Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; 2 Corinthians 9:8; John 1:14, 16
Intro: Welcome. Today's sermon, by Tiffany Aven, focuses on 2 Corinthians 12, where Paul addresses boasting. Forced into it by rivals, Paul ultimately boasts not in impressive visions (like being caught up to the "third heaven"), but paradoxically, in his weaknesses. This passage reveals God's profound truth: His power is perfected not in our strength, but in our lack.
Key Points:
- Paul's Thorn (v. 7): After incredible revelations, Paul received a "thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan" to prevent conceit. Its exact nature is unknown (illness? opposition?), allowing it to represent our ongoing weaknesses, limitations, pains, and imperfections. Though from Satan, God allowed it purposefully for Paul's humility.
- Paul's Plea & God's Answer (vv. 8-9a): Paul earnestly pleaded three times for the thorn's removal. God's answer wasn't removal, but a promise: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
- Sufficient Grace: God's unearned favor and loving kindness is enough. It meets us precisely in our inadequacy. We have received "grace upon grace" from Christ's fullness (John 1:16). God is able to make all grace abound (2 Cor 9:8).
- Power Perfected in Weakness: God's strength isn't hindered by our weakness; it's showcased through it. Our lack, our limitations, our "empty jars" create the space for His power to be displayed most clearly, ensuring He gets the glory.
- Paul's Paradigm Shift (vv. 9b-10): Understanding this, Paul shifts from pleading for removal to boasting gladly in his weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. Why? "So that the power of Christ may rest upon me." He embraces weakness as the prerequisite for experiencing Christ's empowering presence.
- Our Response to Weakness: We typically react to failure/weakness by blaming others or beating ourselves up. God invites a third way: own the weakness without shame, stop striving for self-sufficiency, and boast in your inadequacy so His power can fill the gap. Weakness is a spiritual asset, keeping us dependent and making room for God's strength.
Conclusion: We weren't meant to be self-sufficient or perfect in ourselves. God designed us to live in dependence on Him. Our weaknesses aren't obstacles to God's power but opportunities for it to be perfected and displayed. His grace truly is sufficient for every thorn we face. "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Call to Action: Identify your "thorn" – your area of weakness, lack, or ongoing struggle. Stop hiding it, excusing it, or despairing over it. Receive God's word: "My grace is sufficient for you." Choose to boast gladly in your weakness today, asking for Christ's power to rest upon you right there.
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