Overcoming Weakness

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

2 Corinthians 12:7–8 NIV

7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NIV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Introduction: Movie Sustained

Consider/know your weakness

2 Corinthians 12:7 NASB95

7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!

Galatians 4:13–15 NRSV

13 You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; 14 though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Thought: In order to have a thorn in your flesh you have to be alive in the flesh.

A thorn in the flesh could be from a physical infirmity, or a situation you cant handle. In the Old Testament the Philistines were considered as torn in the sides of Isreal. It is a messenger from Satan to torment us, like Job.

Confess/talk about your weakness

2 Corinthians 12:8 NIV

8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

Having weakness can be a sign that you need some sort of assistance. ASK we can gain strength from others; school, medical, legal etc. David said that some put their trust in horses and men but he prefer to trust in the Lord. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed three times for the cup to be removed.

Conquer/overcome weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NIV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Hebrews 11:32–34 NIV

32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

1 Peter 2:20–22 NASB95

20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;

1 Peter 2:23–25 NASB95

23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Closing thought: You will never have the strength to overcome your weaknesses unless you “have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls” (REViVAL}