Strength In Weakness

Intro:

2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Tonight as we continue our series on 2 Corinthians, entitled, [Matters of the Heart], I want to speak on the subject of [Strength in Weakness].

I met someone this week who knew my brother and me. His reaction to us as siblings is normal, “I couldn’t believe that you to are brothers.” He discussed our difference in personality and physical stature.

Stephen and I normally find humor when people don’t believe we are related. He has been my brother my entire life, so I do not put too much thought into our differences.

We have many similarities, but there is one BIG difference. Stephen has always been stronger than I am. He enjoyed working out, jumping rope, and would even ask for weights and exercise equipment for his birthday or Christmas.

I never fought with my brother because I knew his strength. Even if he tried to provoke me, I would lay down and refuse to fight back to avoid getting hurt!

I am encouraged when I read Paul’s words, knowing that I am not the strongest. He spoke to the church in Corinth about weakness. Of course, Paul was not focused on physical strength.

Remember, Paul had to deal with false teachers who attacked Paul in every way that they could. These “apostles/teachers”painted a picture of Paul that was inaccurate.

They viewed him as a weak man who was small in stature, ineffective in his preaching, and unable to be a true apostle. They focused on his weaknesses.

They put Paul down, trying to increase their following. It is as though they said:

Paul is a weak preacher, we are strong preachers.

Paul has weak character, we have strong character.

Paul is poor, we are rich.

Paul is unstable, we are the epitome of stability.

To get the Corinthians back where they needed to be, Paul did something that was uncomfortable for him. For the past two chapters, Paul boasted about himself.

He felt foolish doing so, but he did not point out how foolish the false teachers were. Now, Paul shows how he really feels. He admits his weakness and infirmity.

He was vulnerable and shared intimate details of his life. Why? To show in our weakness, God is stronger. When we feel incapable, God helps us and strengthens us.

I appreciate Paul’s ability to be open and honest about his weakness. Because there are times I feel weak. There are times I feel ineffective. There are times I feel I cannot do all I need to do.

But it is in those moments, God comes and reminds me, your weakness gives me an opportunity to show my strength. When we live with the awareness of our weakness God displays His strength through us!

I want to see three areas where God showed His strength through Paul: [Strong in Wonders], [Strong in Weakness], and [Strong in Words].

Let’s begin.

1. Strong in Wonders

2 Corinthians 12:1–4 NKJV

1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

The false teachers in Corinth attempted to minimize Paul’s standing by questioning how “spiritual” he was. They felt their gifts, skills, and lifestyle was stronger than everybody else.

Some in the church were getting swayed by this, so Paul had to do what was uncomfortable. He shared a spiritual encounter he had with the Lord.

Because Paul was uncomfortable in boasting, he spoke of the event as though it was a friend or someone else.

It is similar to when people say, I am calling for a friend who has a questions, or, someone wanted me to ask. Normally the friend or someone is the person speaking.

Paul recounted an encounter he had with God. In a time of prayer, God took Paul to the third heaven. Let’s look at what it means to go to the third heaven.

In the Bible, there are three levels of the universe: {the heavens}, {the earth}, and {below the earth.} Remember , God created the HEAVENS, not heaven.

Paul and the Corinthians understood the heavens could be divided into three categories: the first, second, and third heaven. According to one author:

the first heaven- clouds and atmosphere, what we can see with the naked eye.

the second heaven- the planets and stars

the third heaven- where God dwells, angels and other spiritual matters.

Paul was taken to a place in God very few people get to go and still live. His encounter with heaven took place at an early part of his ministry.

He was alone, it was before his acclaim as a famous apostle. In fact it was a time of weakness. The Christians in Jerusalem were not interested in him yet and the Jews wanted to kill him.

In a time of weakness, the Lord gave him a sign and wonder that would transform his live. He showed that it is often in the hard time and difficult seasons, where we feel our weakest, the Lord does something supernatural in us.

2 Corinthians 12:5–6 NKJV

5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

2 Corinthians 12:5–6 NKJV

5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

Paul did not brag about this encounter. Instead, he kept silent on the issue for fourteen years. He could have capitalized on this event, instead, he remained humble before God.

Instead of foolishly displaying his spiritual exploits, he chose to boast in his weakness. He chose to let God preform signs and wonders through Him when God wanted it to happen.

Therefore, when we realize our weakness before God, He will preform His wonders through us!

2. Strong in Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 NKJV

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 NKJV

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Unlike the false teachers who loved to brag about what they had in regards to God, Paul was less interested in boasting about the wonders. He wanted to emphasize the weakness.

Why did Paul do this?

He understood, as great as the wonders are, do not be deceived, times of weakness will occur.

I understand what Paul meant. I think about being in ministry. When I was a child and teenager, I was enamored with the ministry. But my perspective as very narrow.

I focused solely on the church service. I watched with joy as I listened to Pastor Tucker preach. I would go to revivals and listen to evangelists and we would come to the altar and have great times in God’s presence.

There have been times in God’s presence I have felt like if it gets much better, I will feel like I am in the third heaven!

But when I stepped out in full-time ministry, I realized how much weakness accompanies the wonders. I the work, the prayer, the study, and the spiritual warfare that happens BEFORE the service ever starts.

I know you may not have been in the situation of preaching the service, but we have all been there as Christians. We love the wonder of God’s presence.

However, we understand the sting of disappointment, the sorrow of rejection, and the throbbing pain that accompanies what Paul called the thorn in the flesh.

Three times he asked God to remove the thorn. Three times God did not answer. Many have tried to figure out Paul’s thorn. I am not too interested in what it was.

I am happy he left it unsaid. Had he said my thorn is poor eyesight, as some scholars think it was, than those with good eyesight could think, well this doesn’t apply to me.

Had he said, the thorn in my flesh is being unmarried, I have never been able to find a wife. We might think, well, I am married, so I will not have to worry about thorns in the flesh.

Instead, Paul used his personal example to teach us, there will be times of weakness in our walk with God. But look at Paul’s focus, was it on the thorn in the flesh or the grace of God?

Too often we will focus on the thorn. Some might excuse a life of temptation with the thought, we all have a thorn in the flesh. Others might complain and tell EVERYONE, I have a thorn in the flesh.

That should not be our focus. Paul showed he was weak, BUT, God’s grace is sufficient and He is STRONG in our weakness!

Paul realized God allowed the thorn to stay so that He could use Paul as an example for the church. Weakness will accompany wonders, but God will display His strength and power through us!

3. Strong in Words

2 Corinthians 12:11–12 NKJV

11 I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

2 Corinthians 12:11–13 NKJV

11 I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 13 For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!

3

It is almost as if Paul’s previous few chapter led to this point. Paul was upfront and honest with the Corinthians about their willingness to believe the accusations of the false prophets.

As uncomfortable as it was, Paul defended his role as an apostle. The false teachers believed Paul was less important than Peter, James, or John.

However, signs and wonders accompanied Paul as much as they did Peter, James, John. The Lord confirmed His word with signs following Paul, confirming the authenticity of his ministry.

The only difference between Paul and the other apostles was how he treated the Corinthians financially.

2 Corinthians 12:13–19 NKJV

13 For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong! 14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. 16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! 17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps? 19 Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.

When Paul went to Corinth, he was intentional to not be a financial burden. He built tents and lived off the offerings of other churches.

Paul pointed this out, not to put the other true apostles down, but to make his point, I am sorry that I was not a financial burden, my mistake. He sarcastically makes his point.

Then he gets serious, next time I come, I have the same desire, I do not want to be a burden to you!

Furthermore, I am ready to be spent for you. I will sacrifice and give up what I must to be with you. He had a style of ministry, I will not take advantage of you, and I will not let those who travel with me or for me, do so either.

Paul wanted them to understand that the false teachers they fell in love with were taking advantage of them. They were in it for selfish gain, but Paul wanted to build up the church and help them do all they can for God.

After establishing how he treated them the right way, he spoke to them about the way they needed to act and live.

2 Corinthians 12:20–21 NKJV

20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.

Can you hear the deep love Paul had for them?

He spoke to them as a father who loves his children. He was not arrogant or stuck up, instead, he was open and honest. He was concerned that they might fall back into their old habits.

Should they choose to return to a backslidden condition, they risked seeing Paul employ tough love.

They needed to make sure they did not stay, jealous, angry, selfish, or inconsiderate. Instead, they needed to humble themselves before God and do what they could to serve with sincerity.

As I thought of this final point, I noticed how strong Paul sounded. He did not beat around the bush. How did he muster the strength to right these words?

He had the right heart. He was not writing arrogantly or to be rude. But in humility he understood his responsibility. God wanted the Corinthians to draw nearer to him, and God needed Paul to speak the truth in love.

He was able to be as open and honest because of his weakness before God. The fact is, it was God who spoke through him, and He did so because of Paul’s voluntary weakness.

Close:

When I arrived to this chapter, I remembered a message I heard when I lived in Rolla. It was a Wednesday and I went to First Assembly of God.

The associate pastor spoke and he used the title, Strength in Weakness. I do not remember his points or even his stories, but I remember what God spoke to me through the message.

Sometimes as Christians, we attempt to be strong, when God wants us to be weak. The pastor taught us that God is not embarrassed by our weakness, for there is really strength in weakness.

I think there are times God wants to do something in us or for us, but we are too “strong.” Think about body builders, their point is to show how strong they are.

Think about it, we would be impressed if someone walked in here and picked up our baby grand piano by themselves, carried it around, never breaking a sweat. We might even sell tickets and give it to missions!

But no one would come to see eight people gather around to move the piano a few feet.

We are impressed with strength and we want people to think we are strong. One of my favorite sayings as a man, “Oh, its not that its heavy, its just awkward.”

I have seen men move a 500 pound organ and say, its not heavy, its just awkward. I’ll admit it, it’s heavy!

People are impressed with strength, God is impressed with weakness.

When we are strong in our minds, we try to:

fix our own problems

trust our own wisdom

make our own way

and do our own thing

When we do “MY WAY” we do not make room for God to do what only HE can do!

But when we do become voluntarily weak, we can have supernatural signs and wonders in our hearts and lives.

We can see God’s strength arise in our weakness.

And He will give us the words to speak in various situations.

How do we become voluntarily weak:

start with praise

there is a reason I encourage us to life our hands. It is a sign of surrender, God is come to you, I weaken my defense and look to you!

continue wt

continue with prayer

in prayer, do not focus on the THORN. Do not look at the negative. Instead, thank God for His grace and trust Him to perform His strength through us.

determine to fast

nothing shows God we are serious like giving up a few meals or sacrifice something important to us. It gives Him the chance to strengthen us!

Tonight I believe the Lord wants to empower us and give us the supernatural strength we need. But it will require us to come, surrender to Him, and trust Him to do what only He can do.