Embracing Our Weakness

Here's the Point from CrossPoint Christian Church in Whittier, CA

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Introduction

Consider the possibility that our weakness may be the key to unlocking our usefulness to God?

Background

· Paul’s accusers

o Paul describes them of “Super apostles”

o They believed to be superior

o Judaizers

o Reference is made to a different doctrine similar problem as Galatians. 11:4

· Paul’s credibility is challenged

o Accused of being worldly 10:2

o Accused of being weak (coward)

o Bold in his Letters but weak in person

· Could have boasted of the revelations God granted him

o Paul could have defended himself with his impressive resume

o His spiritual revelation

o His love for Christ compelled him to focus on his weakness 12:10

· God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh

o His thorn is not identified

o Some scholars speculate it could have been his sight

o The weakness he is talking about is not sin

o Physical infirmity

1) Embracing our Weakness will Keep us humble

a) Example Nebuchadnezzar (example of pride in action) Daniel 4:1-34

b) God Control our pride (verse 7 “To keep me from being conceited

c) (God’s take on Pride) Proverbs 8:13

d) Proverbs 16:5

e) Without humility God’s grace is limited

2) Embracing our Weakness will keep us Focused on God’s Grace

a) My grace is sufficient

b) James 6:6

c) Moses, Exodus chapters 3 and 4

i) Moses Gives God an excuse that he is not a good speaker

(1) God responds (who made the tongue)

(2)

3) Embracing our Weakness will display Christ’s Power in our lives

a) God’s power is manifested in our weaknesses

b) Psalm 121:1-2

c) Isaiah 40:29

d) Psalms 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to put t shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that not flesh should glory in His presence.