Something Better to Boast About

Guiding Question

Is your spiritual pride keeping you from needing a Savior?

Summary

Dr. Lewis walks listeners through 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 and 6:9–11, exposing our pride and self-sufficiency. He highlights how God intentionally chooses “the foolish, weak, and despised” to shame the world’s strong and proud. Using vivid biblical examples (Corinthian slaves, thieves, adulterers, homosexuals) and contemporary illustrations (a homecoming queen realizing a humble girl has what money can’t buy), he challenges us to consider: What blocks us from embracing God on His terms? Pride or self-righteousness?

Then, through 1 Corinthians 1:30, Dr. Lewis shows how Christ becomes wisdom from God—giving us:

1. Righteousness – our legal standing before God

2. Sanctification – spiritual transformation

3. Redemption – ultimate hope beyond death

He contrasts the inadequacy of philosophy (“wishology”) and psychology with the life-changing wisdom of Christ.

Finally, quoting Jeremiah 9:23–24, he ties it all together: true boasting is not in our wealth, wisdom, or power—but in knowing and understanding God.

Outline

1. The Paradox of God’s Choice (1 Cor. 1:26–31)

   • God chooses the weak and foolish to shame the strong

   • Illustrations from Corinth and modern life

2. Breaking Spiritual Pride

   • Matthew’s Beatitudes: “poor in spirit”

   • William Barclay: “can do nothing” -> real Christianity begins

3. God’s Methods to Reach Us

   • Crisis

   • Emptiness

   • Holy Spirit’s quiet tug

4. Christ: God’s Wisdom in Us (1 Cor. 1:30)

   • Righteousness

   • Sanctification

   • Redemption (eternal perspective)

5. Why We Should Boast in God

   • The emptiness of philosophy and psychology

   • Jeremiah’s command: boast only in knowing God

6. Invitation & Response

   • Personal challenge: Is pride keeping you from Christ?

   • Prayer invitation for forgiveness and new life

Key Takeaways

• Pride blocks access to God; spiritual poverty opens the door.

• God’s “foolish” servants highlight His power, not ours.

• True wisdom comes from embracing Christ’s righteousness, transformation, and hope.

• Philosophy and psychology may analyze life—they cannot redeem.

• Real boasting is in knowing God’s character and pursuing relationship, not achievements.

Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – God chooses the weak and foolish

• 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 – “And such were some of you…”

• Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit

• 1 Corinthians 1:30 – Christ as our wisdom

• Jeremiah 9:23–24 – Boast only in knowing the Lord

Recorded 5/17/81