2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7:25 ESV, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 ESV, Psalm 54:1-7 ESV, Proverbs 23:1-3 ESV
Daily Verse: “I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.” (2 Corinthians 11:16 ESV)
APHROS (876): “Froth, i.e., slaver: the one foameth again.”[i]
Foolish boasting.
Paul faces the Corinthian’s determination to compare him to his rivals, the false apostles. Although claiming to follow Christ, the aggressive nature of the deceptors impressed the Corinthians more.
Ironically, Paul can claim the same things as the false teachers:
“Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.” (2 Corinthians 11:22 ESV)
After establishing the similarities, Paul lists the differences. In his efforts to share the gospel, Paul endured imprisonment, beatings, and near death. Paul boasts about his weakness, acknowledging God’s power in his life.
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.” (2 Corinthians 11:30 ESV)
God knows.
False teachers still exist, aggressively trying to lure people from Jesus. As representatives of Christ, boasting about God’s work in our lives becomes our best defense. Honesty about our weaknesses glorifies God and shines a light on His strength.
People like to boast and compare. Dealing with misguided beliefs challenges anyone, even Paul. But if we stay focused on God’s work in our lives, boasting about Him, we’ll navigate difficult conversations well.
Connect with others through honest conversations, boasting about your weaknesses. Find ways to share Christ’s love by living your life transparently in front of others. Wherever God guides, He provides, especially when faced with false teachings that steer people from Jesus. Like Paul, you will know the words to say at the appropriate time.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 49) Thomas Nelson
