Boast in the Lord's work. 1 Cor 1:26-29
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.God chose you. Maybe you were influential. Maybe you were of noble birth. Maybe you are wise or strong. But you are probably more like me, neither influential, nor noble, nor wise, nor strong. If you know anything about me, you know I certainly have nothing in which to boast.
That's the beauty of today's passage. God chose you and me to believe. I am a despicable sinner. But we have been saved (John 3:17)! Praise God from whom all blessings flow. God has chosen you and me to believe (1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 5:1-2; Phil. 3:9; Eph. 2:8; Hos. 2:23). Let him who can listen hear: Now a righteousness from God apart from the law, has been made known (Rom. 3:21) ... This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (Rom. 3:22).
What wonderful news! Hear the Word of truth: God wants to justify you; God wants to sanctify you; God wants you to hear the good news: Jesus Christ fulfilled the law for you (Matt. 5:17) so that when you fail God will forgive you. Follow Christ by loving the Lord with all your heart, mind, strength and soul by turning to him, by looking to God to fulfill all your desires. Follow Christ by loving your enemies.
Today's passage from 1 Corinthians is a great reminder of how simple the Gospel is. To many people, it's foolish to think that all you have to do is believe. To many people, it's shameful that prostitutes and tax collectors will enter heaven's gate before you (Matt. 21:31). But the Bible can't be more clear from in the beginning to amen that all who believe in Jesus will be saved (John 20:31).
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 1:13.Just believe.