WORTH BOASTING ABOUT

Text: Galatians 6:14

Perhaps you have heard the term "bragging rights". When folks do something noteworthy then they somehow feel they have earned the right to brag a little bit about it. Well, the word of God sure sets us in our place in this area if we will just read and heed it. We find this instruction in Galatians 6:14.

I. NOTHING ABOUT US IS WORTH OF BOASTING ABOUT

Three areas that most folks brag on:

A. Who they are--- some folks think they are really something.

These are the "self-made" men. The only problem is that when folks like that get to the end of themselves there is nothing left.

Howard Hughes is a prime example of what self-made men become when they get to the end of themselves. Michael Jackson is another.

Man apart from God is not a pretty sight. We are nothing without Him.

For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low (Isaiah 2:12).

B. What they have done.

Nothing that we accomplish in and of ourselves has eternal value. We can do nothing without Him. Everything we do involves abilities, talents, gifts and a physical body that He has given us so it all comes from God.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).

C. What they have--- Three boys sitting around bragging about their daddies. First one said, "My daddy owns the bank." Second boy says, "My daddy owns a 2,000 acre ranch and 1,000 head of cattle." The third boy, a preacher's son, scratched his head a minute and finally said, "Well, you think that's something, my daddy owns hell!" The other two boys said, "No way, nobody can own hell." The preacher's son replied, "My daddy does too own hell because he came home from a deacon's meeting last night and said they gave it to him.

Of course that is just a story but in reality, folks sit around and admire what they have. I am reminded of the parable of the rich fool who embodies all three of these concepts. We find that story in Luke 12:16-21.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17). That kind of shoots holes in our bragging.

II. WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US IN JESUS CHRIST IS WORTH BOASTING ABOUT

"But God forbid that I should glory, save (except) in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"

A. Who He was and is--- He is the one and only Son of God, the umblemished Lamb.

John 1:1-14

Isaiah 9:6--- For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

B. What He has done for us---

1. He has shown us the Father--- John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? (John 14:9)

2. He has set an example for us--- For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Peter 2:21).

3. He took our punishment. "That chatisement that brings us peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).

C. What we have in Him

1. Eternal Life--- John 3:16

2. Abundant Life--- John 10:10, 1 Chronicles 4:10 (enlarge my coast--- increase my territory). Until Christ comes into our lives our existence is pretty much lived in the realm of "me, myself and I". That is so confining! Jesus opens us to all God has for us.

a) We are new creatures in Christ Jesus through His atoning work on the cross (Galatians 6:15). I think of the difference between a caterpillar and a butterfly in that age-old illustration of our new life in Christ. A caterpillar is a rather homely creature and is earthbound. After going through metamorphosis he becomes a thing of beauty that is no longer confined to "terra firma". That's what Jesus does for us--- 2 Corinthians 5:17

b) Through the cross of Christ the world is crucified (extinguished) unto us, and we are crucified unto the world (Galatians 6:14). When this happens we are free to become all that God created us to be.

Paul summarizes this by saying, "And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16). If we would all be willing to boast on the cross of Jesus Christ as much as we brag about that big fish we caught, or the latest recipe for chocolate chip cookies, or our children or grandchildren (I could go on and on), this church would be overflowing and folks would be getting saved every week. As we approach this Easter season let us each think about the cross of Jesus Christ: Who it was that went to the cross, what He did there for us, and what we have because of Him.

THE FIRST AND LAST

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and
The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Donahue can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
Every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and
That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

Return to Sermons