Boasting By Mark Mayberry 12/9/2012 Introduction Let us focus on the positive and negative aspects of boasting, communicated in Biblical Greek by kauchaomai, which means to take pride in something or to make a boast about something. The related family of Greek words carries similar meaning. Two nouns refer to the act of taking pride in something, that which constitutes a source of pride, or the expression of such pride. Positively, a related verb means to be proud of someone or something and express oneself accordingly. Negatively, a related verb means to boast at the expense of another or to have a cause for boasting because one has achieved an advantage in power, like a gladiator who triumphs over his defeated foe. Collectively, these words occur 63x in the NT, 38 of which are found in the Corinthian epistles. Such a study is both needed and timely. The Verb Kauchaomai Thomas defines the verb καυχάομαι [kauchaomai] as to boast [2744]. BDAG say it means (1) to take pride in something, boast, glory, pride oneself, brag; (2) to make a boast about something, boast about, mention in order to boast of, be proud of something. This word occurs 36x in the NT (Rom. 2:17, 23; 5:2, 3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:29, 31 [2x]; 3:21; 4:7; 2 Cor. 5:12; 7:14; 9:2; 10:8, 13, 15, 16, 17 [2x]; 11:12, 16, 18 [2x], 30 [2x]; 12:1, 5 [2x], 6, 9; Gal. 6:13, 14; Eph. 2:9; Phil. 3:3; James 1:9; 4:16) Romans 2:17 (NASB95) 17 But if you bear the name Jew and rely upon the Law and *boast in God, Romans 2:23 (NASB95) 23 You who *boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? Romans 5:2 (NASB95) 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we *exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:3 (NASB95) 3 And not only this, but we also *exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; Romans 5:11 (NASB95) 11 And not only this, but we also *exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. 1
1 Corinthians 1:29 (NASB95) 29 so that no man may *boast before God. 1 Corinthians 1:31 (NASB95) 31 so that, just as it is written, Let him who *boasts, *boast in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:21 (NASB95) 21 So then let no one *boast in men. For all things belong to you, 1 Corinthians 4:7 (NASB95) 7 For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you *boast as if you had not received it? 2 Corinthians 5:12 (NASB95) 12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who *take *pride in appearance and not in heart. 2 Corinthians 7:14 (NASB95) 14 For if in anything I have *boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth. 2 Corinthians 9:2 (NASB95) 2 for I know your readiness, of which I *boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 2 Corinthians 10:8 (NASB95) 8 For even if I *boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, 2 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB95) 13 But we will not *boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 2 Corinthians 10:15 (NASB95) 15 not *boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 2 Corinthians 10:16 (NASB95) 16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to *boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 2 Corinthians 10:17 (NASB95) 17 But he who *boasts is to *boast in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 11:12 (NASB95) 12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are *boasting. 2 Corinthians 11:16 (NASB95) 16 Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may *boast a little. 2
2 Corinthians 11:18 (NASB95) 18 Since many *boast according to the flesh, I will *boast also. 2 Corinthians 11:30 (NASB95) 30 If I have to *boast, I will *boast of what pertains to my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:1 (NASB95) 1 *Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:5 (NASB95) 5 On behalf of such a man I will *boast; but on my own behalf I will not *boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:6 (NASB95) 6 For if I do wish to *boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB95) 9 And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather *boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Galatians 6:13 (NASB95) 13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may *boast in your flesh. Galatians 6:14 (NASB95) 14 But may it never be that I would *boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Ephesians 2:9 (NASB95) 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may *boast. Philippians 3:3 (NASB95) 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and *glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, James 1:9 (NASB95) 9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to *glory in his high position; James 4:16 (NASB95) 16 But as it is, you *boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. The Neuter Noun Kauchēma Thomas defines καύχημα [kauchēma] as derived from kauchaomai [to boast], meaning a boast [2745]. BDAG say it refers to the (1) act of taking pride in something or that which constitutes a source of pride, boast; (2) expression of pride, boast, what is said in boasting. This word occurs 11x in the NT (Rom. 4:2; 1 Cor. 5:6; 9:15, 16; 2 Cor. 1:14; 5:12; 9:3; Gal. 6:4; Phil. 1:26; 2:16; Heb. 3:6). 3
Romans 4:2 (NASB95) 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has *something to *boast *about, but not before God. 1 Corinthians 5:6 (NASB95) 6 Your *boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? 1 Corinthians 9:15 (NASB95) 15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my *boast an empty one. 1 Corinthians 9:16 (NASB95) 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to *boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 2 Corinthians 1:14 (NASB95) 14 just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your *reason to be *proud as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:12 (NASB95) 12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be *proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. 2 Corinthians 9:3 (NASB95) 3 But I have sent the brethren, in order that our *boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared; Galatians 6:4 (NASB95) 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for *boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. Philippians 1:26 (NASB95) 26 so that your *proud *confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Philippians 2:16 (NASB95) 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have *reason to *glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Hebrews 3:6 (NASB95) 6 but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the *boast of our hope firm until the end. The Feminine Noun Kauchēsis Thomas defines καύχησις [kauchēsis] as derived from kauchaomai [to boast], meaning a boasting [2746a ]. BDAG say it refers to the (1) act of taking pride in something, boasting; (2) that which constitutes a source of pride, object of boasting, reason for boasting. This word occurs 11x in the NT (Rom. 3:27; 15:17; 1 Cor. 15:31; 2 Cor. 1:12; 7:4, 14; 8:24; 11:10, 17; 1 Thess. 2:19; James 4:16). 4
Romans 3:27 (NASB95) 27 Where then is *boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. Romans 15:17 (NASB95) 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found *reason *for *boasting in things pertaining to God. 1 Corinthians 15:31 (NASB95) 31 I affirm, brethren, by the *boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 2 Corinthians 1:12 (NASB95) 12 For our *proud *confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. 2 Corinthians 7:4 (NASB95) 4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my *boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. 2 Corinthians 7:14 (NASB95) 14 For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our *boasting before Titus proved to be the truth. 2 Corinthians 8:24 (NASB95) 24 Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our *reason *for *boasting about you. 2 Corinthians 11:10 (NASB95) 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this *boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. 2 Corinthians 11:17 (NASB95) 17 What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of *boasting. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (NASB95) 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of *exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? James 4:16 (NASB95) 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such *boasting is evil. The Compound Verb Egkauchaomai Thomas defines the verb ἐγκαυχάομαι [egkauchaomai] as a compound of en [in] and kauchaomai [to boast], meaning to take pride in, glory in [1461a]. BDAG say it means to be proud of someone or something and express oneself accordingly, boast. This word occurs 1x in the NT (2 Thess. 1:4). 2 Thessalonians 1:4 (NASB95) 4 therefore, we ourselves *speak *proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5
The Compound Verb Katakauchaomai Thomas defines the verb κατακαυχάομαι [katakauchaomai] as a compound of kata [down, against, according to] and kauchaomai [to boast], meaning to exult over [2620]. BDAG say it means (1) to boast at the expense of another, boast against, exult over someone or something; (2) to have a cause for boasting because of advantage in power, triumph over. According to one extra-biblical reference, this word is descriptive of a gladiator over his defeated foe. This word occurs 4x in the NT (Rom. 11:18; James 2:13; 3:14). Romans 11:18 (NASB95) 18 do not be *arrogant *toward the branches; but if you are *arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. James 2:13 (NASB95) 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; *mercy *triumphs over judgment. James 3:14 (NASB95) 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be *arrogant and so lie against the truth. Negative Usage It is characteristic of those who boast in God and His law, but behave hypocritically (Rom. 2:17-24, esp. vs. 17 & 23). Romans 2:17-24 (NASB95) 17 But if you bear the name Jew and rely upon the Law and *boast in God, 18 and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth, 21 you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who *boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, just as it is written. It is characteristic of those who mistakenly think they merit salvation (Rom. 3:21-31, esp. vs. 27; 4:1-8, esp. vs. 2; Eph. 2:8-10, esp. vs. 9). Romans 3:21-31 (NASB95) 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously 6
committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is *boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. 31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. Romans 4:1-8 (NASB95) 1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has *something to *boast *about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NASB95) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may *boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. It is characteristic of those who obsess over cultural/ethnic/racial differences, such as the divide between Jews and Gentiles (Rom. 11:17-21, esp. vs. 18). Romans 11:17-21 (NASB95) 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be *arrogant *toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. It is characteristic of those who are consumed by sinful pride (1 Cor. 1:26-29; 4:6-7; James 3:13-16). 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NASB95) 26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may *boast before God. 7
1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NASB95) 6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. 7 For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you *boast as if you had not received it? James 3:13-16 (NASB95) 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be *arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. It is characteristic of those who boast in men, thus cultivating a party spirit (1 Cor. 3:21-23). 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 (NASB95) 21 So then let no one *boast in men. For all things belong to you, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, 23 and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God. It is characteristic of those who are overly tolerant of sin (1 Cor. 5:1-8, esp. vs. 6). 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 (NASB95) 1 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father s wife. 2 You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. 3 For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your *boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? 7 Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. It is characteristic of those who boast in appearance and not in heart (2 Cor. 5:11-15, esp. vs. 12). 2 Corinthians 5:11-15 (NASB95) 11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. 12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who *take *pride in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that 8
they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. It is characteristic of those who would compare themselves with others (2 Cor. 10:12-18, esp. vs. 13 & 15). 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (NASB95) 12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13 But we will not *boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; 15 not *boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17 But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord. 18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. It is characteristic of false teachers, like the Judaizers, who boast in their dominion over others (2 Cor. 11:12-15, esp. vs. 12; Gal. 6:12-15). 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 (NASB95) 12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are *boasting. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. Galatians 6:12-15 (NASB95) 12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may *boast in your flesh. 14 But may it never be that I would *boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. It is characteristic of those who boast of their future plans and purposes (James 4:13-16). James 4:13-16 (NASB95) 13 Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit. 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that. 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such *boasting is evil 9
Positive Usage Boasting in Blessings Disciples rightly boast/exult in hope (Rom. 5:1-2; Heb. 3:5-6). Romans 5:1-2 (NASB95) 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we *exult in hope of the glory of God. Hebrews 3:5-6 (NASB95) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; 6 but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the *boast of our hope firm until the end. Disciples should exult in tribulations (Rom. 5:3-5). Romans 5:3-5 (NASB95) 3 And not only this, but we also *exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Disciples boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to us, and in which we are made a new creation unto God (Gal. 6:14-15). Galatians 6:14-15 (NASB95) 14 But may it never be that I would *boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Disciples glory both in their exaltation and humiliation (James 1:9-11). James 1:9-11 (NASB95) 9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to *glory in his high position; 10 and the rich man is to [glory] in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. Boasting in Relationships Believers boast in their relationship with the Lord (Rom. 15:15-17; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; 2 Cor. 10:17; Phil. 3:2-3). Romans 5:10-11 (NASB95) 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved 10
by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also *exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 15:15-17 (NASB95) 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found *reason *for *boasting in things pertaining to God. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (NASB95) 30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, Let him who *boasts, *boast in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 10:17 (NASB95) 17 But he who *boasts is to *boast in the Lord. Philippians 3:2-3 (NASB95) 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and *glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, Believers boast in their relationship with fellow-christians (1 Cor. 15:31; 2 Cor. 7:2-4; 7:12-16; 8:24; 9:1-5; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 2 Thess. 1:3-5). 1 Corinthians 15:31 (NASB95) 31 I affirm, brethren, by the *boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 2 Corinthians 7:2-4 (NASB95) 2 Make room for us in your hearts; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one. 3 I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my *boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. 2 Corinthians 7:12-16 (NASB95) 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the offender nor for the sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made known to you in the sight of God. 13 For this reason we have been comforted. And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For if in anything I have *boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our *boasting before Titus proved to be the truth. 15 His affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you. 2 Corinthians 8:24 (NASB95) 24 Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our *reason *for *boasting about you. 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 (NASB95) 1 For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; 2 for I know your readiness, of which I *boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has 11
stirred up most of them. 3 But I have sent the brethren, in order that our *boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared; 4 otherwise if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we not to speak of you will be put to shame by this confidence. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (NASB95) 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of *exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 (NASB95) 3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 4 therefore, we ourselves *speak *proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5 This is a plain indication of God s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. Paul was appreciative of the confidence others had in him, and sought to live in a manner that would credit such confidence (2 Cor. 1:12-14; 5:12; Phil. 1:23-26). 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 (NASB95) 12 For our *proud *confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. 13 For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end; 14 just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your *reason to be *proud as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:12 (NASB95) 12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be *proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. Philippians 1:23-26 (NASB95) 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your *proud *confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Two unique categories remain: Note Paul s foolish defense of his ministry (1 Cor. 9:15-17; 2 Cor. 10:7-18; 11:1-21). 1 Corinthians 9:15-17 (NASB95) 15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my *boast an empty one. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to *boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the 12
gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 2 Corinthians 10:7-18 (NASB95) 7 You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ s, so also are we. 8 For even if I *boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, 9 for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. 10 For they say, His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible. 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present. 12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13 But we will not *boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; 15 not *boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to *boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17 But he who *boasts is to *boast in the Lord. 18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 11:1-21 (NASB95) 1 I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. 3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. 5 For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge; in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things. 7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge? 8 I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you; 9 and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this *boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. 16 Again I say, let no one think me foolish; 13
but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may *boast a little. 17 What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of *boasting. 18 Since many *boast according to the flesh, I will *boast also. 19 For you, being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly. 20 For you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, anyone devours you, anyone takes advantage of you, anyone exalts himself, anyone hits you in the face. 21 To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. But in whatever respect anyone else is bold I speak in foolishness I am just as bold myself. Consider also Paul s boast in his weakness (2 Cor. 11:30; 12:1-10). 2 Corinthians 11:30 (NASB95) 30 If I have to *boast, I will *boast of what pertains to my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (NASB95) 1 *Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows such a man was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know how such a man whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5 On behalf of such a man I will *boast; but on my own behalf I will not *boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 For if I do wish to *boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather *boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. Conclusion To gain the victory, we must make proper application of the gospel to our lives, and help others do the same. If we examine our own work, we will have reason for boasting in regard to self alone (Gal. 6:1-5, esp. vs. 4). If we help others get to heaven, we will have reason to glory because our labors were not in vain (Phil. 2:14-18). Galatians 6:1-5 (NASB95) 1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for *boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. 5 For each one will bear his own load. 14
Philippians 2:14-18 (NASB95) 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have *reason to *glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. Let us therefore, live consistently and with conviction, speaking and acting as those who will be judged by the law of liberty, trusting in the fact that mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:8-13). James 2:8-13 (NASB95) 8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not commit murder. Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; *mercy *triumphs over judgment. 15