1 Corinthians 15:30-31 English Standard Version

30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!

Paul calls it pride in others, which is what he has in Christ. This is not pride of self. We might look at it in the same way we have pride in our children, but is that what the Spirit tells us?

The outline usage of “pride in you” leads us to boasting of something that they had that Paul had in Christ. If we look at what we have in common in Christ, it is the Spirit of truth, working in us to serve God’s will. Paul is saying in a very human way, “I see Christ in you.”

Every now and then, but not always, we might see the glory of God shining on the face of another. It is not an eye of flesh but seeing with spiritual insight. If seen in a stranger, it is an opportunity to join in fellowship or if seen in those we already know to strengthen our bond in fellowship.

So what does Paul preface this comment with a warning of danger “every hour”?

Back in 15:15 Paul warns “We are even found to be misrepresenting God.” That is a serious warning that must be considered even when we recognize Christ in others. The presence of the Spirit of truth does not tell us in and by itself what the Spirit has done for that individual. It does not mean they are ahead or behind us in maturity or personal knowledge of Christ.

Paul’s expression of dying daily places him in a position of a willingness to allow the Spirit of truth to take the lead. Obedience of faith may require us to ignore what we have already learned and processed in order to receive instructions on what to do in the moment that satisfies God’s will.

Experience can easily say to us “it worked before, so let’s try that again”. Circumstances change daily if not hourly. Relying on the past may not fit the needs of God in the moment.

The difference is confidence in Christ vs confidence in experience.