The Boasting Rule

Trash talking has always been a part of a competition. During the 1986 NBA All-Star week Larry Bird, prior to the three-point shooting contest, declared, “I’m just looking around to see who’s gonna finish second.” He went on to win. Prior to Super Bowl III, Jets Quarterback Joe Namath, declared, “We’re going to win Sunday. I guarantee it.” He led his team to victory over the heavily favored Colts. The legend says that in the 1932 World Series Babe Ruth, down two strikes in the count, pointed to the left-field flagpole, and called a homerun. On the next pitch, he knocked it over the fence, exactly where he pointed.

However, for every great story of athletes able to back up their boasts, there are thousands of empty taunts. Do you remember Anthony Smith?  He is the safety that guaranteed a Steelers victory against New England during their undefeated 2007 regular season. Tom Brady had four touchdowns on the day, Randy Moss caught two of them and Smith was burned on two long throws. The Patriots would go on to win 34-13. Smith has never been seen or heard from since. As a Seattle Seahawks fan, I will never forget the overtime game against the Packers when quarterback Matt Hasselback said, after winning the OT coin toss, “We will take the ball and score.” On the ensuing drive, he threw an interception that was run back for a game-ending touchdown. Oops!

In our passage for this Sunday, the Apostle Paul teaches us the proper way to boast. He explains that we are not to boast in the flesh because the flesh cannot fulfill its promise. It offers a failed guarantee and all who put their confidence in the flesh will be ashamed. Nevertheless, those who boast in Christ will never be put to shame. For all the guarantees of Christ will come to pass. Therefore, all Christians are called to boast in nothing else but Christ alone. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Galatians 6:11-18, Jeremiah 9:23-26, 1 Corinthians 1:25-31, 2 Corinthians 5:11-15, Philippians 3:2-11, and this article on Proper Boasting. 

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “O Worship the King” the Acclamation of Praise “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and the Hymn of Response “Blessed Assurance”. Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! 

Sermon Information 

Text: Galatians 6:11-18 

Title: The Boasting Rule 

Outline: 

1. Boast Not in the Flesh (vv. 11-13)
2. Boast in the Cross of Christ (v. 14)
3. Boast in the New Creation (vv. 15-18)

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