His Work, His Glory

“Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.” – Romans 15:17

Paul saw his ministry through two lenses—priest and preacher. As a priest, he offered the fruit of his labor to God. As a preacher, he opened his mouth to proclaim the greatness of Christ. In Romans 15:17 he writes, “Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.” Imagine that. A man who traveled the world, planted churches, survived beatings and shipwrecks, wrote Scripture, and shaped the early church—yet he refused to boast in himself. Instead, he gloried in Christ alone. Paul understood that preaching was never about spotlighting the preacher, but showcasing the Savior. His ministry was not a résumé—it was a testimony. Not self‑promotion, but Christ‑exaltation.

Paul’s boast was a holy boast. He echoed this in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 10:17: “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” He knew that anything good in his life came from God’s power, not his own strength. Even Jesus Himself preached faithfully without chasing applause. In John 6, many walked away when His teaching became difficult, yet He didn’t soften the message. In Luke 4, His hometown tried to throw Him off a cliff for speaking truth. Faithfulness—not popularity—was His measure of success. Paul followed that same pattern. He preached boldly, even when fruit was slow or unseen. He knew that weakness was the perfect platform for God’s power, and that the cross—not the crowd—was his glory.

This is why Paul could say with conviction, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). He didn’t brag about numbers, buildings, or achievements. He rejoiced in sinners saved, saints strengthened, and Christ exalted. And when he looked at his ministry, he didn’t downplay God’s work with false humility. He celebrated it. Because when God transforms a life, restores a heart, or brings fruit from our efforts, that is worth boasting about—boasting in Him. Like Paul, we are called to labor faithfully, speak boldly, and give all glory to the One who works mightily through us.

Take time today to reflect on what God has done in your life. Don’t minimize His work—magnify it. Turn every blessing into praise. Turn every victory into worship. And when you speak of your life, your ministry, your family, or your church, let your boast be this: “Look what the Lord has done.” May your testimony point upward, your confidence rest in Christ, and your glory be found in the cross alone.

“If any fruit results from our labors, it is God who has wrought it; we are but the channels through which His grace flows.”—H.A. Ironside