Feast: What Do We Have to Be Proud Of? (Part Two)
#FT26-05
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Given 30-Sep-26; 77 minutes
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Originality, uniqueness, and superiority are overrated. Rather than chasing these qualities, Christians should focus on speaking truth, doing good, and pursuing excellence. Nothing is truly new under the sun, and those who pride themselves on being "originals" or "unicorns" often simply reflect the same selfish human nature that has always existed. Even those who seek attention through transgressive behavior are not truly original, since Romans 3:23 confirms that all have sinned. Pride, whether intellectual or moral, is simply a desire for recognition rooted in human nature. Philippians 2:3-4 commands believers to esteem others above themselves and look out for others' interests, modeling the mind of Christ. Proverbs 11:2 reinforces this by contrasting pride, which produces shame, with humility, which produces wisdom. Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 1 through 4 addresses the Corinthians' excessive pride in their knowledge and judgment. Their partisanship, rallying around Paul, Apollos, or Cephas, revealed a deeper problem: reliance on Greek philosophy rather than godly wisdom. Paul reminds them that they were not wise, mighty, or noble by worldly standards, and that their true wisdom resided in Christ alone. Only through the Holy Spirit, received at baptism, can believers access genuine spiritual understanding and connect with the mind of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul warns against glorying in men or worldly wisdom, declaring that the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. All things belong to believers through Christ, making it senseless to seek answers from philosophers or intellectuals when God has provided Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and faithful servants. Three profound truths emerge from 1 Corinthians 4:6-7. First, believers must not think beyond what is written, as adding human wisdom to Scripture corrupts godly instruction, a p