1 Corinthians 1:28-31 (ESV)
[28] God chose what is low and despised in the
world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, [29]
so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. [30] And because of
him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness
and sanctification and redemption, [31] so that, as it is written, “Let the one
who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
As
believers, our boasting in not in our wisdom. It is not is our spiritual power.
Nor do we boast in who we follow, who has taught us, or who we know. Any boast
we have is a boast about the grace of God who chose us in spite of who we are
and what we have to offer, not because of who we are. “God chose what is low
and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things
that are” (1Cor 1:28). Any boast we have is a boast about the grace of God.
1
Corinthians 1:26 reveals that not many wise or powerful, and not many of
nobility are called to faith in Christ. The wise tend to rely on their natural
wisdom. The powerful depend on their position, power, and authority. In
American culture, when we think nobility, think of families we hold in high esteem,
i.e. television and movie stars, as well as those from politically powerful families.
Those of nobility tend to rely on their name and their money. But in Christ,
none of those things mean anything. We often say, “It’s all in who you know.”
Well, yes, it is all in who you know, and as believers, we know God.
Knowing
God starts with humility. It starts with admitting that we come empty handed,
with nothing to offer God. It starts with recognizing our spiritual poverty. Jesus
said, ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
(Mt 5:3). We are not talking here about a poor self-image. As believers, we
find our identity in Christ. There is nothing poor about that image. But it is
not about us.
The
Good News is rooted in two simple truths. First, we are broken, bent toward
sin, and helpless to reach or know God. Second, because of the death and
resurrection of Jesus, we are offered the free gift of life, wholeness,
forgiveness, and intimacy with God. That is called grace, and it is a gift
received through faith. The old hymn, Rock of Ages, says it well when it starts
verse three with these words, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross
I cling.”[1] Our salvation is not about us, it is about the great
grace of the God we serve.
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