Scripture

Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, in my service in bringing Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them.

Observation

Paul is convinced that the Roman christians already know the things he has discussed in the letter so well that they can teach each other. All he is doing is reminding them of these things.

Paul is God’s special messenger to the Gentiles. He brings them the Good News in order to present them to the Lord.

He is excited about all that Christ has done, not boasting about anything other than what Christ has done. He has always tried to preach the gospel where it has never been heard. But now he is looking forward to travelling to Rome on his way to Spain.

Application

We like to think that we are able to achieve something in life. We like to think we are above average in some ways. In fact in surveys in both the US and the UK, 70% of drivers think they are “above average” in their driving skills.

Paul says that he does not boast about anything other than what Christ has done through him.

Some christians can be guilty of exaggerating their achievements. Some years ago, I wryly observed that if we added up all the converts and attendance claimed by the pastors, we would have 120% of the town’s population in church every week, and it would be a thoroughly converted place.

Paul says that we should not boast except in what Christ has done through us and in us. Even then we need to make sure it is about Jesus and not about me. This comes back to humility, having an honest appreciation of our walk with Jesus. We don’t need to strive for recognition, but simply rest in Christ, knowing that God sees all that we do.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for the joy of walking with you and of serving you. Please help me to keep my eyes fixed on you always. Amen.