GLORY IN THE LORD

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

The lesson text tells us, without a doubt, that access into heaven is limited to faithful servants of God that possess, and exercise, humility in their obedient conduct of life on earth, and, through humble servitude, glorify God. Those having their conduct of life filled with self-pride and conceit have only their time spent, and the temporal things gained during their lifetime on earth, in which to glory. For those that fail to glorify God during their life on earth, will also fail to find eternal life hereafter. The spiritual benefit of their life will be nought - it will be worthless, having no value in gaining access into heaven.

Paul was writing this letter to members of the church at Corinth - to those that heard and believed the gospel of Christ, and, through obedience, were baptized into the body of Christ. These, complying with these tenets, were added, by God, to His church. These Christians had heard God's calling and had obeyed it, in the terms set forth in His holy word. By examining themselves, it was apparent that they accepted and maintained a character much different from those that chose to ignore God's calling. Those that fail to come when the call for "supper time" goes out will not eat from the table that is spread, and will fail to gain the nourishment available from the food that is provided. Such is true of spiritual nourishment. All men and women of the world that fail to answer God's call to come and feast on the gospel of Christ, will fail to gain the spiritual benefits found in the body of Christ, and ultimately, will fail to gain eternal life in heaven.

There are many that are wise men after the flesh (that depend on worldly wisdom); many that are mighty (that depend on worldly power found in influential positions and offices); many that are noble (that depend on the influence found in their birth heritage). Not many of these will make themselves available to hear God's call to salvation due to the lack of humility. God's plan of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ is simple enough to be understood by all, without man's wisdom. It is accessible to the lowest of servants, and does not require the human influence of high offices. And, it is attainable by all - Jew and Gentile, men and women, without regard to nationality, color of skin, age, or any other human distinction. Noble birth is not required. Because of its simplicity, its ease of attainment, and its universal accessibility, salvation through Jesus Christ, confounds the wise, the mighty, and the noble. To those seeking eternal life in some man-made doctrine that is more profound, more eloquent, more regal in its nature, God's simple plan of salvation often becomes a stumbling block. This is exactly what Paul said in a few verses previous to the lesson text. He wrote that ...we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:23-24).

The lesson text teaches us that, outside of the body of Christ, human wisdom, might, and nobility is vain. They possess no spiritually benefit; they are utterly unprofitable, and useless to those searching for heaven. They are earthly in nature, made up of things coveted by mankind seeking praise, honor, and self-glorification for themselves. Of these things, Paul tells us, no flesh (no person) should glory in His presence. Peter, by inspiration, wrote this about the unprofitable and useless nature of earthly glory. Comparing it to the temporary, fleeting life of grass, he said, For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away (1 Peter 1:24). For all that desire to attain the hope of eternal salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, God requires humble obedience to His will. Seek Godly wisdom. In it we will find the pattern for Christian humility. Therefore, Glory in the Lord!