that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." (1 Corinthians 1:31)

The word glory literally means to boast. The prideful teachers at Corinth prompted Paul to dwell on this word in both of his letters to them. God is the only true object in which one can boast. 

The mark of a true disciple is humility. He realizes that the blessings Paul had previously enumerated, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption are not due to his own merit. Humility is an absolute prerequisite to fellowship with God. A good test of one's salvation is whether one boasts in himself or ascribes it to the glory of God.

True disciples do not boast in themselves. They do not pride themselves in their own positions and power. It is easy to think highly of self and denigrate others. Although Christians are highly favored of God, we must never forget where the grace comes from. Though we are called to be zealous of good works, we must not gloat in our own accomplishments. Though we are called to be holy we have no right to boast in our own virtues.

True disciples glory in God. They are grateful to God for everything they have both spiritual and physical. They are indebted to God for his indescribable mercy. They are thankful for God's wise counsel, comfort, and strength. True disciples are glad God has given them the incredible opportunity to be his servants.

Only God can clothe man with righteousness, separate him for service, and redeem him from sin. It is our job to humble ourselves and exalt Him from whom all blessings come.

By George Slover

as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:2-3)

In the context, Peter has reminded his audience of the incorruptible word of God by which they had been born into God's family (1 Peter 1:23). He now exhorts these new disciples to desire the milk of the word so that they can grow to maturity.

Apparently, Psalm 34 is important to Peter, for at least twice he cites the Psalm in this letter. Perhaps the parallel is that both the Psalm and Peter’s letter speak of the affliction of the righteous (Psalm 34:19, 1Peter 4:16). In this context, Peter quotes the Psalm to remind them of the goodness of God. 

The Greek word chrestotes signifies graciousness or kindness. Peter says "the Lord is gracious"! Peter uses this to motivate his readers to pursue spiritual growth. He knows that these who have tasted the sweetness of God will long for more. “Your taste of God's goodness is just a foretaste of what is possible!” 

The road to spiritual maturity starts with a desire of the word. It is by  the influence of the word they will grow. God’s word is the true spiritual food for the soul. His word is also sweet to taste (Psalm 19:10). When one does not feast upon God’s spiritual food they are not growing, and if starved long enough they will die spiritually. 

Our word “kindness” is also found in Titus 3:4. Paul is exhorting these immature, contentious, unruly Cretans to be gentle. It was the kindness of God that softened their hearts and moved them to remove the hate (Titus 3:3) and replace it with meekness (Titus 3:2).

God's goodness is not an excuse to spiritual laziness but should be an incentive to diligence. Anyone who pursues God will surely taste his kindness.  Experiencing in his graciousness will surely leave one desiring more.

By George Slover

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

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By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name-and to do for Youself great and awesome deeds for Your land-before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods? (2 Samuel 7:23 NKJV)

This is one of my favorite moments in Old Testament history.  It is a great moment in David's life.  Instead of pouting that God has denied him the right to build the temple David goes before the Lord in submission and gratitude.  Included in his prayer is gratefulness for what God has done for Israel. God has redeemed for himself a people. He has delivered them from Egyptian bondage.  By this action, he made a name for himself. 

While Israel was blessed above all the nations Christians are blessed above all people. Israel was delivered from Egyptian bondage, but Christians are delivered from the bondage of sin (Titus 2:14) and the threat of death (Hebrews 2:15).
 
When God led Israel out of Egypt he did marvelous things for them such as parting the Red Sea. For our eternal redemption, God commended his love toward us by the death of his Son (Romans 5:8). By the power of the Holy Spirit, he revealed and confirmed this incredible story of love. Just as God made a name for himself in the redemption of Israel he also purchased a people by the blood of his Son “to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:6). Jesus through his humility acquired a name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).

What a marvelous thought that God intervened powerfully in the nation of Israel to nurture her, patiently enduring her stubbornness to ultimately produce a Savior for the world. Thoughts of the rich blessings enjoyed in Christ should bring us to our knees and call us to say: “And what is my house, that You have brought me this far” (2 Samuel 7:18)?

By George Slover