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.
Phil 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh,
I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the
law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
A. Our mouth should be filled the praises of God. We should brag on Him.
Ps 149:6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged
sword in their hand;
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.
B. I heard this cute story.
Friend: "Has your son’s education proved to be of any real value?"
Father: "Yes, indeed. It has entirely cured his mother of bragging about his brains and accomplishments."
C. I love the words of the old Hymn ’More, more about Jesus would I know.’
More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love Who died for me.
More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.
More about Jesus; in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in every line,
Making each faithful saying mine.
More about Jesus; on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom’s sure increase;
More of His coming, Prince of Peace
Words: by Eliza E. Hewitt 1887
For more info and help go to: www.tonyabram.com.
