Read 1 Corinthians 1.26-31 incarnationally. Where do you find yourself in this text?
Read Jeremiah 9.23-24. What is the prophet warning against? How do these verses challenge you?
When was the last time you boasted in the Lord? What was the reason for your boasting?
In looking at the Jeremiah text, what are the people of God called to boast about?
What one or two aspects of the character of God do you find yourself most drawn to?
Where are you currently growing in your “understanding in knowing God?”
Review the following statements and corresponding texts. How do these verses solidify what Christ has done for you?
- You have been reconciled to God in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5.19 - You were given the revelation of God in Christ.
John 1.14, 1 Corinthians 2.16 - You were justified by God in Christ.
Romans 3.21-26 - You have been sanctified by God through Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5.23-24 - You have complete and final redemption by God through Christ.
Romans 8.28-29
How do these truths reshape your “boasting”?
In what ways is the make-up of the church at Corinth similar to Sanctuary? How are we different?
How does God see the poor? How might they be our “guides” in this life? Where in your life do you genuinely interact with the poor, orphans and widows?
How is God’s economy different than the world’s economy?
Use three words to describe your life before you met Christ?
How did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus? How did your relationship with Jesus begin? How would you characterize your relationship with Jesus today?
Read Ephesians 2.1-10. Which part of this text evokes an attitude of thanksgiving?
Seeing coming to a relationship with Jesus, how have you grown? Where have you seen the most growth in your life? What part of your life have you seen the least growth? How often does the lack of growth frustrate you?
Describe a time when you chose not to boast in the Lord because you felt like compared to someone else, you didn’t have much to boast about?
Read the reflect on the words from Larry Crabb from his book, Love Letters.
“Father, will You tell this doubting, frustrated, scared, and empty believer in You what You want me to hear You saying in this forty-sixth letter?”
“Hear this: The change I bring about comes slowly. The more you attempt to hold on to your confidence in the goodness of the story I am telling while at the same time acknowledging all that is bewildering and maddening and shatteringly disappointing in this life, the more you will be confronted with the ongoing moment of decision, to trust or not to trust. Only in dark nights will hope burn bright enough to sustain your faith and release your love.”
“Father, this is hard!”
“Let what you see drive you to the precipice of unbelief. Let what you feel bring you to the brink of despair. If I exist, if I am good, if My story is loving and My plan on course, My Spirit will speak into the deep place in your heart that only terrifying doubt renders accessible. And in that place, He will anchor you in hope.”
How do these words comfort you? How do they challenge you?
Read Romans 12.1-2 in the MSG.
When and to whom might you “boast in the Lord” today? What would be your primary reason in your “boasting?”
