7/15

1 Corinthians 4:7

⁷For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

The issue Paul was addressing was pride. Nothing has changed in 2000 years. We still think our preacher or denomination is the one that got it right. Behind that opinion is the idea that we have more knowledge and discernment than those who don't agree with us. Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that spiritual maturity is manifest in outward behavior. Argueing does not show growth. Your life will demonstrate growth by selfless service to others out of a heart full of the love of God.

Paul's second question in this verse is a key to humility. What do you have that you did not receive? Everything we are and have came from God. Our mind, body, provision, and spiritual life are all a gift from Him. That takes away any grounds for boasting or feeling superior. We can only boast in Him. A child can think himself or herself superior to others because of their nice clothes, but that child was given the clothing. The child didn't earn it or produce it. We are dependent beings. We need God for every breath we breathe.

Paul's final question asks why we would boast as if what we have comes from us. I'm sure those he addressed paused for a moment, as we should, to consider what he had asked them. If we argue against Paul's logic, we know we may be asking God to prove it by withholding His blessings from our lives. No believer wants to do that, because we instinctively know Paul is right. We have no grounds to boast and elevate ourselves over others because we are completely dependent upon God, just like everyone else.

Consider: Humility comes from seeing the reality of our condition.