1 Corinthians 1:31
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
According as it is written - In Jer 9:23, Jer 9:24 : Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this: That he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth. So then, as all good is of and from God, let him that has either wisdom, strength, riches, pardon, holiness, or any other blessing, whether temporal or spiritual, acknowledge that he has nothing but what he has received; and that, as he has cause of glorying (boasting or exultation) in being made a partaker of these benefits and mercies of his Creator and Redeemer, let him boast in God alone, by whom, through Christ Jesus, he has received the whole. 1. This is an admirable chapter, and drawn up with great skill and address. The divided state of the Corinthian Church we have already noticed, and it appears that in these factions the apostle's authority had been set at nought by some, and questioned by many. St. Paul begins his letter with showing his authority; he had it immediately through Christ Jesus himself, by the will of God. And indeed the success of his preaching was a sufficient proof of the Divinity of his call. Had not God been with him he never could have successfully opposed the whole system of the national religion of the Corinthians, supported as it was by the prejudice of the people, the authority of the laws, and the eloquence and learning of their most eminent philosophers. It was necessary, therefore, that he should call the attention of this people to the Divine origin of his mission, that they might acknowledge that the excellency of the power was of God, and not of man. 2. It was necessary also that he should conciliate their esteem, and therefore speak as favourably concerning them as truth would allow; hence he shows them that they were a Church of God, sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints; that they abounded and even excelled in many extraordinary gifts and graces; and that they were not inferior to any Church of God in any gift. And he shows them that they received all these through God's confirmation of that testimony which he had delivered among them, Co1 1:4-7. 3. When he had thus prepared their minds to receive and profit by his admonitions he proceeds to their schisms, which he mentions and reprehends in the most delicate manner, so that the most obstinate and prejudiced could take no offense. 4. Having gained this point, he gently leads them to consider that, as God is the fountain of all good, so their good had all come from him; and that none of them should rest in the gift, but in the giver; nor should they consider themselves as of particular consequence on account of possessing such gifts, because all earthly good is transitory, and those who trust in power, wisdom, or wealth, are confounded and brought to nought; and that they alone are safe who receive every thing as from the hand of God, and, in the strength of his gifts, glorify him who is the donor of all good. He who can read this chapter without getting much profit has very little spirituality in his soul, and must be utterly unacquainted with the work of God in the heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
glory in . . . Lord-- (Jer 9:23-24) --in opposition to "flesh glorying in His presence" (Co1 1:29). In contrast to morbid slavish self-abasement, Paul joins with humility the elevating consciousness of our true dignity in Christ. He who glories is to glory in the Lord, not in the flesh, nor in the world. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
That, according as it is written,.... Jer 9:23. He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord; not in his own wisdom, riches, and strength; but in Christ, as his wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 2
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:31 This quotation is a paraphrase of Jer 9:24 (cp. 2 Cor 10:17). Because salvation is a result of God’s sovereign power (1 Cor 2:5) and his decision to save his people, there is absolutely no room for human pride (see 1:29).
1 Corinthians 1:31
Wisdom from God
30It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Corinthians) ch.1:25-2:16
By Zac Poonen6.7K43:461SA 3:19JER 23:29MAT 12:36ACT 1:81CO 1:311CO 2:21CO 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not relying on human wisdom or cleverness when preaching the word of God. He highlights the need to speak about the things that God freely gives and not boast in our own abilities. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of the words that come out of our mouths, as Jesus said that we will be held accountable for every idle word spoken. He encourages preachers to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and the proof of God's power in their words, rather than trying to impress people with their own abilities.
(Exodus) Exodus 20:26
By J. Vernon McGee3.4K02:48ExpositionalEXO 20:26MAT 6:33JHN 1:29ROM 8:81CO 1:312CO 4:5GAL 6:14In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a boy who was deeply moved by the message of Jesus. The preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than the preacher himself. He expresses his desire to preach about a beautiful savior rather than delivering a beautiful sermon. The preacher also highlights the significance of avoiding any display of the flesh in the ministry and church work, as God does not approve of it.
The Perils of Pride
By C.J. Mahaney2.6K1:31:26PSA 25:9PRO 11:2PRO 16:5ISA 66:21CO 1:31PHP 2:3COL 3:12JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle with pride as a hindrance to humility. The speaker shares personal experiences and practical steps to weaken pride and cultivate humility, focusing on the need to acknowledge dependence on God, express gratitude, practice spiritual disciplines, and transfer glory to God daily. The sermon concludes with a call to prepare for being replaced, recognize relative unimportance, and play golf as a means to accelerate humility.
Cross Talk Show 1 - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan2.4K09:48PRO 22:4MAT 6:19MAT 9:37ROM 10:131CO 1:311CO 9:162CO 5:14PHP 3:8COL 3:11JN 2:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing that all success and accomplishments come from God. It highlights the need to focus on knowing and loving Jesus above all else, with a deep longing to reach the lost world out of love for Him. The speaker, Dr. K.P. Yohannes, shares personal stories and reflections on how his life is dedicated to serving God and spreading the gospel, driven by a desire to know Jesus more intimately.
Attack of the Devil - Part 5
By Joshua Daniel1.4K09:40NUM 14:29PSA 51:10PRO 16:18ROM 6:61CO 1:31GAL 2:20GAL 5:24EPH 2:81PE 2:9JUD 1:4This sermon emphasizes the dangers of pride in various forms, contrasting the pride of nations like Britain and America with the humility found in repentance and tender hearts. It warns against religious pride and calls for a crucified life with Christ, seeking to be holy, peculiar, and zealous for good works, while praying for the removal of rebellion from the heart to avoid perishing in the wilderness.
sermonindex.net Simulcast 2012: Learning From the Church in China
By E.A. Johnston1.4K01:481SA 4:21MAT 16:181CO 1:311CO 4:20PHP 2:102TI 3:12This sermon contrasts the state of the church in China, where believers face persecution and suffering as part of following Christ, with the church in the West, which has drifted from God's presence due to arrogance and lack of true power. It emphasizes the humility and dedication of Chinese believers who live out their faith in challenging circumstances, in contrast to the comfort-seeking attitude in the West. The message calls for a return to true worship and readiness to endure suffering for Christ, drawing a parallel between the East and West in their approach to faith.
Right Motive Praying
By Lou Sutera1.3K48:39PSA 23:3ISA 43:7MAT 6:9JHN 14:13ROM 3:231CO 1:311CO 10:31EPH 3:20JAS 4:31PE 2:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of praying with pure motives, focusing on glorifying God above all else. It highlights the need to surrender selfish desires and seek God's glory in all prayers, showcasing examples from the Bible and personal testimonies to inspire a deeper commitment to praying for God's honor and kingdom.
Against All Odds
By Alistair Begg1.3K41:28MAT 6:33JDG 6:36JDG 7:2JDG 7:17JDG 7:221CO 1:261CO 1:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our weakness and dependence on God. The speaker highlights how Gideon's strength and boldness came from his awareness that he was nothing without God's help. The sermon concludes by discussing the sights and sounds of victory and how Gideon's strategy involved simple actions that anyone could do, emphasizing that God is not interested in military skill but in the number of people who trust and obey Him.
Glory in the Lord
By G.W. North2111:04:08Glory1CO 1:171CO 1:311CO 2:91CO 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of coming into possession of God's blessings. He highlights that God is continuously working to bring believers to a place where they can receive everything they need. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ has made everything good and that believers can have access to all things through Him. The sermon also emphasizes the need to focus on God's plans and what is written in the Bible, rather than getting caught up in worldly events or predictions.
According to His Will
By G.W. North0Divine WisdomThe Power of the Cross1CO 1:121CO 1:311CO 4:201JN 3:18G.W. North emphasizes that all glory must be directed to the Lord, as human wisdom and achievements are insufficient for true understanding and acceptance of God's will. He points out that the Corinthians had begun to overlook the divine wisdom that comes from loving obedience rather than mere eloquence. True wisdom is demonstrated through actions and the power of God, particularly through the message of the Cross, which is seen as both the power and wisdom of God. North asserts that the essence of God's kingdom lies not in words but in the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. Ultimately, he calls for a recognition that true wisdom is found in Christ crucified, which challenges human notions of wisdom.
This Monster, Pride—this Hellish Sin
By Anne Dutton0PSA 10:4PRO 8:13PRO 11:2PRO 16:18ISA 2:11ROM 12:31CO 1:31PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5Anne Dutton preaches about the sin of pride, highlighting its roots in unbelief and its opposition to the gospel of Christ. She emphasizes how pride robs God of His glory and believers of their joy, and how it hinders divine service and brings about God's chastisements. Dutton urges believers to humble themselves, seek forgiveness, and strive to eradicate pride with the help of God's grace, looking forward to the day when they will be free from this sin in the glory of eternity.
Exposition on Psalm 24
By St. Augustine0PSA 23:1PSA 23:4PSA 24:4JHN 16:33ROM 8:39ROM 9:121CO 1:31St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 23, focusing on the glorifying and resurrection of the Lord on the first day of the week, now known as the Lord's Day. The psalm emphasizes the establishment of the Church by the Lord above the worldly challenges and temptations, calling for purity of heart and deeds to ascend to His holy place and receive blessings and mercy from God. Seeking the Lord leads to eternal life and the King of glory entering our lives, overcoming all obstacles and powers of this world.
Laodicean State
By J.B. Stoney0PRO 3:51CO 1:311CO 8:11CO 10:12GAL 6:3GAL 6:14COL 2:82TI 3:7REV 3:16J.B. Stoney delves into the state of the Laodicean assembly, emphasizing the danger of boastfulness in intelligence and acquisitions while lacking pursuit of Christ. This phase represents a state of self-satisfaction and needlessness, rendering the truth powerless when man becomes the primary focus instead of Christ. Throughout history, individuals with great knowledge succumbed to self-gratification, leading to a departure from God's truth and ultimately marring the testimony.
I Have Need of Humility
By Ignatius of Antioch01CO 1:31Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of measuring oneself and avoiding boasting, instead encouraging glorying in the Lord. He acknowledges the need to be fearful even when established in things of God, warning against being puffed up by vain commendations. Ignatius expresses a desire to suffer for the faith but recognizes the unseen envy and warfare of the wicked one, highlighting the necessity of meekness to overcome the devil, the prince of this world.
Man Has No Good in Himself and Can Glory in Nothing
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 8:4PSA 115:1PSA 146:31CO 1:31HEB 13:8JAS 4:6Thomas a Kempis preaches about the humility and dependence of man on God, acknowledging human insignificance and the need for divine grace and strength. He contrasts the unchanging nature of God with the ever-changing state of man, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's help for true conversion and steadfastness. Kempis highlights the vanity of self-glory and the true glory found in praising God and delighting in His name, rather than seeking human praise or worldly recognition.
Submit Themselves
By Clement of Rome0ROM 12:101CO 1:311TH 5:18JAS 1:17Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of unity and humility among believers, urging them to use their individual gifts to serve one another. He encourages the strong to support the weak, the rich to help the poor, the wise to demonstrate wisdom through actions, and the humble to let others testify to their character. Clement reminds the congregation to be grateful for the gifts bestowed upon them by God, acknowledging their origin and purpose in His divine plan.
Let Him Boast
By H.J. Vine0JER 9:23ACT 15:381CO 1:31EPH 2:131TI 1:17H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of boasting in the Lord rather than in worldly achievements, assemblies, or ourselves. He emphasizes that God chooses the despised of the world to showcase His wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption through Christ, so that no one may boast in His presence. The sermon highlights the transformation brought about by God's grace, leading individuals like Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to boast in the Lord despite their past shortcomings and imperfections.
Boasting That Brings Blessing!
By Theodore Epp0The CrossTrue Glory in ChristJHN 12:32ROM 6:71CO 1:312CO 5:17GAL 5:24GAL 6:14EPH 2:8PHP 3:3COL 3:31PE 5:6Theodore Epp emphasizes that the crucifixion of Christ is not merely a historical event but a transformative way of life that leads to resurrection and freedom from sin. He contrasts the self-glory sought by the Judaizers through fleshly accomplishments with the true glory found in the cross of Christ. Epp warns against living a Christian life based on fleshly efforts, urging believers to find their boast in the crucified and risen Savior. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on what they truly boast about in their lives.
The Certainty of Our Calling
By Martin Luther0ROM 11:131CO 1:312CO 5:202CO 10:8COL 1:28Martin Luther emphasizes the importance for ministers to recognize and exalt their calling as messengers of God, comparing it to an ambassador who is honored for his position, not his personal attributes. By magnifying their office, ministers can gain authority and credibility in sharing the Gospel. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, exemplifies this by taking pride in his ministry as an apostle of the Gentiles, not for self-glory but to glorify God and draw people to the message of grace and mercy.
Conviction of Sin--Awakening
By John Newton0PSA 51:10ISA 6:5ROM 7:181CO 1:31HEB 4:12John Newton reflects on the struggle of truly understanding the depth of sin and the need for a clear revelation of God's holiness to balance it. He acknowledges his own shortcomings in feeling the weight of his sin and expresses a desire for a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God. Newton emphasizes the importance of the Gospel in awakening souls, highlighting that external signs or experiences can only lead to true transformation when accompanied by the truth of God's Word penetrating the heart.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
According as it is written - In Jer 9:23, Jer 9:24 : Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this: That he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth. So then, as all good is of and from God, let him that has either wisdom, strength, riches, pardon, holiness, or any other blessing, whether temporal or spiritual, acknowledge that he has nothing but what he has received; and that, as he has cause of glorying (boasting or exultation) in being made a partaker of these benefits and mercies of his Creator and Redeemer, let him boast in God alone, by whom, through Christ Jesus, he has received the whole. 1. This is an admirable chapter, and drawn up with great skill and address. The divided state of the Corinthian Church we have already noticed, and it appears that in these factions the apostle's authority had been set at nought by some, and questioned by many. St. Paul begins his letter with showing his authority; he had it immediately through Christ Jesus himself, by the will of God. And indeed the success of his preaching was a sufficient proof of the Divinity of his call. Had not God been with him he never could have successfully opposed the whole system of the national religion of the Corinthians, supported as it was by the prejudice of the people, the authority of the laws, and the eloquence and learning of their most eminent philosophers. It was necessary, therefore, that he should call the attention of this people to the Divine origin of his mission, that they might acknowledge that the excellency of the power was of God, and not of man. 2. It was necessary also that he should conciliate their esteem, and therefore speak as favourably concerning them as truth would allow; hence he shows them that they were a Church of God, sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints; that they abounded and even excelled in many extraordinary gifts and graces; and that they were not inferior to any Church of God in any gift. And he shows them that they received all these through God's confirmation of that testimony which he had delivered among them, Co1 1:4-7. 3. When he had thus prepared their minds to receive and profit by his admonitions he proceeds to their schisms, which he mentions and reprehends in the most delicate manner, so that the most obstinate and prejudiced could take no offense. 4. Having gained this point, he gently leads them to consider that, as God is the fountain of all good, so their good had all come from him; and that none of them should rest in the gift, but in the giver; nor should they consider themselves as of particular consequence on account of possessing such gifts, because all earthly good is transitory, and those who trust in power, wisdom, or wealth, are confounded and brought to nought; and that they alone are safe who receive every thing as from the hand of God, and, in the strength of his gifts, glorify him who is the donor of all good. He who can read this chapter without getting much profit has very little spirituality in his soul, and must be utterly unacquainted with the work of God in the heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
glory in . . . Lord-- (Jer 9:23-24) --in opposition to "flesh glorying in His presence" (Co1 1:29). In contrast to morbid slavish self-abasement, Paul joins with humility the elevating consciousness of our true dignity in Christ. He who glories is to glory in the Lord, not in the flesh, nor in the world. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
That, according as it is written,.... Jer 9:23. He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord; not in his own wisdom, riches, and strength; but in Christ, as his wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 2
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:31 This quotation is a paraphrase of Jer 9:24 (cp. 2 Cor 10:17). Because salvation is a result of God’s sovereign power (1 Cor 2:5) and his decision to save his people, there is absolutely no room for human pride (see 1:29).