The Power of Weakness

- 13 Go ahead and read it all

Context- Super Apostles boasting. Preaching a different Christ and different Gospel.

Paul could say nothing and lose them, or have to boast himself to keep them.

He boasts to keep them but proclaims how absolutely foolish it is.

If I must boast, I will boast in my weakness

Imagine Paul coming to stage- to preach

Lowered in a basket from Damascus-

Tell us about some other trips-

Shipwrecked, imprisoned, beaten, arrested etc.

We wouldn’t be impressed at all. Then he speaks the message. Paradise and his vision.

So he shares his vision- taken into Heaven.

Now we want want what he has!

So he shares his thorn- how the Lord keeps him humble.

We know it was physical in nature. Some suggested eye issues, others permanent pain and ailment from his beatings. We really don’t know.

We do know it bothers him and that he asked God to take it.

So we wanted his message and his vision experience, Now we aren’t so sure anymore.

God will give you as much as your humility will allow.

God resists the proud.

Pride- the 2 headed monster.

Boast and puff up pride-

Your calling, you $, your position, your status, etc.

Your works.

Every good and perfect gift comes from God above.

Shrink back and hide pride-

This one is tricky. It is false humility.

Oh I’m not that great. I can just sweep the floors.

Never exploring God’s gifting and call, because of your fear. Afraid of greatness.

Both come from hell.

Humility is an accurate assessment of who you are and who God is.

Let’s begin with who God is...

He is all-knowing. Nothing is hidden from God.

He is all powerful. He is fully in control, and can do whatever He likes.

He is love. Thank you Lord.

Who are we....

Created by God.

Created for God.

Made in His very image- not Gods but emotions, conscious thought, creativity etc.

Also in 3 parts-

We are not all knowing

We are not all powerful

We are defined by our relationship with Him.

When we put it in perspective, we are nothing compared to Him and we owe Him everything.

At the same time, we are everything to Him and He as given us everything.

Identity- you can rest in this. You are loved. You are accepted. No need to boast, no need to strive. But do be great for Him.

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness.

There is something so profoundly powerful about an honest Christian.

Jake- life group. He was so real and vulnerable.

Crazy gifted. Crazy honest.

The first time I confessed my sin to the group because I was inspired by him. (Nervous but so much freedom)

I began a journey of walking out my faith with fear and trembling. No lying.

An honest Christian Shares their highlights and their lowlights.

It puts things where it belongs.

God on the throne, us at His feet.

A Christian like this can make impact beyond what the eyes can see.

So our friend Paul, boasting in his weakness, is a hero of faith and an example for us.

Chapter 13- vs 5

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?

In your heart is Jesus on the throne?

In your heart, are you at His feet?