In what ways can you "boast in Christ Jesus" in your daily life? Setting the Stage: “I Die Every Day” “Every day I face death, brothers, as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:31) Paul’s words remind us that genuine Christian living carries a daily, conscious dying to self—yet that self-denial comes wrapped in confident, joyful boasting in Christ alone. Boasting in Christ: What It Means • Shifting spotlight: Transfers credit from self to the Savior • Celebrating His accomplishments instead of our résumé • Declaring dependence: “I live, yet not I, but Christ” (cf. Galatians 2:20) • Publicly affirming His grace, power, and faithfulness Daily Practices to Boast in Christ Jesus • Morning confession of reliance – Begin the day aloud: “Everything good I do today comes from You, Lord.” • Gratitude over achievement – When praised, respond: “I’m thankful Christ enabled that.” • Testimony in ordinary conversation – Slip in simple phrases: “God answered,” “Jesus carried me through,” “The Lord provided.” • Scripture-soaked mind – Memorize verses like Philippians 3:3; let them shape inner talk. • Visible humility – Accept tasks beneath status, showing confidence is anchored elsewhere. • Worshipful excellence – Work hard, then hand the ribbon to Jesus (Colossians 3:23–24). • Quick confession – Own sin fast, pointing to the cross, not excuses. • Generous living – Give resources so God—not possessions—gets the bragging rights. Scripture Snapshots That Fuel Our Boast • Galatians 6:14: “But as for me, may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • Romans 15:17: “Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.” • 2 Corinthians 10:17: “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” • Jeremiah 9:24: “But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.” • Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Living Testimonies: Real-Life Scenarios • Job promotion – “The Lord opened this door, and I aim to honor Him here.” • Health crisis – Tell friends: “Christ is sustaining my peace and hope.” • Parenting win – Share, “God’s wisdom from His Word helped us navigate that.” • Community service – Post: “Grateful Jesus lets us mirror His love to neighbors.” Checklist for the Day Ahead □ Speak Christ’s name gratefully at least once today □ Transfer any compliment upward to Him □ Serve someone secretly, letting Christ get the unseen glory □ End the day recounting where Jesus showed Himself strong As Paul modeled, dying to self only magnifies the joyful privilege of boasting—continually, publicly, wholeheartedly—in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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