Jeremiah 9:23-24 "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth ME, that I AM the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the Earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."
Our loving GOD has graciously bestowed to every believer special talents, skills, and abilities; HE has gifted each individual in one way or another for HIS purpose and plan (Romans 12:6a; Ephesians 4:7-8 pictured above). Some people have a higher intellectual capacity than others; some are physically stronger than their peers; certain individuals possess GOD-given musical, athletic, or artistic competence; others have been entrusted with greater riches or more abundant worldly possessions. Yet regardless of the quantity or the types of gifts imparted to us by the LORD, we are responsible to use them for HIS glory. We must never boast in our own talents, possessions, or expertise. Rather, we need to remember that GOD is the ONE WHO gave us our abilities in the first place.
In our text, GOD HIMSELF gives a command to all who belong to HIM - "thus saith the LORD." HE explicitly directs those to whom HE has given gifts and abilities to refrain from boasting in them. The Hebrew root word from which the world "glory" is translated in this verse denotes "radiance" or "brightness." In other words, believers must not "glow," "spotlight," or "boast" in themselves. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul rebuked the church at Corinth for reveling in their spiritual gifts and using them in a selfish manner (1st.Corinthians Chapters 12-14). The Apostle Peter reminded believers that we must exercise our abilities "as good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD" (1st.Peter 4:10 pictured above). In other words, we are accountable to use our talents wisely as we minister to others, recognizing that they are a token of GOD's grace. We are merely vessels for that which has been entrusted to us; therefore, may we never "glory" in our GOD-given gifts.
As the recipients of GOD's gracious gifts, we must not boast in our own talents, skills, or abilities (v.23). Rather, all our "glorying" should be centered around two things: our knowledge of GOD and our relationship with HIM. The LORD says, "Let them that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth ME." The LORD HIMSELF must be the sole recipient of all our praise, worship, and adoration; the ability to know the CREATOR and grow in the knowledge of HIM is an unfathomable blessing.
First, our "glorying" should center around the fact that GOD has revealed HIMSELF to mankind -- we can know HIM. Objective truth does, indeed, exist. JESUS said, "For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth" (John 18:37). John wrote concerning JESUS, "And we know that the SON of GOD is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know HIM that is true. . . .This is the true GOD, and eternal life" (1st.John 5:20). We can glory in the fact that the truth has been revealed to us and has practical application to our life. JESUS HIMSELF is truth (John 14:6 pictured above); GOD's WORD is truth (John 17:17 pictured above); the Gospel is truth (Ephesians 1:13 pictured above). Second, all our "glorying" should center around the fact that we can understand who GOD is by growing in our knowledge of HIM through the study of HIS WORD. We must recognize that the LORD "[exercises] lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the Earth" and understand what HE desires of HIS OWN, realizing the fact that the very reason for our existence is to bring honor and praise to our CREATOR and SAVIOR. Be sure you know HIM and are growing in HIM, giving GOD the glory for all that HE has allowed you to be and do. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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