… not by works, so that no one can boast.
Summary: Humans have a great capacity for self-deception. We exercise this talent every day. When we come to Jesus, we have to set aside our pretend views of ourselves and deal with reality.
Why does God put up with us? Because he loves us!
Why does he “save” us? Again, because he loves us!
What does “works” have to do with all of this? Ah — this is where things get complicated.
In verses eight and nine, Paul summarizes the heart of the Gospel message:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
In our last meditation, we talked about our “inner eye,” or the “eye of the mind.” When we look in a mirror, we see a reflection of our physical self. When we look at ourselves through our “inner eye,” we see how we think of ourselves.
Very few people think of themselves as they really are. Psychologically, we tend to insulate ourselves from painful memories or embarrassments by putting those memories in a mental closet. They go into what psychologists call our “sub-conscious” mind. I guess you could think of this place as the “unfinished basement” of our mind.
In essence, we are lying to ourselves. We can’t see ourselves as God sees us. God’s view is complete and detailed. Every thought and desire we have ever had is part of who we are before God.
Have you ever seen a hoarder’s house cleaned out?
It is such a fascinating process that they made a reality television series out of it. In the show, they take the view into houses where there is so much stuff a person has no way of ever knowing where most of the stuff is or what it is. Then the people helping empty the house’s contents on the front lawn, sort it all out and put a few things back. The rest goes away.
In a way, we are all hoarders, spiritual hoarders.
Our memories pile up and up. We have so many that we could never sort them all out. The “good ones” are kept where we can see them, but all the rest disappear into the basement, closets, cabinets, or simply under piles of other stuff. When we look through our mental “house,” we cherry-pick what we want to see. We “see” what we want to see. We “boast” about the good things we’ve done and ignore all the rest.
God sees us as we are. Coming to Christ is admitting that we need a savior. We finally face up to the fact that our “goodness” doesn’t outweigh our “badness.” Any “badness” at all, even the tiniest amount, disqualifies us from being “good” in God’s eyes. We need a savior. We need God’s love.
Application: Don’t put off coming to God for forgiveness until our house is clean. God loves us where we are. He will declutter our lives, heal our wounds, and help us see more clearly.
Food for Thought: Getting a “boaster” to admit they are a sinner is a bit like getting an alcoholic to admit they have a drinking problem. How does God want us to deal with such people?
With patience, prayer and truth. We need to keep in mind that it is a spiritual battle and only God can change a heart.
We also can use the truth of the Ten Commandments when speaking with people. Most people see stealing, lying and lust as bad. If someone has ever lied, even a little white one, even once, they are a liar. There is a man named Ray Comfort who has videos and books on how to use the Ten Commandments to help people see their need. If they see their need to repent that is a good starting point to sharing the rest of the gospel.
Brother Rich,
Thank you for the comment this morning. I am not familiar with Ray Comfort, but I did look up his website and I can see why he came to mind. I’ve linked to his website here.
04-08-2023, Getting a “boaster” to admit they are a sinner is a bit like getting an alcoholic to admit they have a drinking problem.
How does God want us to deal with such people?
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7
The Holy Spirit convicts, reveals individual sins to all mankind. Only the Holy Spirit will be the power to effectively reveal a persons sins to them. In the end each person is required to make their choice regarding turning from their revealed sin, or ignoring the Holy Spirit as they cling to their sin. John 16:8
In Matthew 7:1, Jesus tells us, Do not judge, and He goes on to clarify it’s not the act of judging but the attitude with which we do it that God is most concerned about. Matthew 7:2, For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged. Using scripture as our foundation for judgment is our way to avoid sinful influences from the world
When we judge others, we open ourselves to sinning in the eyes of God because we are playing God who tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves and if we focus on other people’s sin, we stop seeing them as a neighbor and we see them through the lens of their sin.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
1 John 1:8, If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
2 Peter 3:9. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
We are to individually grow in Christ and let the love of Christ flow through us, into all people brought to us by God. We are here to allow God to minister through us, His Judgement will come from Him, in His time.
Ron,
I like how you approached today’s question. Your response dovetails nicely with the two Great Commandments (Matthew 22: 37-40); love God above all else and love our neighbors as ourselves. Then, if the boaster is willing to draw near to God, all the things you mention will happen.
It is so very amazing working for God, Having Him so close to each of us.
Blessings,
Ron
Boaster? I guess that includes us all… no more be said
TJR,
You make an important point! “Boasting” is really another word for pride of self. You are right, we all suffer from that malady!
Thanks!