How does this verse encourage humility in our spiritual and personal lives? Opening the Text “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5) Why Paul Wrote These Words • Paul is defending his ministry against critics who questioned his credentials. • Instead of touting achievements, he points away from himself to God’s enabling power. • The verse anchors all spiritual success in the Lord, stripping away every ground for boasting. Humility in Our Relationship with God • God alone supplies competence; therefore, all spiritual fruit is His work (John 15:5). • Acknowledging dependence keeps worship God-centered, never self-centered. • When tempted to measure worth by gifts or positions, this verse redirects glory upward (1 Corinthians 1:31). Humility in Personal Attitudes • If nothing “comes from us,” pride loses its footing. • Comparison with others fades; gratitude grows. • We carry ministry responsibilities lightly, knowing outcomes rest in divine, not human, strength (Psalm 127:1). Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Peter 5:5-6—Humility invites exaltation from God, not self-promotion. • Philippians 2:3-7—Christ Himself modeled self-emptying dependence. Practical Ways to Walk This Out • Begin each task—parenting, serving, working—by confessing dependence on God. • Celebrate victories by immediately thanking Jesus for the enablement. • Accept limitations as reminders that “our competence comes from God.” • Encourage others by pointing to God’s faithfulness rather than personal skill. The Takeaway Paul’s simple confession dismantles self-reliance. Every gift, insight, and success flows from the Lord, calling us to a lifestyle of quiet, confident humility grounded in His sufficient grace. |
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