Without the Pride of Boasting
The following post is a copy of a paper I wrote dealing with the text of 1 Cor 1:26-31 - 26
"For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 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, 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, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."
Part of the nature of sin within believers is the propensity toward pride. Pride is very dangerous because it resonates from an ungrateful heart. God is not neutral toward this particular sin but rather seems to withhold mercy and grace from those who persist in pride. As the scriptures state in Proverbs, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Also, Isaiah prophesied in 66:1-2, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,’ says the Lord. ‘But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.’” The Corinthian Christians had become puffed up and arrogant as stated by Paul in chapter 4:18a, “Now some of you are puffed up…”. Anytime believers forget that their position in the body of Christ, their adoption as children of God, their salvation and eternal destiny is a gift of free and sovereign grace alone, pride will come. In 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Paul reminds them of the grace of God who called them and the source of all boasting is in Christ alone. The purpose of this paper is to explain and interpret 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 giving historical and cultural setting along with major theological and interpretive issues, provide commentary, and to apply the truth of this passage within the context of modern Christian living.
1 Corinthians was written to the church at Corinth, which Paul had founded while preaching the gospel in the city of Corinth. The Corinthian church was located in one of the major economic centers within the first century Roman Empire. Corinth was a city known for immorality and debauchery. In particular, there were a great deal of sexual sins related to temple prostitutes, incest, and a variety of sexual perversions. Corinth was unquestionably pagan in culture and religion. Within this setting, Paul came preaching “Christ and Him crucified.” God, in His amazing grace, reached down and saved many undeserving sinners in Corinth. His work of salvation in Corinth was determined by His sovereign grace alone as the Lord spoke to Paul in Acts 18:9-10, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” This statement of divine ownership was pre-salvation. Only a small number of believers were present at this time. The church at Corinth had not yet been established. From this time forward, Paul spent one year and six months in Corinth preaching and teaching the word of God.
The element of salvation by grace is a major theological theme within this text because Paul is reminding them that they did not choose God nor were they deserving of God’s special favor. Rather, God called them out of darkness, out of sin, out of depravity and into the kingdom of His Son. Therefore, Paul says, “Let him who glories glory in the Lord.” This is a pride shattering revelation that rightly understood promotes humility and thankfulness and gives all the glory for salvation to God where it belongs.
One of the major interpretive issues within this passage has to do with the terms translated “calling” and “called”. To rightly divide the word in this text, we must appropriately discuss what many theologians have termed the “effectual calling” or irresistible grace. The key question to be answered is does God “call” every man, woman, and child universally and equally or does God call individuals effectually and independently? Upon answering this question biblically, how does this affect our pride as Christians?
The scope of this paper deals with verses 26 through 31 of chapter 1. Paul stated in verse 26, “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called.” John Gill explained the calling in this verse as, “Those that were called by the grace of God among them…so here "calling" designs men called by grace”. Paul previously stated in verse 24, “but to those who are called…” Again Gill comments on this verse, “Effectually (called), by the grace of God, not merely externally, but internally; these have other sentiments of Christ, and the doctrine of salvation by him; for being called out of darkness, and savingly illuminated by the Spirit of God, they see wisdom, beauty, glory, excellency, and suitableness in Christ, and in his Gospel; and having felt the power of it upon their souls, with them…”[1] Craig Blomberg seems to correlate the term “called” as synonymous with being “saved”. Blomberg stated, “1 Corinthians 1:26-31 contrasts the status of most of the Corinthians in their society when they were first saved (“called”)”.[2]
Paul used the terminology of “called” and “calling” not a few times in his writings. On every occasion, the clear application was to the believers whom God had saved sovereignly and effectually. A clear example is Paul’s own testimony in Galatians 1:15, “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace.” Again in teaching the sovereignty of God in salvation and the doctrine of election, Paul stated in Romans 8:30, “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called and whom He called these He also justified and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Again Paul stated in Romans 9:11, “(for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls)”. In each of these examples, the clear meaning by Paul is to communicate an “effectual call” resulting in the salvation of sinners. This is opposed to a general call that goes out to all men universally. In this author’s view, Jesus also communicated the same principle of effectual calling in John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him and I will raise him up at the last day.” In accordance with the interpretation of effectual calling (here stated “drawing”), Jesus’ statement does not communicate a general drawing of all men for He said that those drawn by the Father He would raise up in glory. That is eternal salvation.
The point this author is making is Paul instructed the Corinthian Christians to consider their calling. God had not called many wise, many mighty, or many noble. Therefore, the Corinthians have no room to boast. He could have chosen not to call them either. The fact He did call them only glorifies His grace and completely demolishes the arrogance of the Corinthian believers.
Paul stated in verse 27 and 28, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are”. Namely, those in the Corinthian church who were called were in fact chosen by God to shame the wisdom and might of the world. The world boasts in worldly wisdom, worldly philosophy, and worldly might. However, all of those things are absolute foolishness to God. God does not esteem what man esteems. God’s passion is focused on that which is ultimate, that which is eternal, that which is infinitely majestic and wise, namely His own glory. The fact that God freely bestows saving grace upon whom He wills both confounds the wisdom of the world and magnifies His own glorious grace.
Rather than focus on the sovereignty of God, many commentators and readers place emphasis on the examples of who the called were not; namely God had not called many wise, many mighty, many noble, nor “the things that are.” Page Patterson summarized this passage, “Paul’s conclusion was that the Lord has used the very insights which man views condescendingly to render useless the pride of men.”[3] It is in fact humbling to know that many of us, perhaps most of us, are not noble, wealthy, powerful, or wise according to the world. I confess this fact is humbling. However, the believer’s pride is still not quelled unless he knows the depths of his own sinfulness and the free grace granted to him in the effectual calling of God. The reality that God could have left us in our sins, was under no obligation to save us, and was not moved to save based on anything good within us is a reality too often unheralded from many pulpits today. This type of humility is the central message of Paul in this text.
Paul stated further in verse 29, “that no flesh should glory in His presence.” Not one saved sinner will be able to stand in the presence of God and look over at the wicked under judgment and say, “I’m glad that I did the right thing. I’m glad that I was soft and pliable. I’m glad that I was smarter or wiser or more spiritually sensitive than that guy. I’m glad I made the right decision.” Rather, just as Jesus contrasted the repentful publican who begged for mercy and the Pharisee thinking himself more highly than other sinners, all who stand before the throne of God justified will proclaim, “Only by the grace of God am I here today.” No flesh will glory in His presence! How can this be unless we understand that salvation is wholly a work of God’s free and sovereign grace alone? We became active in our salvation only after God first chose us, sought us, drew us, and called us out of our pit of sin. Our faith was granted as a gift through the hearing of the word of God. Our repentance was granted to us by God’s good leading. Our response was certain from God’s perspective because He worked all things together for the good of those who are “the called according to His purpose.” Matthew Henry commented the following, “…that there might be no pretence for boasting. Divine wisdom alone had the contrivance of the method of redemption; divine grace alone revealed it, and made it known. It lay, in both respects, out of human reach. And the doctrine and discovery prevailed, in spite of all the opposition it met with from human art or authority: so effectually did God veil the glory and disgrace the pride of man in all. The gospel dispensation is a contrivance to humble man.”[4]
Paul continued in verse 30, “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus…” What more telling statement could Paul make to take the Corinthian’s position in Christ, the salvation of their souls completely within the hand of a sovereign and gracious God? Verse 30 continues, “…who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” As though God’s calling were insufficient to humble their boasting, Paul reminded them they had no boast outside of Christ Himself. Christ is the wisdom of God not the objects of mercy. Christ is the righteousness of God being perfect, spotless, and holy not the fallen sons of Adam. Christ is the sanctification of the Corinthian believers not their own might, nobility, or wisdom. Christ alone is our redemption, not our goodness, our works, our spiritual sensitivity, or pliability to the Spirit. It’s all in Christ and for the glory of God’s grace.
So Paul concluded this section in verse 30, “that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’” The final blow to the sinful pride of the Corinthian believers is given. Only in Christ do we have any standing before God. Only Jesus paid the price of our sinful rebellion against the Almighty. Therefore, we glory in Christ and Christ alone.
The application of this text within modern Christian living can be found in both the pulpit and the pew. Our pulpits must be revived with God called, God centered, God glorifying preachers who understand not only their own sinful depravity but also the sinful depravity of their hearers. Preachers must again, like the preachers of old, dash to pieces every boast, every crutch, and every prideful claim of sinners thinking themselves more highly than the ought. Preachers in our day must recapture the glorious gospel of the grace of God, which in short boldly proclaims sinners incapable of saving themselves and being completely dependant on the mercy of God. The fear of God must be revived in our preaching today in order to drive men and women to despair and, as a result, to the Savior.
The application within the pew is for believers to understand their sinful rebellion against God. Believers must understand that God was under no obligation to save them. Only by grace were they called. Only by grace were they saved through faith. Therefore, we are without the pride of boasting and without the ability to glory in ourselves.
[1] Gill Online
[2] Blomberg
[3] Patterson
[4] Matthew Henry
"For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 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, 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, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."
Part of the nature of sin within believers is the propensity toward pride. Pride is very dangerous because it resonates from an ungrateful heart. God is not neutral toward this particular sin but rather seems to withhold mercy and grace from those who persist in pride. As the scriptures state in Proverbs, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Also, Isaiah prophesied in 66:1-2, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,’ says the Lord. ‘But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.’” The Corinthian Christians had become puffed up and arrogant as stated by Paul in chapter 4:18a, “Now some of you are puffed up…”. Anytime believers forget that their position in the body of Christ, their adoption as children of God, their salvation and eternal destiny is a gift of free and sovereign grace alone, pride will come. In 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Paul reminds them of the grace of God who called them and the source of all boasting is in Christ alone. The purpose of this paper is to explain and interpret 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 giving historical and cultural setting along with major theological and interpretive issues, provide commentary, and to apply the truth of this passage within the context of modern Christian living.
1 Corinthians was written to the church at Corinth, which Paul had founded while preaching the gospel in the city of Corinth. The Corinthian church was located in one of the major economic centers within the first century Roman Empire. Corinth was a city known for immorality and debauchery. In particular, there were a great deal of sexual sins related to temple prostitutes, incest, and a variety of sexual perversions. Corinth was unquestionably pagan in culture and religion. Within this setting, Paul came preaching “Christ and Him crucified.” God, in His amazing grace, reached down and saved many undeserving sinners in Corinth. His work of salvation in Corinth was determined by His sovereign grace alone as the Lord spoke to Paul in Acts 18:9-10, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” This statement of divine ownership was pre-salvation. Only a small number of believers were present at this time. The church at Corinth had not yet been established. From this time forward, Paul spent one year and six months in Corinth preaching and teaching the word of God.
The element of salvation by grace is a major theological theme within this text because Paul is reminding them that they did not choose God nor were they deserving of God’s special favor. Rather, God called them out of darkness, out of sin, out of depravity and into the kingdom of His Son. Therefore, Paul says, “Let him who glories glory in the Lord.” This is a pride shattering revelation that rightly understood promotes humility and thankfulness and gives all the glory for salvation to God where it belongs.
One of the major interpretive issues within this passage has to do with the terms translated “calling” and “called”. To rightly divide the word in this text, we must appropriately discuss what many theologians have termed the “effectual calling” or irresistible grace. The key question to be answered is does God “call” every man, woman, and child universally and equally or does God call individuals effectually and independently? Upon answering this question biblically, how does this affect our pride as Christians?
The scope of this paper deals with verses 26 through 31 of chapter 1. Paul stated in verse 26, “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called.” John Gill explained the calling in this verse as, “Those that were called by the grace of God among them…so here "calling" designs men called by grace”. Paul previously stated in verse 24, “but to those who are called…” Again Gill comments on this verse, “Effectually (called), by the grace of God, not merely externally, but internally; these have other sentiments of Christ, and the doctrine of salvation by him; for being called out of darkness, and savingly illuminated by the Spirit of God, they see wisdom, beauty, glory, excellency, and suitableness in Christ, and in his Gospel; and having felt the power of it upon their souls, with them…”[1] Craig Blomberg seems to correlate the term “called” as synonymous with being “saved”. Blomberg stated, “1 Corinthians 1:26-31 contrasts the status of most of the Corinthians in their society when they were first saved (“called”)”.[2]
Paul used the terminology of “called” and “calling” not a few times in his writings. On every occasion, the clear application was to the believers whom God had saved sovereignly and effectually. A clear example is Paul’s own testimony in Galatians 1:15, “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace.” Again in teaching the sovereignty of God in salvation and the doctrine of election, Paul stated in Romans 8:30, “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called and whom He called these He also justified and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Again Paul stated in Romans 9:11, “(for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls)”. In each of these examples, the clear meaning by Paul is to communicate an “effectual call” resulting in the salvation of sinners. This is opposed to a general call that goes out to all men universally. In this author’s view, Jesus also communicated the same principle of effectual calling in John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him and I will raise him up at the last day.” In accordance with the interpretation of effectual calling (here stated “drawing”), Jesus’ statement does not communicate a general drawing of all men for He said that those drawn by the Father He would raise up in glory. That is eternal salvation.
The point this author is making is Paul instructed the Corinthian Christians to consider their calling. God had not called many wise, many mighty, or many noble. Therefore, the Corinthians have no room to boast. He could have chosen not to call them either. The fact He did call them only glorifies His grace and completely demolishes the arrogance of the Corinthian believers.
Paul stated in verse 27 and 28, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are”. Namely, those in the Corinthian church who were called were in fact chosen by God to shame the wisdom and might of the world. The world boasts in worldly wisdom, worldly philosophy, and worldly might. However, all of those things are absolute foolishness to God. God does not esteem what man esteems. God’s passion is focused on that which is ultimate, that which is eternal, that which is infinitely majestic and wise, namely His own glory. The fact that God freely bestows saving grace upon whom He wills both confounds the wisdom of the world and magnifies His own glorious grace.
Rather than focus on the sovereignty of God, many commentators and readers place emphasis on the examples of who the called were not; namely God had not called many wise, many mighty, many noble, nor “the things that are.” Page Patterson summarized this passage, “Paul’s conclusion was that the Lord has used the very insights which man views condescendingly to render useless the pride of men.”[3] It is in fact humbling to know that many of us, perhaps most of us, are not noble, wealthy, powerful, or wise according to the world. I confess this fact is humbling. However, the believer’s pride is still not quelled unless he knows the depths of his own sinfulness and the free grace granted to him in the effectual calling of God. The reality that God could have left us in our sins, was under no obligation to save us, and was not moved to save based on anything good within us is a reality too often unheralded from many pulpits today. This type of humility is the central message of Paul in this text.
Paul stated further in verse 29, “that no flesh should glory in His presence.” Not one saved sinner will be able to stand in the presence of God and look over at the wicked under judgment and say, “I’m glad that I did the right thing. I’m glad that I was soft and pliable. I’m glad that I was smarter or wiser or more spiritually sensitive than that guy. I’m glad I made the right decision.” Rather, just as Jesus contrasted the repentful publican who begged for mercy and the Pharisee thinking himself more highly than other sinners, all who stand before the throne of God justified will proclaim, “Only by the grace of God am I here today.” No flesh will glory in His presence! How can this be unless we understand that salvation is wholly a work of God’s free and sovereign grace alone? We became active in our salvation only after God first chose us, sought us, drew us, and called us out of our pit of sin. Our faith was granted as a gift through the hearing of the word of God. Our repentance was granted to us by God’s good leading. Our response was certain from God’s perspective because He worked all things together for the good of those who are “the called according to His purpose.” Matthew Henry commented the following, “…that there might be no pretence for boasting. Divine wisdom alone had the contrivance of the method of redemption; divine grace alone revealed it, and made it known. It lay, in both respects, out of human reach. And the doctrine and discovery prevailed, in spite of all the opposition it met with from human art or authority: so effectually did God veil the glory and disgrace the pride of man in all. The gospel dispensation is a contrivance to humble man.”[4]
Paul continued in verse 30, “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus…” What more telling statement could Paul make to take the Corinthian’s position in Christ, the salvation of their souls completely within the hand of a sovereign and gracious God? Verse 30 continues, “…who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” As though God’s calling were insufficient to humble their boasting, Paul reminded them they had no boast outside of Christ Himself. Christ is the wisdom of God not the objects of mercy. Christ is the righteousness of God being perfect, spotless, and holy not the fallen sons of Adam. Christ is the sanctification of the Corinthian believers not their own might, nobility, or wisdom. Christ alone is our redemption, not our goodness, our works, our spiritual sensitivity, or pliability to the Spirit. It’s all in Christ and for the glory of God’s grace.
So Paul concluded this section in verse 30, “that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’” The final blow to the sinful pride of the Corinthian believers is given. Only in Christ do we have any standing before God. Only Jesus paid the price of our sinful rebellion against the Almighty. Therefore, we glory in Christ and Christ alone.
The application of this text within modern Christian living can be found in both the pulpit and the pew. Our pulpits must be revived with God called, God centered, God glorifying preachers who understand not only their own sinful depravity but also the sinful depravity of their hearers. Preachers must again, like the preachers of old, dash to pieces every boast, every crutch, and every prideful claim of sinners thinking themselves more highly than the ought. Preachers in our day must recapture the glorious gospel of the grace of God, which in short boldly proclaims sinners incapable of saving themselves and being completely dependant on the mercy of God. The fear of God must be revived in our preaching today in order to drive men and women to despair and, as a result, to the Savior.
The application within the pew is for believers to understand their sinful rebellion against God. Believers must understand that God was under no obligation to save them. Only by grace were they called. Only by grace were they saved through faith. Therefore, we are without the pride of boasting and without the ability to glory in ourselves.
[1] Gill Online
[2] Blomberg
[3] Patterson
[4] Matthew Henry
posted by Christopher Redman at 6:08 AM
2 Comments:
I don't remember the grade but I'm sure it was an A. Most of my writing grades are.
Oops, here comes that blasted pride again. Thank the Lord that the cure is for my pride is in realizing that I don't deserve one iota of God's grace. He called me inspite of my sinful rebellion.
"Lord, have mercy upon me, a sinner."
CR
Hellow Jerry,
I suppose you just don't have a sense of humor or maybe this is your sense of humor.
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