July
9, 2006 pm The
Power of Weakness! II
Corinthians 12:2-10
By
Ronald E. George Jr. at the
2 Corinthians 12:2
I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third
heaven--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows.
3 And I know that such a person--whether in the body or out of the body I
do not know; God knows--4 was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are
not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat.
5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not
boast, except of my weaknesses. 6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool,
for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may
think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me,7 even considering
the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being
too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment
me, to keep me from being too elated. 8
Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he
said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in
weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that
the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses,
insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for
whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Power:
·
the ability, skill, or capacity to do something
·
physical force or strength
·
control and influence over other people and their actions
·
the authority to act or do something according to a law or rule
·
the ability to influence people’s judgment or emotions
Weakness:
·
lack of strength, power, or determination
·
a weak point or flaw in something
·
a failing or defect in somebody’s character
·
a strong liking for something
·
an irresistible object of desire
1. Something to boast
about! Proud of our weakness?
2. The lure of Pride.
The pride of life keeps us from experiencing
God’s power. As long as we have
the power we don’t need the Lord, but if we are weak then He is seen to be
strong.
3. God allows the
weakness for our strength. Whose
really in control: The messenger
from Satan known as the Thorn in the flesh.
4. How does it feel?
It hurts.
It makes you want to quit.
5. What is the effect?
We can continue on in our weakened state or we
can seek help and strength from another source of power.
6. What is my response?
What will you do?
7. What if I turn to God?
What would
happen if we turned to the Lord?
A. Paul had an personal experience with God.
B. Paul had been to paradise which is a place where only God can take you.
C. Paul wouldn’t boast except about his own weakness. No Pride.
D. Paul was proud that he was chosen to be revealed to by God.
E. Paul was humbled by God by a thorn in the flesh. A thorn and a messenger from Satan was sent to Paul to keep him humble. .
F. Paul appealed to the Lord 3 time but God denied the request.
G. God’s Grace is sufficient for us. Humble is the only place where you can meet God. Then God’s power is seen in us. Be content with weakness and etc… When I am weak then I am strong in the Lord.