2 Corinthians 10:12-18
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 10:17
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In this competitive era that emphasises “image management” and “personal résumés,” people often define their value by achievements—job positions, income, children’s academic performance, and ministry results… as if these prove our worth. Yet today’s passage reminds us that what truly enables us to stand firm is not the personal glory we accumulate, but a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
Paul faced self-promoting false apostles in Corinth. They loved comparisons and boasting about their abilities and experiences, and even belittled Paul’s weak appearance, unimpressive preaching, and frequent suffering. Paul responded by saying that the true standard of measure is not the visible glory that people admire, but the calling God has given, the work He accomplishes, and the Lord’s approval. If we must boast, it is not to elevate ourselves but to exalt God.
Paul said he would not dare compare himself with “those who commend themselves” (v. 12). They measured themselves by themselves—valuing external authority and success—yet neglecting the true core of faith: humility and suffering on the path of the cross.
In contrast, Paul’s boasting had boundaries. It was according to the limits God assigned him—his mission and sphere of ministry. He was called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and was the first to bring the gospel to Corinth (vv. 13–14). He boasted only in the genuine work that God accomplished through him, not in the foundation laid by others. His desire was “to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you” and not to boast in work already done by others (vv. 15–16). His focus was always mission expansion, not grasping for credit.
Thus, he probably recalled Jeremiah 9:23–24 when he said in v. 17: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord”. The final evaluation is not in human hands or based on self-promotion, but on whether the Lord is pleased: “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (v. 18).
Reflection:
1. Live in your calling, not in comparison Society defines success by achievement; even in church, we may also compare gifts and ministry results. But such comparisons lead only to pride or discouragement. Dear brothers and sisters, God has given each person different limits—different callings and spheres. The key is not whether we do more than others, but whether we are faithful in what God has given each person different limits—different callings and spheres. The key is not whether we do more than others, but whether we are faithful in what God has entrusted to us.
2. If our work is not for the Lord, it is in vain Paul did not deny the importance of fruitfulness. But he reminds us that all credit must go to the Lord. The purpose of boasting is not self-glory but the exaltation of Christ. When God uses us, let us remain humble and say: “It is all by His grace!” If ministry makes us feel superior or leads us to demand human affirmation, we may have already strayed from our original aspiration.
3. Final approval comes from the Lord, not from applause People may misunderstand us or overlook us, but the Lord’s evaluation is always accurate, for He sees the heart. God values faithfulness, not fame. On that day before Christ’s judgment seat, may we all hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). That is the highest glory.
v Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, remove our anxiety and pride that come from comparison. Teach us to be faithful within the boundaries You have assigned to us. May all we do in life not be for human praise but to exalt the name of Christ. Lord, help us remember each day: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” Make us servants who are pleasing to You, seeking only Your approval and delight. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
Click to Read
In this competitive era that emphasises “image management” and “personal résumés,” people often define their value by achievements—job positions, income, children’s academic performance, and ministry results… as if these prove our worth. Yet today’s passage reminds us that what truly enables us to stand firm is not the personal glory we accumulate, but a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
Paul faced self-promoting false apostles in Corinth. They loved comparisons and boasting about their abilities and experiences, and even belittled Paul’s weak appearance, unimpressive preaching, and frequent suffering. Paul responded by saying that the true standard of measure is not the visible glory that people admire, but the calling God has given, the work He accomplishes, and the Lord’s approval. If we must boast, it is not to elevate ourselves but to exalt God.
Paul said he would not dare compare himself with “those who commend themselves” (v. 12). They measured themselves by themselves—valuing external authority and success—yet neglecting the true core of faith: humility and suffering on the path of the cross.
In contrast, Paul’s boasting had boundaries. It was according to the limits God assigned him—his mission and sphere of ministry. He was called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and was the first to bring the gospel to Corinth (vv. 13–14). He boasted only in the genuine work that God accomplished through him, not in the foundation laid by others. His desire was “to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you” and not to boast in work already done by others (vv. 15–16). His focus was always mission expansion, not grasping for credit.
Thus, he probably recalled Jeremiah 9:23–24 when he said in v. 17: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord”. The final evaluation is not in human hands or based on self-promotion, but on whether the Lord is pleased: “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (v. 18).
Reflection:
1. Live in your calling, not in comparison Society defines success by achievement; even in church, we may also compare gifts and ministry results. But such comparisons lead only to pride or discouragement. Dear brothers and sisters, God has given each person different limits—different callings and spheres. The key is not whether we do more than others, but whether we are faithful in what God has given each person different limits—different callings and spheres. The key is not whether we do more than others, but whether we are faithful in what God has entrusted to us.
2. If our work is not for the Lord, it is in vain Paul did not deny the importance of fruitfulness. But he reminds us that all credit must go to the Lord. The purpose of boasting is not self-glory but the exaltation of Christ. When God uses us, let us remain humble and say: “It is all by His grace!” If ministry makes us feel superior or leads us to demand human affirmation, we may have already strayed from our original aspiration.
3. Final approval comes from the Lord, not from applause People may misunderstand us or overlook us, but the Lord’s evaluation is always accurate, for He sees the heart. God values faithfulness, not fame. On that day before Christ’s judgment seat, may we all hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). That is the highest glory.
v Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, remove our anxiety and pride that come from comparison. Teach us to be faithful within the boundaries You have assigned to us. May all we do in life not be for human praise but to exalt the name of Christ. Lord, help us remember each day: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” Make us servants who are pleasing to You, seeking only Your approval and delight. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.