How can we "boast in understanding" God in our daily lives today? Jeremiah 9:24—The Core Verse “ ‘But let him who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.” Why “Boasting” Isn’t a Dirty Word Here • Boasting is usually self-promotion, but God redirects it: celebrate Him, not ourselves (1 Corinthians 1:31; Galatians 6:14). • The Hebrew sense is “exult, glory, revel in.” We’re invited to find our joy and identity in who God is and what He does. • When our delight centers on Him, self-focus shrinks, worship swells, and witness becomes natural. What It Means to “Understand and Know” the LORD 1. Understand (intellectual grasp) • Know His character from the whole counsel of Scripture (Psalm 119:130). • Trace His attributes—loving devotion, justice, righteousness—in Genesis to Revelation. 2. Know (relational intimacy) • “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ” (John 17:3). • Grow through daily fellowship—listening, speaking, obeying. Head plus heart: both are essential for a God-honoring boast. Taking the Verse Into Monday-Morning Life Boasting in understanding God shows up in ordinary choices. Consider these handles: • Start the day spotlighting Him – Read a short passage aloud; thank Him for a trait you see (Psalm 143:8). – Journal one sentence of “boast”: “Today I glory that my God is ____.” • Talk about Him naturally – Share with coworkers why a biblical principle shapes your decision (1 Peter 3:15). – Celebrate answered prayer with family rather than chalking it up to luck. • Evaluate success by His metrics – Did I reflect loving devotion? – Did I act justly in that meeting? – Did I pursue righteousness when no one was watching? (Micah 6:8 parallels Jeremiah 9:24.) Living Out His Loving Devotion (ḥesed) • Show covenant-like loyalty: keep promises even when inconvenient. • Practice sacrificial kindness: schedule margin for interruptions that let you serve (Luke 10:33-35). • Forgive quickly, mirroring His steadfast love (Ephesians 4:32). Living Out His Justice (mišpaṭ) • Seek fairness in the small: pay invoices on time, credit others’ ideas. • Speak for the vulnerable: unborn, elderly, trafficked (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Choose business practices that refuse exploitative gain (Leviticus 19:13). Living Out His Righteousness (ṣĕdāqâ) • Align private life with public confession; integrity when screens are shut off (Psalm 15:1-2). • Order finances, media, and relationships to please Him first (Matthew 6:33). • Pursue holiness positively—delight in purity, not mere rule-keeping (Romans 6:19). Guardrails Against Wrongful Boasting • Remember: understanding is a gift (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Keep confession current; sin clouds clarity (1 John 1:9). • Measure growth by Christlikeness, not applause (Philippians 3:7-9). • Surround yourself with believers who redirect praise upward (Hebrews 10:24). Summary: A Daily Rhythm of God-Centered Boasting Morning awe → midday witness → evening reflection. Know Him in Scripture, enjoy Him in relationship, display Him in conduct. The louder we boast in the LORD’s loving devotion, justice, and righteousness, the clearer the world hears the gospel—and the smaller our own names become in the best possible way. |
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