Pray the word with David Platt as a resource from Radical.net.

2nd Corinthians chapter 11, verse 30.

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Now, that's a different way to think.

That's a different way to live.

It's a different way to boast.

Like, we are all tempted to boast and the things that show our strengths.

Isn't that the way boasting works?

Like, you do something well and you're proud of it.

You have a particular strength and you're proud of it.

And so, you boast of your strength.

So, why does Paul say, if I must boast,

I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

This is one of those places where the gospel just turns everything upside down.

Just think about this concept in terms of Jesus' initial words to his disciples,

to you and me.

If anyone must come after me, he must, what?

Promote himself, exalt himself, please himself, assert himself.

I do all the things that the world around us would encourage us to do.

Assert ourselves, be true to ourselves, promote ourselves.

Like, this is a way to get ahead.

Jesus says, no, if anybody's going to come after me, he must deny himself.

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