit of God. This is something that the mystery religions would never do. He also goes on to show that this mystery and its revelation to all of mankind was part of God’s plan from the beginning. The gods of the mystery religions had to perform some act in order to obtain their divine status. They were subject to the workings of fate. Our God is in control of all things. He was divine from the beginning and reveals Himself to all of mankind as part of His eternal plan.

Paul’s purpose seems to be to distinguish Christian faith from cultic devotion by showing that this mystery is fully revealed to all in the person of Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ is the sole requirement for salvation, not a series of ritualistic initiations.

Application

The central truth of Christianity is that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, the sinless one for the sinners. It is not a mystery and we are not to keep it to ourselves. We are commanded to openly proclaim the truth.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:6 – Wise Maturity

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Will

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians understand the true wisdom of God’s Word.

Behind the Words

“We speak” is translated from the Greek verb laleō, which means “to speak.” It is a reference to the ability to speak rather than the quality of speech. It is expressed here in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, which implies current continuous action.

The word “mature” is translated from a form of telos, meaning “the goal, completion, or end purpose” of something. As used here, it is a reference to those who are complete or fully grown. It could be a reference to those who have reached adulthood, or it could be a reference to mature Christians, as implied in Hebrews 13:20, 21.

Aiōn is the word translated “age.” It is a reference to a period of time or of the characteristics of that time period. Paul is probably referring to the time before the return of Christ.

The word “rulers” is from archōn, which means “one who is first in rank or power,” that is, a ruler.

The words “coming to nothing” are translated from the verb katargeō. This word is made up of kata, used as an intensifier, and argeō, which means “to be idle.” Katargeō generally means “to be completely useless or without purpose.”

Meaning Explained

In verse four, Paul talked about some of the things that are not characteristics of his teaching and preaching style. In today’s verse he talks about something that is characteristic of his style. In the previous chapter he contrasted the worldly view of the gospel message (foolishness) with the supposed wisdom of the world’s teachers. Throughout this chapter he has been talking about his wise method of delivering the simple gospel message.

After describing the wisdom of the world as foolish and un-wise, he now tells us about the true wisdom of God’s Word. Our faith is not based on the wisdom of men, as he said in yesterday’s verse, but on true wisdom. This true wisdom is spoken to those who are mature. As we pointed out in Behind the Words, the Greek word telos refers to someone who has reached spiritual maturity; however, many of the Corinthian Christians were anything but mature in their faith.

This seems to be a slight jab at those who had been so easily distracted from the simple truths of the good news. They were not spiritually mature. So, what Paul means is that those who are mature in their Christian faith would understand the wisdom that he is talking about. The immature Christians in Corinth were still under the impression that the wisdom of the philosophers and sophists was desirable. However, Paul points out that the supposed great ones of the world system not only were not very wise, but their lack of true wisdom will eventually result in their total destruction.

Application

Are you seeking after truth and godly wisdom? If so, you won’t find it in the world. You will only find it in the Word of God, faithfully taught by those who are well grounded in the Bible.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:5 – Wisdom vs. Power

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Will

that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Truth to Learn

Man’s message may be wise, but God’s message is powerful.

Behind the Words

The word translated “faith” is pistis. This is the noun form of the verb peithō, which means “to win over,” “to persuade,” or “to convince.” Therefore, pistis refers to “belief in, or reliance on, an idea” or “conviction.”

The words “should … be” are from the Greek verb eimi, which is the verb of being (I am, you are, he is). It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of occurrence. It is often translated as “should be, may be, or might be.”

Sophia is the word translated “wisdom,” which we have looked at several times recently. It refers to “wisdom, skill, tact, or expertise.” It is based on sophos, which does not refer to the possession of knowledge, but the skill in applying that knowledge in the affairs of life.

“Power” is from the Greek word dunamis, which refers to “the ability, authority, or power to do something.” However, this word emphasizes the accomplishment of some task or deed rather than just the potential to do it.

Meaning Explained

You will recall that Paul has been speaking about the divisions within the church at Corinth which were caused by people following specific teachers or preachers rather than the message they proclaimed. Because they were easily persuaded by eloquent speakers who were skilled in the use of words and powerful arguments instead of the truth of the message, the Corinthian Christians had become easily swayed to believe in half-truths and lies rather than the truth of the simple gospel message. For Christians, it is of utmost importance to believe in God’s message, not in the messenger.

Every one of us has faith, Christian and non-Christian alike. The difference between Christians and others is the basis of that faith. Some people have faith in their government to protect and take care of them. Some people have faith in their doctor to protect them and take care of them. Some people have faith in their employer to protect them and take care of them. Some people have faith in themselves. Many of the people in the church in Corinth had faith in their leader to protect and take care of them. True Christians, however, have faith in God.

This is the crux of Paul’s message in today’s verse. Our faith should not be in our church leaders, no matter how good their teaching may be. This is especially true if that teaching is based on human wisdom and eloquent speaking. Instead, our faith should be in the truth of God’s word as demonstrated by His miraculous power to change lives and to care for and protect His children.

Application

This week, as you listen to the message proclaimed from the pulpit in your church, ask yourself, “Is this a message from man or a message from God as revealed in the Bible?” If the message is not from God, no matter how wise or how well proclaimed, it may not be worth listening to. Now, that’s something to think about!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:4 – Persuasion vs. Power

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Will

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

Truth to Learn

Man’s preaching may be persuasive, but God’s message is powerful.

Behind the Words

“Speech” is translated from logos, which refers to “a word as an expression of intelligence.” It can refer to a singular word, a saying, or a verbal expression of ideas.”

The word translated “persuasive” is peithos, which is unique to Paul, not having been found in any other Greek writings. It is based on the verb peithō, which means “to persuade.”

Apodeixis is the Greek word translated “demonstration.” This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “away from” but used as an intensifier and a form of deiknumi, meaning “to show” or “to exhibit.” Thus, apodeixis means “something exhibited outwardly” or “clearly demonstrated.”

The word “Spirit” is from the Greek noun pneuma (from which we get our English words pneumatic and pneumonia). It is based on the verb pneuō, meaning “to breathe.” Hence, pneuma refers to “a breath or blast of air” or “a breeze.”

Meaning Explained

As we pointed out in verse one of this chapter, Paul is now contrasting his style of teaching and preaching with that of the Greek orators of that day. At that time, there was a class of speakers known as the sophists (wise ones), who traveled from place to place presenting stirring and powerful messages to teach everything what was necessary to be successful in life. However, the sophists were more focused on oratory skills than on the soundness of the “truths” they were teaching. They specialized in using philosophy and rhetoric in persuading their listeners to believe what was popular and politically correct rather than the truth. As a result, the word sophist has come to mean someone who uses powerful and effective speech to deceive someone else.

It is against this backdrop that Paul makes the current comments about his own speaking style. His reference to “speech” is probably a reference to his communication with individuals and small groups, whereas “preaching” is likely a reference to his public preaching. He tells us here that in neither situation did he utilize persuasive words or “politically correct” human wisdom. The people of Corinth, being in the mainstream of Greek society and culture, were drawn to the sophist style of preaching, preferring to hear great public speakers rather than the plain truths of the gospel message.

Paul, on the other hand, relied on the unseen power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrated by the miraculous changes in the lives of the people who believed his simple message. Throughout the New Testament we read about the many miracles performed by the Holy Spirit at the hands of the apostles and the many conversions that resulted from them. This was Paul’s style: simply declare the good news and let the Holy Spirit produce the change in people’s lives.

Application

As we have asked before, do you like the preaching you hear every Sunday because it is effectively persuasive? Or do you like it because the simple truth causes you to humble yourself before your Lord and Master, Jesus Christ?

In God's service, for His glory,

To see all of our verse studies, visit http://www.ministryofgrace.org

1 Corinthians 2:2 – And Him Crucified

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Will

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Truth to Learn

Christ’s crucifixion is the central theme of Christianity.

Behind the Words

“Determined” is translated from the Greek verb krinō, which literally means “to discriminate between good and evil,” that is “to judge, to choose, or to select.”

The words “to know” are from the verb eidō. It literally means “to see with perception.” In its most common usage it refers to understand mentally, that is “to know.”

“Anything” is from the Greek indefinite article ti, which means “someone, some thing, or a certain thing.”

The expression “except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” is constructed such that it places the emphasis on “Him crucified.” It could be literally translated as “except Jesus Christ and this one as crucified.” The central theme of Paul’s gospel message is not just Jesus Christ as the Son of God, but the fact that He was crucified to pay the penalty for our sins.

Meaning Explained

As we discussed in yesterday’s verse, the Apostle Paul was not known for his eloquent style of preaching but for simply and plainly declaring the good news about Jesus Christ. Today we learn that at some time in the past Paul made a conscious decision to preach the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Notice that he did not say “Jesus and Him crucified.” He was not focused on the humanity of Jesus, but His divinity. Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed King who, as part of the Godhead, was the creator of all that is. And, as the Messiah, He is the one promised to come and save the world.

The Jews expected their Messiah would come as a conquering King who would free them from oppression. However, He came instead as a humble servant who was condemned to death and was crucified because He claimed to be the Son of God. This is precisely why the Jews find Him to be a “stumbling block,” and the great philosophical minds of the day considered Paul’s message to be foolishness:

but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Christ’s crucifixion was the central theme of Paul’s preaching, but he did not preach only the crucifixion; He preached the whole Word of God, knowing that there is much more to the Christian life than just Christ’s death on the cross:

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:11)

For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:27)

how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, … (Acts 20:20).

It is of vital importance to preach the crucifixion of Christ, but that is only the beginning of the Christian experience.

Application

Fortunately, there are still many churches today that preach the salvation message. Unfortunately, there are still churches where that is the only thing being proclaimed. There is much to know about being a Christian beyond salvation.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:1 – Not Eloquent Preaching

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Will

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.

Truth to Learn

Paul did not depend on eloquence to get his message across.

Behind the Words

The words “when I came” are from the verb erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having come.”

“Excellence” is translated from the Greek word huperochē. This word is based on the verb huperechō, which is made up of huper, meaning “above” and echō, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Huperechō, therefore, means “to hold above,” “to make prominent,” or “to hold oneself as superior to others.”

Katangellō is the verb translated “declaring.” It is made up of kata, used as an intensifier and angellō, meaning “to deliver a message.” Thus, katangellō means “to declare a message openly and with authority.”

The word translated “testimony” is marturion, which refers to “a witness” or “a testimony.” However, the best Greek texts have the word musterion. It is based on the verb mueō, which means “to close” or “to initiate.” It is an allusion to the mystery religions of the day where secret knowledge was revealed only to those who have been initiated into the religion.

Meaning Explained

Having spent the better part of chapter one on the divisions within the Corinthian church, Paul now will contrast the mode and style of his preaching with those of worldly preachers. It appears that the Christians in Corinth were attracted to eloquent, philosophical preachers who tickled the ears of the congregation with well-turned phrases and rhetorical devices.

That had not been Paul’s purpose or method, however. His own method of preaching may have seemed base or lacking in style, but he stayed true to the content of his preaching. You may recall from the introductory notes on this letter, that Corinth was an exceedingly rich and wicked city. The members of the Corinthian church had grown up amidst such worldliness and had a difficult time letting go of their worldly ways. Because of this, they were attracted to the type of people and the style of teaching that was a hallmark of Greek society.

Please don’t misunderstand the message here. Paul is not condemning those who are gifted preachers. We even noted in our discussion of 1 Corinthians 1:27, that Paul used a well-constructed rhetorical argument to refute the supposed wisdom of the Greek orators and philosophers of that day. However, what he is declaring here is that the message is far more important than the methods of preaching. Paul’s method and message are to simply and plainly declare his testimony, or witness, concerning Jesus Christ.

Paul’s preaching and teaching were singularly focused on Jesus Christ and the implication for all mankind of His death and subsequent resurrection. He avoided philosophical arguments and, as we will learn in tomorrow’s verse, preached “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Application

What is it that you appreciate about the messages you hear at your church every week? Is it the humorous stories you hear, the captivating style of the preaching, or is it the messages centered on the truths of the Bible and Jesus Christ crucified?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:31 – Where’s Your Focus

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Will

that, as it is written, "he who glories, let him glory in the Lord."

Truth to Learn

The focus of our life needs to be on God, not the things of man.

Behind the Words

The words “it is written” are translated from the Greek verb graphō , which literally means “to grave,” that is, to carve. It is the most ancient form of writing. In first century common usage, it refers to any kind of writing. It is written here in the perfect tense, so it means “it was written in the past and, therefore, it is written (as a confirmed statement of fact).”

The words “glories” and “glory” are both from the verb kauchaomai. A couple of verses back we learned that this word means “to boast, brag, or have pride.”

The word “Lord” is from kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

Meaning Explained

The divisions within the church in Corinth sprang-up primarily from people bragging about who their leader was:

For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:11-12)

This greatly troubled Paul. He was not troubled because some of them claimed to follow someone else rather than him. That would have indicated selfishness on his part. Paul was troubled because it showed that the Corinthians were more focused on things of man than things of God. It also meant that they were following after men of wisdom, power, and eloquence, which is not what Paul wanted nor is it what God wants.

Paul may have seen in the Corinthian Christians what God saw in the Israelites. After all the miracles that God had performed for them and after all the blessings that He bestowed on them, they turned their backs on God and began following after the false gods and idols of the people in the land into which God had led them. They had utterly turned from the one true God and placed more importance on wisdom, power, and riches than in God. As a result, before God judged the Israelites and had them carried off into Babylon, he sent them a warning through the Prophet Jeremiah, who said:

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

This is the passage that Paul is quoting to the Corinthians and it is a stern warning to them, and to us.

Application

What is the central object of your life? Is it to gain wealth, power, or wisdom? Or, is your life singularly focused on serving God to demonstrate how grateful you are for all that He has done for you? That’s a question that we all have to answer!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:30 – All From God

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Will

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

Truth to Learn

Our salvation is all from God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “of” is ek, which means “out of” or “from.” It is an indication of the source of something.

“Became” is from the Greek verb ginomai, which means “to begin to be.” It is expressed in the aorist tense, passive voice, indicating that it was done to Him at a point in time in the past.

Dikaiosunē is the word translated “righteousness.” It is based on the noun dikaios, which means “just” or “righteous.” Righteousness is a description of our standing before God.

“Sanctification” is from the noun hagiasmos, from the verb hagiadzō, which means “to set apart from common use as something without blemish to be used in the service of God.”

The word “redemption” is translated from apolutrōsis. This is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and lutroō, which means “to bring a ransom for the purpose of freeing someone from captivity.” Thus, apolutrōsis means “set free as a result of a ransom having been fully paid.” We are set free from sin and its consequences because the ransom for our freedom has been fully paid by the blood of Christ.

Meaning Explained

Throughout the past six verses Paul has been talking about God’s wisdom in his choosing and calling us foolish, weak, sin-sick nobodies out of the world and into His family. He has masterfully and effectively contrasted the wisdom of the world (which in reality is utter foolishness) with the foolishness of God (which in reality is supreme wisdom). Here he makes a dramatic statement that is often missed. Paul says that God is the source of our position “in Christ Jesus.”

If you carefully study the New Testament teachings, you will find that all aspects of our salvation have their source in God. Here is a list of some of the things that we could not do, but that God has already done for us:

He willed (determined) to make us His (Ephesians 1:5)

He purposed to predestine us (Ephesians 1:11)

He predestined us to adoption as sons (Ephesians 1:5)

He chose us (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

He prepared us (Romans 9:23)

He drew us to Himself (John 6:44)

He granted us to come to Christ (John 6:65)

He saved us (Titus 3:5)

He sanctified us completely (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

He appointed us to eternal life (Acts 13:48)

He delivered us from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13)

He made us alive (Ephesians 2:5)

He poured out His Spirit on us (Titus 3:6)

He brought us forth (James 1:18)

He justified and glorified us (Romans 8:30)

He called us into His kingdom (1 Thessalonians 2:12)

Application

Seeing all that God has done for us, how can we do anything but be humbled and eternally grateful for all His work in our salvation? And given all that He has already done, how could we ever think that there is anything that we could do to nullify what God has done? Praise God and give Him the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:29 – God Deserves the Glory

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Will

that no flesh should glory in His presence.

Truth to Learn

God deserves the praise for who we are and what we have.

Behind the Words

“That” is translated from the Greek word hopōs, which is an adverb of manner. The basic meaning of this word is, “in what manner, how, or so that.”

The Greek word translated “flesh” is sarx. This word specifically refers to the “flesh of a living being,” as opposed to the word kreas, which refers to “the flesh of a dead animal” or “meat.” Metaphorically, sarx refers to the physical being of a man as opposed to the immaterial soul or spirit.

Kauchaomai is the verb translated “glory.” Some sources claim that it is derived from auchen, meaning “the neck,” which some self-righteous people hold in a proud manner. Kauchaomai means “to boast, brag, or have pride.” In the New Testament, it is used both in a good sense and in a bad sense.

The words “in … presence” are from enōpion. It is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of ōps, which refers to “the eyes.” Whereas this word literally means “in the eyes of,” it is most often translated as “in the presence of.”

Meaning Explained

In this first chapter of his letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul is specifically addressing the problem of divisions within the church, which he first introduced in verse ten:

Now I plead with you, brethren … that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together …

The divisions within the church were caused by people claiming to follow certain gifted and respected leaders within the church. The Corinthians even boasted about who they followed. As a result, Paul spent most of the previous nineteen verses showing that worldly wisdom, education, and social rank have no influence with God. He then went on to show that not only does God not show any special favor to the rich, powerful, and famous, He actually focuses his grace primarily on those of us who are nobodies in the eyes of the world.

People who have made a name for themselves through hard work, education, political maneuvering, or social standing, all have one thing in common: they take pride in their attainment. They believe that they have risen to their position of importance because of who they are or what they have done. This self-pride, in return, takes the credit away from God. However, the Prophet Jeremiah said this:

What we have to recognize is that everything that we are and everything that we have comes from God. Therefore, He deserves to get the credit for it all.

Application

Let us give humble thanks to God for everything that we are and everything that we have. He doesn’t make mistakes, so no matter what our position in life, God deserves all the credit for who we are and what we have accomplished.

In God's service, for His glory,