2 Corinthians 10:13-17

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.

(v13, NIV)

As mentioned before, we are to boast in God. However, there are limitations in boasting about God. Clearly God is the one we are to boast in, but there are ways we shouldn't boast in Him. These limits are according to God's assigning. I shouldn't simply go around boasting that God is bringing many people to repentance in Australia. That may be true, but I don't know that and it's not the field God has assigned to me.

Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory.

(v15-16, NIV)

The goal is for the faith of those at the Corinthian church to grow. Our boast in the field God has assigned to us is not meant to elevate ourselves, but instead to elevate others. In this way the hope is to encourage and edify others. In the growth of their faith, hopefully the gospel is preached to more places as a result. Those who are growing will preach to others.

But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

(v17, NIV)

Verse 17 is similar to 1 Corinthians 1:31. This is such an awesome and bold statement.

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

(v18, NIV)

It doesn't really matter if I go around telling others how great I am. This form of priding me to others is silly and not beneficial. You also have less credibility if you're simply advocating yourself in some manner. However, it does matter and is of great importance if God commends you. This is in direct contrast to those who measure themselves against other people in order to commend themselves. If we are doing God's will and God's instruction, it is far better than any boasting we do of ourselves.