Strength in weakness: Embracing Gods Sovereign design in spiritual warfare.

Gods sovereign design in our temptations is to make us stronger

Paul shares his struggles with a thorn in the flesh, which God uses to keep him humble and reliant on grace, while Jesus predicts Peter's denial, showcasing the spiritual warfare that believers face. Both passages reveal God's sovereignty in our weaknesses and the spiritual battles we encounter.

This theme highlights how understanding God's purpose in our struggles can empower Christians to face our spiritual battles with courage and reliance on His grace. Recognizing that our weaknesses can be platforms for God's power gives us strength in times of trial.

Paul and Peter show us the paradox of Christian strength found in weakness, emphasizing that God's grace is sufficient for us, and that spiritual warfare is a necessary journey of growth and reliance on God's sovereignty.

Christ is the ultimate example of strength in weakness. His sacrifice on the cross appeared to be a defeat, yet it was through His apparent weakness that salvation was achieved, demonstrating that God often uses our struggles for His redemptive purposes.

2 Corinthians 13:4 ESV

For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.

Colossians 2:15 NET 2nd ed.

Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

God's sovereign design orchestrates our weaknesses and spiritual battles to manifest His power and grace in our lives.

1. Paul's Powerful Revelations

2 Corinthians 12:1–6 ESV

I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.

Paul recounts his visions and revelations to illustrate that spiritual insight comes with its own set of challenges. His reluctance to boast reflects a deeper understanding of God's design, where spiritual heights are tempered by human limitations. This passage suggests that openness about our experiences can foster humility and reliance on God, reminding us to seek spiritual understanding rather than personal glory.

The false Apostles were claiming high spiritual experiences, boasting of what they had seen. Paul a true Apostle did not like to speak of these things, Lest people would think to much of him. The false Apostles on the other hand wanted the accolades and praise.

2. Grace in Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' serves as a metaphor for our own personal struggles, meant to prevent arrogance and encourage dependence on God's grace. This passage teaches that God's strength is perfected in our weaknesses.

Our warfares and temptations are opportunities for God’s power to be displayed, helping us to embrace our weaknesses as avenues for divine strength.

3. Satan's Selective Sifting

Luke 22:31–32 ESV

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

We see the intensity of spiritual warfare, as Jesus warns Peter about Satan's desire to sift him. Despite the forewarning, Jesus prays for Peter's faith, highlighting that divine intervention upholds believers. This teaching can assure us that Jesus intercedes for us in our spiritual battles, offering a reassurance that our faith, although tested, will not ultimately fail as we rely on His support.

4. Peter's Predictable Pride

Luke 22:33–34 ESV

Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

We need to see Peter's overconfidence and subsequent denial as a lesson in human frailty and divine foresight. Despite his failure, Jesus' foreknowledge and forgiveness provide hope that redemption follows repentance. This passage encourages believers to understand that overestimating our strength often leads to reliance on self rather than God, yet it also offers comfort in knowing that Jesus is always ready to restore us.