1 Corinthians 4:7 What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

 

Yesterday, we looked at several Passages of Scripture that establish the FACT that every single thing in the universe belongs to God, including us. He knows everything about everything because He created everything. The magnitude of this is, in many ways, incomprehensible. 

 

Think about the fact that God knows every star by name. Consider that He knows the number of grains of sand on all the seashores of the world, and that the very hairs of our heads are all numbered by Him. Our God is an AWESOME God! There is NOTHING He does not know and cannot do. Having taught this to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul posed a question that I would like to pose to you now: What do you have that you did not receive from God?

 

The answer to this question is, NOTHING. While this may seem simple, it is incredibly complex. Paul goes on to say, If then you received it, (as a free gift from God) why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (As if you did it on your own.)

 

Good question. Why do we do this? Why do we say, I built this, or I earned that, or I invented this, or I created that, or I acquired this, or I did that on my own. In actuality, WE can accomplish NOTHING on our own. It is God who does everything through us for His Good Purpose.

 

A long time ago, I had a discussion with a man on this subject, and he declared, “ On my own, I have earned the degrees of my education. I went to class, studied hard, did the work, and put in the time. I earned those degrees that hang on my wall.”  In response to his statement, I asked, “Where did you get the brain and the ability to learn all this?” He responded, “I was born with it.” Next question, “Who created you with such a brilliant brain?” After much thought, he said, “God.” Case closed!

 

The source of everything is God. He is the Creator of all things. We are responsible for nothing except our faith and obedience to Him. God creates every person with free will to make choices. We are not God’s puppets. He created us and gifted us with gifts, talents, and abilities. He gave us all these attributes to worship and serve Him. Everything we have has been given to us and is to be used to bring glory to God. However, we have also been given the free will to decide whether or not to do so.

 

With all that said, let us look once again at Paul’s question, What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

 

God hates pride. We have nothing to boast about. A beautiful, old hymn is coming to my mind right now: TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE. He has done great things in you and in me.

 

Everything we have has been given to us as a gift. Let us give Him all the Glory and not boast about a single thing, for He alone is worthy of all praise and glory.

 

God said: If My people will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, forgive their sins and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

God is still waiting. He is able and stands ready to……..turn the tide

 

To God be the glory,     Doreen

 

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