CAC Living Water Daily Devotional For March 12, 2024 : Topic – WHY THE BOASTING? (II)

DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

DATE Tuesday, March 12, 2024

TOPIC: WHY THE BOASTING? (II)

MEMORISE : But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil (James 4:16).

READ: 1 Corinthians 4:1-7

[1]. Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

[2]. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

[3]. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

[4]. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

[5]. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

[6]. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

[7]. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

EXPOSITION

One of those things which are not fitting, according to God’s Word, is that people are boasters (Rom. 1:28-30). On this note, we continue with the discussion we started yesterday. The second and third questions raised by Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:7 with respect to Christian stewardship and the use of spiritual gifts are very relevant to us today.

And what do you have that you did not receive? (v. 7b). ‘What’ is asking for that which you received that was by your own power. Of course, no man can become anything, or possess anything by his own power (Deut. 8:18; Jer. 10:23). The Bible makes it clear: A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven (Jn. 3:27). Every good thing is from above where Christ is, not abroad (Psa. 75:6ff; Jas. 1:17). Why then should you boast because of what you possess?

This leads us to the third pertinent question, Why do you boast as if you had not received it? (v. 7c) which is an indictment. If it has been God all the way, “Why” is asking for the reasons for your boasting. If there is tendency of pride in you before now, let the Holy Spirit get rid of it for you and be free. Stop boasting, glorify God always in your heart, for everything and stay blessed.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to understand the dangers of being unnecessarily boastful about anything so that I can avoid it like a plague.

2. Lord Jesus, help me to complement others in Your Vineyard, and not to go about undue competition/comparison.

3. Pray for CAC Publicity Department, the Director and the staff as led by the Holy Spirit.

SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:

CAC GHB: 101

1. Rejoice today with one accord,

Sing out with exultation;

Rejoice and praise our mighty Lord,

Whose arm hath brought salvation;

His works of love proclaim,

The greatness of his name;

For He is God alone,

Who hath His mercy shown;

Let all his saint adore Him.

2. When in distress to Him we cried,

He heard our sad complaining;

Oh trust in Him, whate’er betide,

His love is all sustaining;

Triumphant songs of praise,

To Him our hearts shall raise;

Now every voice shall say,

O praise our God always,

Let all His saints adore Him.

3. Rejoice to-day with one accord,

Sing out with exultation;

Rejoice and praise our mighty Lord,

Whose arm hath broght salvation:

His works of love proclaim,

The greatness of His Name;

For He is God alone,

Who hath His mercy shown;

Let all His saints adore Him.

Amen.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:

Joshua 13, 14