Is It Bragging Or Praising?

Is it Bragging or Praising?

We are living in a day when many people are lovers of self rather than lovers of God. People love themselves but forget to love God and their neighbor. In this outline we share a few types of bragging and praising examples. I know myself that I rather hear praise than boasting. May we like Paul, must learn to boast on the Lord. He alone is worthy.

Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1

1 Sam 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

I. God can change people and circumstances.

1 Sam 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he hath set the world upon them.

A. This is why Paul wrote in 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

a. Paul himself was changed from the chief of sinners to an apostle.

II. Jesus told of a bragging Pharisee and Sinner praying.

Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. Luke 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

A. Jesus shows here that we must humble ourselves before God.

Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

1. Before God can move in our lives we must see that we are a sinner. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

a. Temptations, of course, cannot be avoided, but because we cannot prevent the birds from flying over our heads, there is no need that we should let them nest in our hair. -- Martin Luther,

2. We are saved by His grace.

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

a. Never forget the three whats!

What from? Believers are redeemed from hell and destruction.

What by? By the precious blood of Christ.

What to? To an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that will not fade away. -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

III. There was the young rich man who told of his good life.

Matt 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? Matt 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Matt 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matt 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Matt 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

A. He loved his riches more that he loved God.

1. Have you ever thought what would have happened if he did as Jesus asked?

2. There is that Kingdom of God principal of sowing and reaping.

a. He could have become one of the world’s richest people had he obeyed.

b. He failed to do the most import thing we can do in our lives.

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

C. He who bestows his goods upon the poor shall have as much again and ten times more. John Bunyan

IV. Then there was Paul the Apostle who could brag on his accomplishments it was he, but he chooses rather to brag on the Lord.