Don't Boast but Boast

"... we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." | Romans 5:11

In essence, Paul is saying, "Boast in God." He even uses the word kauchaomai, "boast." Stott says, "It is identical with the Jewish attitude which Paul has condemned in Romans 2:17... 'You... brag about you relationship to God' (Stott 147). Is Paul saying "don't boast, but boast?" Emphatically, yes!

But here is the difference: Boasting in God (humility) is distinct from boasting in God (pride). One boast is from a heart of humility, the other from a heart of pride. Let me explain.

Paul had a problem with the Jewish persons who boasted in God (pride) as though He were their 'exclusive property'... as if to say 'they had a monopoly interest in him.' Their lives were not centered on God but rather themselves (although it appeared otherwise). Yet what Paul is saying in v.11 is antithetical to their prideful boast in God.

Rather, Paul is suggesting an exultation in Christ birthed from a heart of humility. A major fruit of the person who has been justified by faith through grace is that they have joy in God himself. As pastor Bill Kittrell said several weeks ago, "lack of joy is not right for a Christian... it is common, but it isn't right." Rather than boast as though we exclusively own God, rather we boast in amazement that He would even own us.

I must conclude with John Stott's most excellent summary statement:

"Christian exultation in God begins with the shamefaced recognition that we have no claim on him (G0d) at all, continues with wondering worship that while we were still sinners and enemies Christ died for us, and ends with the humble confidence that he will complete the work he has begun. So to exult in God is to rejoice not in our privileges but in his mercies, not in our possession of him but in his of us." (Romans, 147-8)