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.

Hebrews 4:15 English Standard Version (ESV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

I took my counselor’s advice. If I didn’t feel like doing something, I didn’t do it.

What I discovered was that the Lord had given me a new heart and I discovered what I want to do. I want to love others as God loves me, unselfishly. I also discovered that it takes more than human effort. 

Romans 16:25-27 English Standard Version

Doxology

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

He has given us the strength to obey, but not just to obey but to know the mystery of His will.

Once again we must admit that loving others is going to create reciprocal efforts on the part of those we fellowship with together. Humans, with human weaknesses, who might not have experienced the intense feelings of agape love. That means that grace has to take a vital role in loving one another. Grace without wisdom can end up being used up, but that is why God has provided such an endless supply of grace.

In all this the Lord knows exactly how we feel about our human efforts. If anyone had a right to complain about being shunned for good works, our Lord knows better than any of us. They killed Him for it. Paul called it dying daily.

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!