Glorying After the Flesh 2 Corinthians 11:18

Paul the apostle instructed the church members in Corinth to, “Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little”, and he added, “That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting” in chapter eleven and verse eighteen of Second Corinthians, Paul shares what he does,“seeing that many glory after the flesh” where we read:

Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

The verse begins, “Seeing that many glory after the flesh, ...” Paul began with the words, “seeing that” which means “since and because” “many glory” or “large and great amounts vaunt and rejoice” “after the flesh” which refers to “down from, through out and according to the sensuous nature of man with an animal nature that has cravings which incite to sin”. Paul recognized that “many” people “boast and rejoice” only in their “flesh” nature.

The verse goes on to say, “...I will glory also.” Paul added the words, “I will” which means “Paul would be inclined to” “glory” or “rejoice, vaunt and make boast” “also” which means “likewise and in selfsame manner”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he considers people who “boast” and “glory” in their “flesh”, and he uses their way to introduce his next thoughts concerning himself. Jesus Christ is worthy of “glory, honor, praise and rejoicing”, and all other “boasting” should be set aside. As Paul begins to “glory” in his accomplishments, let us continually be reminded that he will “glory” only in Jesus, and all things were provided to him or he would have had nothing at all.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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