Boasting

12Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity^b and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. 13For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, 14as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:12-14)

Thoughts: The Sophists were common Greek philosophers and teachers that taught rhetoric but without virtue.  They could teach deception (which is what "sophistry" means today).  They would often boast more than they really knew or were.  In contrast to this, Paul was careful that He boasts only of what God is doing through him.  Paul was not trying to impress (like the Sophists), but trying to be a person of integrity and sincerity who meant what he said and says what he means.  Instead of boasting of ourselves, we seek to boast in and of the Lord.  All glory goes to Him.  Our pride is not in ourselves but in the Lord and even in each other (vs. 14).  

Prayer: Lord, help me to understand and boast in you.  You are worthy of all glory, honor, and strength.