1 Corinthians 1:29
Verse
Context
Sermons
Art Katz
Zac Poonen
Don Courville
John Sung
T. Austin-Sparks
Chuck Smith
John FolletteSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That no flesh should glory - God does his mighty works in such a way as proves that though he may condescend to employ men as instruments, yet they have no part either in the contrivance or energy by which such works are performed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
no flesh . . . glory--For they who try to glory (boast) because of human greatness and wisdom, are "confounded" or put to shame (Co1 1:27). Flesh, like "the flower of the field," is beautiful, but frail (Isa 40:6). in his presence--We are to glory not before Him, but in Him [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
That no flesh should glory in his presence. That is, "in the presence of God", as some copies, and the Arabic and Ethiopic versions read; not in their blood, birth, families, lineage, and natural descent; nor in their might, power, and dominion; nor in their riches, wealth, and substance; nor in their wisdom, learning, and parts: for however these may be gloried in before men, yet not before God. These are of no account with him, nor will they be regarded by him, or men on account of them; and he has taken a method in choosing and calling the reverse of these, to stain the glory of all flesh, that no man may attribute his salvation to any thing of the creature, but wholly to the sovereign grace and good pleasure of God. That no flesh should glory in his presence. That is, "in the presence of God", as some copies, and the Arabic and Ethiopic versions read; not in their blood, birth, families, lineage, and natural descent; nor in their might, power, and dominion; nor in their riches, wealth, and substance; nor in their wisdom, learning, and parts: for however these may be gloried in before men, yet not before God. These are of no account with him, nor will they be regarded by him, or men on account of them; and he has taken a method in choosing and calling the reverse of these, to stain the glory of all flesh, that no man may attribute his salvation to any thing of the creature, but wholly to the sovereign grace and good pleasure of God. 1 Corinthians 1:30 co1 1:30 co1 1:30 co1 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus,.... These words, as they direct to the proper object of glorying, Christ, so they show the high honour the called ones are brought to in and through Christ, and are opposed to their outward meanness, folly, weakness, poverty, and contempt. They are first of God the Father, of his own rich free grace and goodness, without any regard to any motive, merit, or desert of theirs, put into Christ by electing grace, in whom they are preserved and blessed; and which is their original secret being in him; and is made manifest by regenerating grace, by their being made new creatures; which also is not owing to their blood, or to the will of the flesh, or to the will of man, but to God and his free favour in Christ: and in consequence of their being in Christ, as their head and representative, he becomes all to them, which is here expressed, who of God is made unto us wisdom. Though they are foolish creatures in their own and the world's esteem, yet Christ is their wisdom; he is so "efficiently", the author and cause of all that spiritual wisdom and understanding in divine things they are possessed of; he is so "objectively", their highest wisdom lying in the knowledge of his person, blood, and righteousness, of interest in him, and salvation by him; with which knowledge eternal life is connected: and he is so "representatively"; he is their head, in whom all their wisdom lies; he acts for them as their wisdom to God, he is their Counsellor, their Advocate, who pleads and intercedes for them, and as their wisdom to men, and gives them a mouth and wisdom which their adversaries are not able to gainsay; and having the tongue of the learned, he speaks a word in season to themselves, when weary, distressed, and disconsolate, and for them in the court of heaven; he is their wisdom, to direct their paths, to guide them with his counsel, in the way they should go, safe to his kingdom and glory: and righteousness. He is the "author" of righteousness; he has wrought out and brought in one for them, which is well pleasing to God, satisfying to his justice, by which his law is magnified and made honourable; which justifies from all sin, and discharges from all condemnation, is everlasting, and will answer for them in a time to come; this he has brought in by the holiness of his nature, the obedience of his life, and by his sufferings and death: and which is "subjectively" in him, not in themselves; nor does it lie in any thing wrought in them, or done by them; but in him as their head and representative, who by "imputation" is made righteousness to them; and they the same way are made the righteousness of God in him; or in other words, this righteousness, by an act of the Father's grace, is imputed, reckoned, and accounted to them as their justifying righteousness: and sanctification; Christ is the sanctification of his people, through the constitution of God, the imputation of the holiness of his nature, the merits of his blood, and the efficacy of his grace, he is so "federally" and "representatively"; he is their covenant head, and has all covenant grace in his hands for them, and so the whole stock and fund of holiness, which is communicated to them in all ages, until the perfection of it in every saint: this is sanctification in Christ, which differs from sanctification in them in these things; in him it is as the cause, in them as the effect; in him as its fountain, in them as the stream; in him it is complete, in them it is imperfect for the present: and they have it by virtue of union to him; sanctification in Christ can be of no avail to any, unless it is derived from him to them; so that this sanctification in Christ does not render the sanctification of the Spirit unnecessary, but includes it, and secures it: likewise Christ is the sanctification of his people "by imputation", as the holiness of his human nature is, together with his obedience and sufferings, imputed to them for their justification; Christ assumed an holy human nature, the holiness of it was not merely a qualification for his office as a Saviour, or what made his actions and sufferings in that nature significant and useful, or is exemplary to men; but is a branch of the saints justification before God: the law required an holy nature, theirs is not holy; Christ has assumed one not for, himself, but for them, and so is the end of the law in all respects: and this may be greatly designed in the whole of this passage; "wisdom" may stand in general for the wise scheme of justification, as it is laid in Christ; "sanctification" may intend the holiness of his nature; "righteousness" the obedience of his life; and "redemption" his sufferings and death, by which it is obtained: but then justification and sanctification are not to be confounded; they are two distinct things, and have their proper uses and effects; sanctification in the saints does not justify, or justification sanctify; the one respects the power and being of sin, the other the guilt of it. Moreover, Christ is the sanctification of his people "meritoriously"; through the shedding of his blood, whereby he has sanctified them, that is, expiated their sins, and made full atonement for them; see Heb 10:10. Once more, he is their sanctification "efficiently"; by his Spirit, as the author, and by his word, as the means; he is the source of all holiness, it all comes from him, and is wrought by his Spirit in the heart; which lies in filling the understanding with spiritual light and knowledge; the mind with a sense of sin, and a detestation of it; the heart with the fear of God; the affections with love to divine objects and things; the will with submission and resignation to the will of God in all respects; and is exercised in living a life of faith on Christ, and in living soberly, righteously, and godly, before God and man: and this, though imperfect now, will be perfected from and by Christ, without which it is impossible to see the Lord: and redemption; which he is by the appointment of his Father, being foreordained to it before the foundation of the world; and this sense of the word made will agree with every clause in the text; and he is so efficiently, having obtained eternal redemption from sin, Satan, the law, and this present evil world, for his people; and "subjectively", it being in him, and every other blessing which is either a part of it, and comes through it, or is dependent on it, as justification, adoption, and remission of sins. Moreover, this may have respect not only to redemption past, which is obtained by Christ; but to that which draws near, the saints are waiting for, and to which they are sealed up by the Spirit of God; even their redemption and deliverance from very being of sin, from all sorrow and sufferings, from death and the grave, and everything that is afflicting and distressing.
1 Corinthians 1:29
Wisdom from God
28He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,29so that no one may boast in His presence.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Origin of the Nations
By Art Katz2.3K1:26:16NationsMAT 6:33JHN 6:68ROM 8:61CO 1:291CO 2:91CO 2:121CO 2:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the role of the church in nations and how it has historically failed in being the presence of God in the nation. The speaker specifically mentions the issue of the church in Israel and the importance of the believing presence and messianic believers in that context. The speaker shares a personal experience in Tanzania, where he preached about the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts. The sermon emphasizes the need for the church to understand the divine perspective and respond appropriately to the role of the state in the last days. The speaker also highlights the concept of revelation, explaining that the hidden secrets and precious things of God can only be known through the revelation of the Spirit.
Rejoicing in What God Has Done
By Zac Poonen1.3K58:49MAT 7:22MAT 20:12MAT 23:12MAT 25:34LUK 10:171CO 1:291CO 13:5EPH 2:8JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of not rejoicing in our own accomplishments or comparing ourselves to others, but rather rejoicing in what God has done for us. It highlights the dangers of pride, boasting in our own works, and the need for humility to receive God's grace for victory over sin. The message stresses the significance of being like the thief on the cross who acknowledged his unworthiness and the need to focus on God's work in our lives rather than our own achievements.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 210
By Don Courville34122:08Radio ShowMAT 3:2MAT 3:8ROM 3:241CO 1:291PE 1:16REV 2:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for a spiritual awakening in our land. He uses the analogy of two arms, repentance and pardon, stretching across the stream of life, symbolizing the need for us to turn from our wicked ways and seek God's forgiveness. The preacher references the story of John the Baptist, who preached repentance in the wilderness and baptized people in the Jordan River. He also highlights the need for repentance in our personal, church, family, and national lives. The preacher suggests that God has allowed political leaders to be in office to show us the need for repentance, and he expresses a belief that a great awakening will come to our land, possibly through a national tragedy.
Xii. My Testimony
By John Sung0EvangelismFaith and DoubtPSA 34:18ISA 41:10MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 10:141CO 1:29PHP 4:132TI 4:2JAS 5:161PE 5:7John Sung shares his powerful testimony, illustrating his spiritual journey through seven stages of creation as outlined in Genesis. He recounts his early life under the guidance of his devout father, his struggles between faith and science, and his eventual return to God after a period of doubt and illness. Sung emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace in his life, leading him to preach the Gospel fervently, especially in rural areas where others hesitated. His experiences highlight the importance of faith, prayer, and the call to evangelism, culminating in a life dedicated to serving God and saving souls. Sung's story serves as a testament to the enduring love and mercy of God in the face of personal trials and societal challenges.
Service and Sovereignty
By T. Austin-Sparks0Sovereignty Of GodServiceEZR 1:1ISA 64:8JER 1:5DAN 9:2ZEC 2:4ROM 8:281CO 1:29EPH 2:10PHP 1:62TI 1:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the intertwined themes of service and sovereignty in the life of Jeremiah, illustrating how God calls individuals to serve despite their feelings of inadequacy. He highlights that true service requires a deep passion for God's people, coupled with a profound awareness of one's own limitations, as seen in Jeremiah's hesitance to accept his prophetic calling. Sparks further explains that God's sovereignty governs the lives of His servants, ensuring that their purpose aligns with His divine plan, even when they feel unqualified. The sermon encourages believers to recognize their unique calling and the importance of relying on God's strength rather than their own abilities. Ultimately, it reassures that God's sovereign hand is at work in every believer's life, shaping them for His purposes.
Through the Bible - Genesis 13-14
By Chuck Smith0Choices and ConsequencesFaithfulnessGEN 12:1GEN 13:1PSA 110:4PRO 14:12JHN 8:561CO 1:29HEB 7:1Chuck Smith discusses Genesis chapters 13 and 14, focusing on Abraham's return from Egypt and the subsequent separation from Lot due to their growing wealth. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with God, as seen in Abraham's return to Bethel, a place of worship and remembrance of God's promises. The sermon highlights the dangers of worldly choices, illustrated by Lot's decision to settle near Sodom, and contrasts it with Abraham's faithfulness. Smith also introduces Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who blesses Abraham, symbolizing the superior priesthood of Christ. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to recognize God's blessings and avoid taking credit for His work in their lives.
Worship Then and Now
By John Follette0PSA 96:12PSA 97:12JHN 4:241CO 1:29REV 4:11John Follette emphasizes the importance of worshipping in the Spirit without being prompted, highlighting that true worship is born of the Spirit and is a self-giving to God from within. He stresses the difference between praise, which is something we do, and worship, which is of the Spirit, urging believers to come into the swing of the Spirit that enters into worship. Follette encourages a deep adoration and worship of God, emphasizing that our highest vocation is adoration and worship, not just ministry.
The Fear of the Lord
By H.J. Vine0PRO 8:13MAL 4:2MAT 3:16ACT 9:311CO 1:29EPH 5:332TI 2:22HEB 5:7REV 22:16H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of being in the fear of the Lord throughout the day, emphasizing the reverent trustfulness and hatred of evil that comes with it. The presence of the Lord brings joy and reality to those who maintain this fear. By walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, true prosperity and unity are experienced, as seen in the early assemblies in the Acts.
(The Full Gospel) 13. No Man Can Boast in God's Presence
By Zac Poonen0ISA 42:8MRK 10:24ROM 9:16ROM 11:361CO 1:29EPH 2:8Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of recognizing that salvation is solely the work of God, emphasizing that no man should boast before God as everything is done in such a way that man cannot boast in eternity. He highlights the danger of pride, especially in being rich in various aspects, hindering one from entering God's kingdom. Poonen stresses the need for humility, acknowledging that only God can save us from the evil of pride and that salvation has three tenses - past, present, and future, all the work of God.
God Glorified in Man's Dependence
By Jonathan Edwards0ROM 11:361CO 1:292CO 5:21EPH 1:13EPH 2:8Jonathan Edwards preaches on the absolute and universal dependence of the redeemed on God in the work of redemption, emphasizing that all glory belongs to God alone. Through the text in 1 Corinthians 1:29-31, he explains how God's wisdom in redemption is displayed by making man's emptiness an occasion to magnify His glory. Edwards highlights the importance of acknowledging God's perfections, all-sufficiency, and comparative greatness, as well as the necessity of faith as a sensible acknowledgment of our complete reliance on God for salvation.
Some of God's Words to Me
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Divine CommunicationHoliness and SanctificationDEU 25:2ISA 64:7LUK 11:9ROM 10:101CO 1:29HEB 9:141PE 4:11JUD 1:24Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes that God continues to communicate with humanity beyond the completion of Scripture, and that every Spirit-filled believer can experience this divine dialogue. He shares his personal journey of seeking a clean heart and the transformative power of Scripture in his life, illustrating how God's words have rebuked, encouraged, and ultimately sanctified him. Brengle recounts the struggle against self and ambition, leading to a deeper understanding of holiness and the necessity of confession and surrender to God. His testimony highlights the importance of seeking God earnestly and the joy of experiencing His presence and love. Ultimately, he encourages others to pursue a relationship with God, assuring them that He is always ready to respond to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
Grace, Grace!
By Thomas Brooks0SalvationGraceROM 3:23ROM 9:151CO 1:291CO 15:10EPH 2:82TI 1:9TIT 3:5JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 4:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes that salvation is solely a result of God's free grace, not based on any merit or goodness in humanity. He explains that God's choice to show mercy is rooted in His own will, often selecting the weak, poor, and unworthy to demonstrate that no one can boast in their own righteousness. This divine selection serves to highlight the glory of God's grace, leading all to proclaim 'Grace, grace!' as the source of their salvation. Brooks reinforces that our identity and worth come from God's grace alone, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10.
How Much Are You Worth?
By Major W. Ian Thomas0ROM 6:111CO 1:292CO 5:162PE 1:3Major W. Ian Thomas emphasizes that redemption and sanctification cannot be achieved by human efforts but are gifts from God through faith in Christ. He highlights that everything needed for life and godliness is provided by God through Christ, who offers wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The sermon stresses the importance of reckoning oneself dead to the old self and alive in Christ to fully experience God's redemptive purpose, which determines one's true worth beyond worldly standards.
The Greatest Business in All the World
By Hyman Appelman0ISA 6:8MAT 4:18MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 11:13ROM 8:371CO 1:261CO 1:292CO 12:9Hyman Appelman preaches about the importance of soul-winning, emphasizing that it is a divine task entrusted by God, directed by Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He highlights that soul-winning requires great energy, heroism, sacrifices, and promises mighty rewards. Appelman explains that Jesus calls common people to this common task, using ordinary individuals to bring about extraordinary results. He stresses the need for every Christian to prioritize the mission of bringing the lost to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, subordinating all other ambitions to this task.
7. the Centrality of Jesus Christ
By Chuck Smith0Worship PracticesCentrality of ChristLEV 10:1MAT 6:1ACT 5:11CO 1:292CO 4:5Chuck Smith emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in worship at Calvary Chapel, arguing that any behavior that draws attention away from Him is detrimental to the congregation's focus. He shares personal experiences of distractions during worship, such as individuals standing or performing interpretive dances, which shift the congregation's attention from Jesus to the individual. Smith advocates for addressing these distractions lovingly and firmly, ensuring that worship remains centered on Christ. He warns against the dangers of seeking personal glory in worship, citing biblical examples like Nadab and Abihu and Ananias and Sapphira, who faced severe consequences for drawing attention to themselves instead of honoring God. Ultimately, Smith calls for a commitment to keeping Jesus as the focal point of worship to foster a genuine and edifying church environment.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That no flesh should glory - God does his mighty works in such a way as proves that though he may condescend to employ men as instruments, yet they have no part either in the contrivance or energy by which such works are performed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
no flesh . . . glory--For they who try to glory (boast) because of human greatness and wisdom, are "confounded" or put to shame (Co1 1:27). Flesh, like "the flower of the field," is beautiful, but frail (Isa 40:6). in his presence--We are to glory not before Him, but in Him [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
That no flesh should glory in his presence. That is, "in the presence of God", as some copies, and the Arabic and Ethiopic versions read; not in their blood, birth, families, lineage, and natural descent; nor in their might, power, and dominion; nor in their riches, wealth, and substance; nor in their wisdom, learning, and parts: for however these may be gloried in before men, yet not before God. These are of no account with him, nor will they be regarded by him, or men on account of them; and he has taken a method in choosing and calling the reverse of these, to stain the glory of all flesh, that no man may attribute his salvation to any thing of the creature, but wholly to the sovereign grace and good pleasure of God. That no flesh should glory in his presence. That is, "in the presence of God", as some copies, and the Arabic and Ethiopic versions read; not in their blood, birth, families, lineage, and natural descent; nor in their might, power, and dominion; nor in their riches, wealth, and substance; nor in their wisdom, learning, and parts: for however these may be gloried in before men, yet not before God. These are of no account with him, nor will they be regarded by him, or men on account of them; and he has taken a method in choosing and calling the reverse of these, to stain the glory of all flesh, that no man may attribute his salvation to any thing of the creature, but wholly to the sovereign grace and good pleasure of God. 1 Corinthians 1:30 co1 1:30 co1 1:30 co1 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus,.... These words, as they direct to the proper object of glorying, Christ, so they show the high honour the called ones are brought to in and through Christ, and are opposed to their outward meanness, folly, weakness, poverty, and contempt. They are first of God the Father, of his own rich free grace and goodness, without any regard to any motive, merit, or desert of theirs, put into Christ by electing grace, in whom they are preserved and blessed; and which is their original secret being in him; and is made manifest by regenerating grace, by their being made new creatures; which also is not owing to their blood, or to the will of the flesh, or to the will of man, but to God and his free favour in Christ: and in consequence of their being in Christ, as their head and representative, he becomes all to them, which is here expressed, who of God is made unto us wisdom. Though they are foolish creatures in their own and the world's esteem, yet Christ is their wisdom; he is so "efficiently", the author and cause of all that spiritual wisdom and understanding in divine things they are possessed of; he is so "objectively", their highest wisdom lying in the knowledge of his person, blood, and righteousness, of interest in him, and salvation by him; with which knowledge eternal life is connected: and he is so "representatively"; he is their head, in whom all their wisdom lies; he acts for them as their wisdom to God, he is their Counsellor, their Advocate, who pleads and intercedes for them, and as their wisdom to men, and gives them a mouth and wisdom which their adversaries are not able to gainsay; and having the tongue of the learned, he speaks a word in season to themselves, when weary, distressed, and disconsolate, and for them in the court of heaven; he is their wisdom, to direct their paths, to guide them with his counsel, in the way they should go, safe to his kingdom and glory: and righteousness. He is the "author" of righteousness; he has wrought out and brought in one for them, which is well pleasing to God, satisfying to his justice, by which his law is magnified and made honourable; which justifies from all sin, and discharges from all condemnation, is everlasting, and will answer for them in a time to come; this he has brought in by the holiness of his nature, the obedience of his life, and by his sufferings and death: and which is "subjectively" in him, not in themselves; nor does it lie in any thing wrought in them, or done by them; but in him as their head and representative, who by "imputation" is made righteousness to them; and they the same way are made the righteousness of God in him; or in other words, this righteousness, by an act of the Father's grace, is imputed, reckoned, and accounted to them as their justifying righteousness: and sanctification; Christ is the sanctification of his people, through the constitution of God, the imputation of the holiness of his nature, the merits of his blood, and the efficacy of his grace, he is so "federally" and "representatively"; he is their covenant head, and has all covenant grace in his hands for them, and so the whole stock and fund of holiness, which is communicated to them in all ages, until the perfection of it in every saint: this is sanctification in Christ, which differs from sanctification in them in these things; in him it is as the cause, in them as the effect; in him as its fountain, in them as the stream; in him it is complete, in them it is imperfect for the present: and they have it by virtue of union to him; sanctification in Christ can be of no avail to any, unless it is derived from him to them; so that this sanctification in Christ does not render the sanctification of the Spirit unnecessary, but includes it, and secures it: likewise Christ is the sanctification of his people "by imputation", as the holiness of his human nature is, together with his obedience and sufferings, imputed to them for their justification; Christ assumed an holy human nature, the holiness of it was not merely a qualification for his office as a Saviour, or what made his actions and sufferings in that nature significant and useful, or is exemplary to men; but is a branch of the saints justification before God: the law required an holy nature, theirs is not holy; Christ has assumed one not for, himself, but for them, and so is the end of the law in all respects: and this may be greatly designed in the whole of this passage; "wisdom" may stand in general for the wise scheme of justification, as it is laid in Christ; "sanctification" may intend the holiness of his nature; "righteousness" the obedience of his life; and "redemption" his sufferings and death, by which it is obtained: but then justification and sanctification are not to be confounded; they are two distinct things, and have their proper uses and effects; sanctification in the saints does not justify, or justification sanctify; the one respects the power and being of sin, the other the guilt of it. Moreover, Christ is the sanctification of his people "meritoriously"; through the shedding of his blood, whereby he has sanctified them, that is, expiated their sins, and made full atonement for them; see Heb 10:10. Once more, he is their sanctification "efficiently"; by his Spirit, as the author, and by his word, as the means; he is the source of all holiness, it all comes from him, and is wrought by his Spirit in the heart; which lies in filling the understanding with spiritual light and knowledge; the mind with a sense of sin, and a detestation of it; the heart with the fear of God; the affections with love to divine objects and things; the will with submission and resignation to the will of God in all respects; and is exercised in living a life of faith on Christ, and in living soberly, righteously, and godly, before God and man: and this, though imperfect now, will be perfected from and by Christ, without which it is impossible to see the Lord: and redemption; which he is by the appointment of his Father, being foreordained to it before the foundation of the world; and this sense of the word made will agree with every clause in the text; and he is so efficiently, having obtained eternal redemption from sin, Satan, the law, and this present evil world, for his people; and "subjectively", it being in him, and every other blessing which is either a part of it, and comes through it, or is dependent on it, as justification, adoption, and remission of sins. Moreover, this may have respect not only to redemption past, which is obtained by Christ; but to that which draws near, the saints are waiting for, and to which they are sealed up by the Spirit of God; even their redemption and deliverance from very being of sin, from all sorrow and sufferings, from death and the grave, and everything that is afflicting and distressing.