[We] … who boast in Christ Jesus…
Summary: Sometimes, to appreciate what we have, we need to look at what we wouldn’t have if we didn’t have what we have.
As we read ahead in this chapter, we find that Paul is about to give us a masterclass on the art of boasting in Christ Jesus. But for now, before we get into the details, it might be good to take a minute and consider what boasting in Christ means.
Like so many passages in the Bible, it often helps to begin by looking at the language Paul used when he wrote his letter.
The Greek text uses the word “kauchaomai” (Pronounced “kow-khah’-om-ahee”). Strong’s Concordance and Lexicon defines the word this way:
“[T]o vaunt (in a good or a bad sense):—(make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice.” — Strong’s G2744*
Only about a third of all English translations use the word “boast.” Almost that many translations use the word “glory,” and the rest are divided between “pride” and ”rejoice.”**
So what does Paul mean?
When we boast in Jesus, or glory and rejoice in him, we are pointing to him as the only thing that matters. And, after all, isn’t that the case?
Where is humanity without Christ? Let’s imagine what that might be like.
Without Jesus, there’s no humanity in the first place (John 1:3). If there were no Jesus, there would be no need for the rest of the Bible after Genesis, where God describes the fall of man. What would be the point? Without Jesus, there would be no hope of being redeemed from destruction.
Without a Messiah, there would be no miracles proving God’s love for us. If Jesus had never been born, mankind’s existence on earth would be brutal, cruel, and short.
People would despair of life or, if they embraced despair, would attempt to suck the life out of others. The cruelty of humanity’s past would be multiplied a thousand times over. Humanity’s descent into darkness would be without anything to break its fall.
Alienated from God, humanity would be alienated from love.
It would be horrible.
But it is not horrible.
Because of Jesus, there is hope, there is redemption, and God’s love and peace are available to anyone who puts their trust in God’s Son. All of this is possible because Jesus Christ became the living, perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus makes it possible for us to be reunited with our Creator. The love of God is seen in Jesus Christ, and Jesus showers his love on us.
That is something to boast about.
Application: Tell someone you love about Jesus.
Food for Thought: How does our pride in Jesus protect us from the wrong kind of pride?
*”G2744 – kauchaomai – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 14 Sep, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2744/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
**I apologize if I missed any… 🙂
How does our pride in Jesus protect us from the wrong kind of pride?
We become small so Jesus may become large.
John 3:30, He must become greater; I must become less.
Colossians 3:17, And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Ezekiel 3:12, Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great earthquake: “Blessed be the glory of the Lord from its place!.
Every day, every moment of our lives are by the power of God. Every good thing we do, is Christ in us making Himself known to others. All good we ever will do, in these bodies is by the power of Jesus. We submit and let Him love, encourage, comfort those around us. We redirect all good words about our deeds, to Jesus Christ who is at work in us. Our reward comes as we are allowed to fully experience the power of Jesus Christ working through us as He ministers to those being called to Him.
Thank you, Ron!
“We become small so Jesus may become large.”
What a great point! So true!
Good response R2T2
I thought of John 3: 30 too. If our eyes are on Him and we are shining the spotlight on Him, then the attention is diverted from ourselves to Him who really does need to be known.
Thanks, Rich!
Great point … that is, we need to “point” to Jesus! 🙂