STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS

PASTOR A JEFFREY ROLLINS

SUNDAY, 04/06/2025

Finding Strength in Our Weakness

OPENING ILLUSTRATION

There was a time in my life when I felt utterly defeated. I faced challenges that seemed insurmountable—family issues, job loss, and a deep sense of isolation. In my weakness, I cried out to God, feeling unworthy of His attention. But it was in that very moment of surrender that I experienced His deliverance. Just like Paul’s words remind us, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). God turned my struggles into testimony, showing me that His strength shines brightest when we feel the most broken.

Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), 2 Co 12:1–10.

Summary: Paul talks about the thorn in his flesh that tormented him, revealing that God's grace is sufficient and that His power is made perfect in weakness.

1. Recognize Your Thorn

2 Corinthians 12:7

Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' was a reminder of his human limitations. When we acknowledge our own 'thorns,' we open our hearts to God's grace. This verse invites us to see our weaknesses not as hindrances but as opportunities for God to manifest His strength in us, drawing us closer to Christ, who perfectly embodies strength through suffering.

2. Relentless Prayer

2 Corinthians 12:8

Paul prayed earnestly for relief from his thorn, yet God had a greater purpose. (This encourages believers to bring their struggles to God in prayer, trusting that He hears us even when His answers are different from our expectations. Paul's persistence teaches us the value of constant communion with God.

3. Rely on Grace

2 Corinthians 12:9

God's response to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you," reveals the sufficiency of God's grace in our lives. His power is shown in our weakness, just as Christ's power was demonstrated through the weakness of the cross. This verse reassures us that God equips us through His grace for everything we encounter.

4. Rejoice in Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:10

Paul's transformation of perspective allows him to "delight in weaknesses." This change encourages us to view our struggles as occasions for God's power to shine through us. In embracing our vulnerabilities, we emulate Christ's humility and find our true strength in His resurrection power. It challenges us to live in a way that displays God’s redeeming strength.

If you are struggling with a persistent issue at home, such as a difficult relationship with a family member, consider setting aside time each week for guided prayer focusing specifically on that relationship. Write down your feelings and frustrations before you pray, and then take time to listen to God’s direction through scripture. This practice allows you to bring your thorn before God and invites His peace into an area of conflict, leading to potential healing and understanding.

7. exalted above measure—Greek, “overmuch uplifted.” How dangerous must self-exaltation be, when even the apostle required so much restraint! [Bengel]. abundance—Greek, “the excess”; exceeding greatness. given … me—namely, by God (Job 5:6; Php 1:29). thorn in the flesh—(Nu 33:55; Ez 28:24). Alford thinks it to be the same bodily affliction as in Ga 4:13, 14. It certainly was something personal, affecting him individually, and not as an apostle: causing at once acute pain (as “thorn” implies) and shame (“buffet”: as slaves are buffeted, 1 Pe 2:20). messenger of Satan—who is permitted by God to afflict His saints, as Job (Job 2:7; Lu 13:16). to buffet me—In Greek, present: to buffet me even now continuously. After experiencing the state of the blissful angels, he is now exposed to the influence of an evil angel. The chastisement from hell follows soon upon the revelation from heaven. As his sight and hearing had been ravished with heavenly “revelations,” so his touch is pained with the “thorn in the flesh.”

8. For—“concerning this thing.” thrice—To his first and second prayer no answer came. To his third the answer came, which satisfied his faith and led him to bow his will to God’s will. So Paul’s master, Jesus, thrice prayed on the Mount of Olives, in resignation to the Father’s will. The thorn seems (from 2 Co 12:9, and Greek, 2 Co 12:7, “that he may buffet me”) to have continued with Paul when he wrote, lest still he should be “overmuch lifted up.” the Lord—Christ. Escape from the cross is not to be sought even indirectly from Satan (Lu 4:7). “Satan is not to be asked to spare us” [Bengel].

9. said—literally, “He hath said,” implying that His answer is enough [Alford]. is sufficient—The trial must endure, but the grace shall also endure and never fail thee [Alford], (De 33:25). The Lord puts the words into Paul’s mouth, that following them up he might say, “O Lord, Thy grace is sufficient for me” [Bengel]. my strength—Greek, “power.” is made perfect—has its most perfect manifestation. in weakness—Do not ask for sensible strength, for My power is perfected in man’s “strengthlessness” (so the Greek). The “for” implies, thy “strengthlessness” (the same Greek as is translated “weakness”; and in 2 Co 12:10, “infirmities”) is the very element in which My “power” (which moves coincident with “My grace”) exhibits itself more perfectly. So that Paul instead of desiring the infirmity to “depart,” “rather” henceforth “glories in infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest (Greek, ‘tabernacle upon,’ cover my infirmity all over as with a tabernacle; compare Greek, Jn 1:12) upon” him. This effect of Christ’s assurance on him appears, 2 Co 4:7; 1 Co 2:3, 4; compare 1 Pe 4:14. The “My” is omitted in some of the oldest manuscripts; the sense is the same, “power” (referring to God’s power) standing absolutely, in contrast to “weakness” (put absolutely, for man’s weakness). Paul often repeats the word “weakness” or “infirmity” (the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth chapters) as being Christ’s own word. The Lord has more need of our weakness than of our strength: our strength is often His rival; our weakness, His servant, drawing on His resources, and showing forth His glory. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity; man’s security is Satan’s opportunity. God’s way is not to take His children out of trial, but to give them strength to bear up against it (Ps 88:7; Jn 17:15).

10. take pleasure in—too strongly. Rather as the Greek, “I am well contented in.” infirmities—the genus. Two pairs of species follow, partly coming from “Satan’s messenger,” partly from men. reproaches—“insults.” when—in all the cases just specified. then—then especially. strong—“powerful” in “the power of Christ” (2 Co 12:9; 2 Co 13:4; Heb 11:34). Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 319–320.

Application: This message encourages Christians to embrace their weaknesses and struggles, finding hope and strength in God's grace when they face hardships in their lives.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that acknowledging our weaknesses leads us to rely more on God's strength, which ultimately brings Him glory and helps us better serve others.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Christ exemplifies perfect strength in weakness through His suffering on the cross. His resurrection displays how God can transform our vulnerabilities into opportunities for His power to be displayed.

Big Idea: Our weaknesses are not setbacks, but setups for God’s grace and power to transform us and impact the world around us.

Recommended Study: I suggest exploring the historical and cultural context of Paul's struggles in Corinth. Utilize your Logos library to examine commentaries on 2 Corinthians 12 that address the nature of Paul's 'thorn' and how it relates to ancient views of suffering and divine strength. Look for insights into how this passage reflects the overarching scriptural theme of God's redemptive power in human frailty.