Becoming Strong

Introduction: When you think about the word “strength” or the phrase “being strong,” your mind often thinks of the physical aspect. However, let me remind you that while God does provide us all with strength for the body (even for every living thing that has a body), we are also made up of soul (psych) and spirit (by which we have a relationship with God).

It is my sincere effort today to draw your attention to not only the fact that you are completely dependent on God in every area of strength, but also how prove to you how a believer receives God strength and for what purpose He graciously bestows it.

Quote: All strength of every sort comes from God. Since he is the Author of all being, it is he who gives strength to every form of existence. (C.H. Spurgeon)

1) A Loving Gift Was Given (vv7-8)

God must always show us our shameful weakness before we will be enamored by his glorious strength.

Weaknesses: physical, spiritual, marriages, finances, raising your children, being a living sacrifice, servanthood, self control, fruits of the Spirit...

God’s glory is to shine through our vessel that others may glorify Him and not ourselves!

Notice these phrases:

“think my above”

“seeth me to be”

“heareth me”

Paul’s false perception (v8)

When you fail to see the purposeful gifts of God, you will foolishly desire to rid your life of them.

Illustration: You are literally starving / I bring you your favorite dish! / Pridefully you say, “I am so full.”

Illustration: It is raining outside but you refuse to use an umbrella to remain dry. You say, I won’t get wet!

Example: Our society is indoctrinating our people to live outside of all reality / You are who you feel to be.

The thorn was a “gift.” (v7)

Every gift from God is always given for a divine purpose!

Paul did not recognize that; “this thing.”

Illustration: Every gift has a name and message on it for you to know who it is from and the reason for it. (THE BIBLE reveals God’s name and His motives)

Example: 2020/2021 are both gifts from God!

Illustration: A rose and it’s thorns / in order to enjoy the luster of springs and summer, winter must be embraced / to reap the benefit of

2) The Unveiling Of Strength (v9)

“And he said unto me!”

Where would Paul have ended up if God did not speak? What would he have missed if God did not speak? What foolish mistake would Paul have made if God did not speak? How many others would Paul have led astray if God did not speak?

Listen: God is always speaking to you through His Word that you may become throughly furnished unto all good “works” (you need strength to work!)

We see the blessing and beauty of an unanswered prayer!

The only thing that Paul needed removed was his ignorance and near sightedness.

We live for God’s glory in the present by living in light of the future!

This is a “personal” sufficiency.

God’s grace is an infinite supply of sufficient strength for the finite and frail believer.

We see the condition of perfect strength.

“perfect in weakness”

What??? Not God’s weakness, but ours!

Turn to: 1 Corinthians 1:27-31

God’s grace will lovingly bring you to the limits of yourself, so you may see the limitless power of God!

Illustration: (Gym) God breaks your personal mirror of which you glory in yourself through and brings you to the mirror and light of His Word.

As long as you live in arrogance of your self made strength, you are robbing yourself of REAL STRENGTH!

3) A Deep Desire For Strength (vv9-10)

“Most gladly…glory in my infirmities”

Have you ever coveted others infirmities? Typically we only covet from others the things that would please our flesh.

WOW! Someone just allowed transforming truth to actually transform them!

Paul changed from death to life on the Damascus Road, but here we see him changing in his maturity as a believer.

QUESTION: Would you claim that you receive God’s truth? Well, is there any transformation that can be CLEARLY noticed?

“I take pleasure”

HOLD ON! What was Paul’s prayer? REMOVE THIS THING!!!

What things: infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, distresses...

Paul was at a cross roads: 1) Going on living always praying for every difficulty to be removed; 2) Receiving all things with joy and excitement because God is getting ready to rest His power on His life. (Which one is more freeing?)

The Gospel is the only reason we such a position in Jesus Christ!!!

What has changed?

Paul trusts God’s promises!

Paul now genially believes his weakness = God’s strength.

Paul wants it no other way!

Notice the purposes of these gifts of strength:

Thorn - A gift of direction

Grace - A gift of endurance

Transformation - A gift to live purposefully for God’s glory

Conclusion: God will never give us a new day of trials and challenges without gifting us with what we need to be strong for His glory! What are you running from that God is trying to make you strong through? Receive the gifts of spiritual strength in order to run strong and finish well for God’s glory.

Before you can receive God’s strength for the Christian life, you must first place a trusting faith in the strength of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is “the power of God” unto salvation to “all who believe.” Will you receive the sufficient strength of the gospel; Jesus Christ? He alone has the strength to carry you into the presence of the Father!!!