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Weakness Made StrongYears ago a reporter was tired of hearing Muhammad Ali bragging about his physical abilities, and his constant boasting of “I'm the greatest.” So this reporter asked him in a room full of wittinesses, “So how are you at golf?” Ali never missed a beat as he looked at the reporter and said. “I'm the best -- I just haven't played yet.” In our ongoing studies of 2 Corinthians we have found the Apostle Paul defending his ministry among the Church in Corinth. Defending it but really he was not boasting to them about who he was - rather he is showing them how God ordains the ministry as well as the man. Why so much emphasis on his personal ministry? Because the church in Corinth was so worldly -- they had allowed sin to not only come into the church but they celebrated their tolerance of it. Then, when some false teachers began to exploit them and abuse them, they not only put up with their legalism but they began to speak bad about Paul and the work he has done among them. So Paul really is not boasting about himself, in fact his boasting is about how God works in the life of any man/ any woman who lays down their lives for him. Warren Wiersbe, in his book, “Making Sense of the Ministry” gives some of the characteristics of ministry that we have found in our studies of 2 Corinthians. He said. · The foundation of ministry is character. · The nature of ministry is service. · The motive for ministry is love. · The measure of ministry is sacrifice. · The authority of ministry is submission. · The purpose of ministry is the glory of God. · The tools of ministry are the Word of God and prayer. · The privilege of ministry is growth. · The power of ministry is the Holy Spirit, · And the model for ministry is Jesus Christ. Today as we continue our journey through 2 Corinthians we have come to a portion of text that on the surface we might normally quickly read and dismiss as too personal to apply to our lives in the twenty-first century. But there is much in here as we see the overall theme of this entire book exposed as strength comes from weakness. 2 Cor 12:10 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. “I delight in weakness, for when I am weak then I am strong.” The first way that weakness is made strong is.
Paul plays the fool to the Church in Corinth, the fool as he is weak compared to the outward dominance of the false teachers. Paul's entire approach to ministry is grace, he is graceful in the way he ministers, he is graceful in the way he blesses. He puts his service to the church as the sign of his apostleship, not letters written by others, not credentials or degrees on the wall, not bragging about authority, not signs and wonders. Paul shows how weakness becomes strength as he lives to serve others. Matt 23:11-12 (Jesus said) The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Greatness for Paul was achieved as he lived his life / and his ministry was about serving God by serving others. How many in the church today truly see themselves as servants? How many want to be served – want programs to meet their needs, and to be the recipient rather then the giver? Our Christian service begins in our homes, to our spouses, our children, then to our jobs, as we honor God with the work of our hands. Then to ministry in the fellowship or the community. Service to others, is what God exalts and rewards as weakness is made strong. 1. SERVICE IN ACTION (SIGNS WONDERS MIRACLES) Contrasting himself against the “super Apostles”, Paul points to what the Corinthians thought was so important. Signs, wonders, and miracles. Today as back in Corinth there are people in the church that are always focused on the supernatural. They go from meeting to meeting looking for the next great sign, they see the devil everywhere and pray against him constantly. Why do some people always focus on the supernatural? Why were the Corinthians always looking for the miraculous? Do you think that those things will build your faith? Jesus sent them out seventy-two of them, he empowered them to preach, to heal, to cast out demons, and to rebuke those who reject the message of God. When they returned after some amazing things had happened, they were stoked to say the least. They come to Jesus and tell him about the power they had "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." But Jesus says something interesting to them. Luke 10:20.... “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven ." The greatest miracle, is not a physical healing, although I believe God still heals. The greatest sign is not tormented person delivered, although miracles still happen. No, the greatest sign from God, the one that the angels in heaven rejoice over is when someone believes in Jesus, and are born again by the Spirit of God. Rejoice about that, brag about that. When the church in Corinth was focused on miracles, signs, and wonders. Paul reminds them about his service to them, that resulted in those same things, but it was his weakness in service that made him strong in the Lord. 2. SERVICE AT NO COST. (NOT A BURDEN) Paul persevered among them, just like he has in all the churches. But for those in Corinth he was never a burden to them. He never asked for money, he work for his food, as Paul served them without cost to them. There are people in “ministry” today that are huge burdens to their congregations, and supporters. I was reading an article about one TV minister, a woman, who has several large estates on both coasts. She, her husband and their adult children all drive expensive European cars. And they make no bones about how all this is “owed them”, because “God uses them in ministry.” Friends when we serve one another it is out of love, and although I get paid a salary by the church, and we give love offerings to Pastor Barry and Greg, we will never be a burden to you or live above those that support this work. First we see weakness made strong in service.
Giving practically as we support the work of the church financially, but Paul speaks about his personal giving - as he laid down his life for the Corinthians in the giving of himself to them. Twice before Paul had gone to them giving all he had. Laying out the gospel, discipling them to be stronger for the Lord, and never being a burden to them. We see that his strength -- our strength comes as we give ourselves to others. 1. GIVING OF SELF. Look at his words, “I don't want your possessions, but you.” Have you ever emotionally invested in someone and they just turn away from your? Thats what happened to Paul. He had poured his heart into these folks and now some of them were embracing false teachers. Things like that happen all the time here in our fellowship, and in churches all around the world. When you give your heart and someone seems to abandon you, the natural human reaction might be to back off. Not to open yourself up as much, not to allow people to hurt you ever again. But that is not the weakness of our Lord. Consider the example of Jesus. He knew that Judas was a trader, he knew that Peter would deny him, he understood that all his men would run and hide as he was arrested, yet he continued to invest everything he had into them. Then after the resurrection he does not chasten them but continues to bless them and sends the Holy Spirit to empower them. Some people think if you hold back, if you make people “earn your love and respect” that is the way relationships work best. But the Jesus style is upside down, he says that even give to your enemies. Matt 5:39-42 ... Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. When human nature says, give as others give to you, Jesus says, give even to those how are against you and you will be perfect. So Paul uses some sarcasm to shame the Corinthians, but his point is well made. Strength comes from weakness – as he gives himself practically -- as he sends all he has, and he is consistent in the guys he sent Titus and some other guy, for they came to minister by the same spirit of weakness. We have seen, weakness is made strong in service, and strong in giving.
Even though it seems like Paul has been defending his ministry and boasting, in reality he is speaking as a servant of Christ. A servant who knows he is accountable to God, accountable in everything he says, everything he does, everything he writes. Its all the truth, its all for their benefit, its all for their strength. James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Speaking the truth to people is a tough thing, because it sometimes hurts someone, and it is tough because we will be judged by the truth we speak. But like Paul to the Corinthians sometimes we need to tell somebody, “Your being a turkey.” “Your way too harsh, or brother you are in sin.” When you approach people with issues and do it like Paul from weakness – rather then blasting them with legalism - you will find the result will be much better. 1. MOTIVATION IN SPEAKING THE TRUTH -- STRENGTHENING. When you have to confront someone with the truth, check your motives. Is is for their strengthening? Or is it to make yourself look good? If your going to tell your spouse something hard, make sure its not from selfish motivations. Its needs to build them up and not to tear them down. Acts 20:32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. God's word is powerful, it can convict us of our sin, and it can expose error in our lives, for it is absolute truth. But the word of grace will also build up, and show us the inheritance we have in Jesus our Lord. Rom 15:1-3 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself... Again our model is Jesus - that we ought to bear with one another and not be looking to please ourselves. Our motives in the truth are always to build one another up, encourage one another in the faith, and follow the example of Jesus. Jesus example – he did nothing out of selfish ambition, rather he took on the nature of a servant, yet he always spoke the truth to strengthen others. I am reminded of the rich young man who came to Jesus and asked him, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus told him to keep the commands, so he asked which ones, so Jesus quotes some. Don't murder, don't commit adultery, steal, bear false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" But this young guy knew his need for as savior, he knew that even though he was doing good on the outside something else was missing. He says to Jesus "All these I have kept," ... "What do I still lack?" What does Jesus do? Tell him, “Its ok, your doing good?” No, he gives him the truth, he tells him what he lacks even though he knows its very tough for this young man to accept. Matt 19:21-22 ... "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." --- When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. \ Jesus knew that to this young man, his wealth was what ruled him. So he speaks the truth for his strengthening. Jesus does not withheld it because it hurt, but like Paul to the Corinthians, he speaks in love, and speaks out of weakness. What a model for us. Be strong in the truth, but make sure the truth is spoken -- for the building up of others. Because. 2. TRUTH EXPOSES SIN Look at V20, Paul is concerned because he has heard of the worldliness of the Corinthians, so he names some of the sin that he knows they are living in. What an interesting list, because it is universal, it is beyond time or culture. Quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions or (selfishness), slander thats (backstabbing) , gossip, arrogance (conceit) and disorder. Interesting all those are personal sin, that hurts others. Friends, maybe you love the Lord, and you have been living a godly life in many areas- but test yourself to make sure that these sins are dead in you. For these are the types of sin that destroy others. Do you quarrel, arguing with others? Maybe its in self righteousness or out of pride? Remember no one has ever been “argued into God's kingdom” and arguing seldom solves issues. Even in our homes, deal with your issues, but do not think that quarreling is going to change your husband, or arguing will make your wife more godly. No, it is your godly behavior that will cause your spouse to want to change. Speaking the truth in love, letting Christ shine in your life, will expose sin and possibly bring them to repentance. He speaks of jealousy, the tenth command is about coveting others things, being jealous over ministry, or jealous over material blessings is not from God but from the flesh. Anger, fits of rage, will never win the disagreement. The bible says. James 1:19-20 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen , slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. My anger, will not accomplish God's work. In fact when I get angry and the volume goes up, what happens? Then the other person gets louder and soon no one is listening to anyone.
Paul continues, selfishness, slander, gossip, and arrogance. All those will destroy a church. Don't allow backbiting to happen. Don't pass on things that hurt others. Even if it is veiled as a prayer request be careful. “Oh, pray for sister Sally, she has a terrible habit of ...? Gossip will ruin your relationship with others, and gossip will destroy unity in the church. Be slow to speak, just because you heard something, even if it is true, that does not give you license to share it. How do you know if your gossiping? Does it build up? Would the person want me to share this? Why am I sharing it? To make myself look like I am in the know – or for the strengthening of others? The truth is spoken in love - to expose sin, and so Jesus Christ might be glorified. The final sin exposed by Paul the NIV calls disorder or disorderly behaviors, that could encompass many things. But understand my friends that a true relationship with Jesus Christ will always lead to godly behaviors. Not rules for good living, but a heart that examines itself to see if we are walking in the faith and every action is pleasing to God. WWJD? We grow strong in the truth, as from weakness we speak the truth to strengthen others, as the truth exposes sin, and. 3. TRUTH BRINGS REPENTANCE. Look at V 21. I'm afraid that when I get there, I will be grieved because you guys have heard the truth but have not repented of your sins. Again he exposes some of the sin they are outwardly commenting. The Judiezers were more concerned over the observances of legal requirements then the behaviors that truth exposes. When we gather here on Sunday's, as we come together in small group studies or on Wednesday evenings, it is the word of God that is the center of all we do. Why so much emphasis on the word? John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth . God's word is truth, and God's word will convict, expose sin, and cause repentance. Look at what Paul lists, in V21-- again, no cultural interpretation, these are a list of many things that plague the church today. Impurity, in thought and deed. Sexual sin, the word is the Greek word, “Porneia” where we get our word pornography, it is any sexual sin, fornication, adultery, or lustful indulgences both fantasy or reality. Finally he lists debauchery or lasciviousness – literally it is talking about being “eager to do wrong” Eager to live for lustful pleasure or theft, violence or drunkenness, it speaks of an inward desire to indulge in things that oppose holiness. We have seen how weakness is made strong, when we are strong in service, strong in giving, strong in truth, finally.
Matt 5:5 (Jesus said) Blessed are the meek , for they will inherit the earth. Matt 11:29... I am gentle and humble in heart... Meekness is not weakness. A humble life is a godly life, but humility does not mean one is weak, or shy. Rather in humility we recognize that without Jesus Christ - we are nothing. When God's grace shines in a man's life, when God's grace comes to life in a woman's heart, that is the beginning of eternal life. In humility we lay down our lives and call on “Jesus Christ as Lord.” A relationship with God starts with weakness that is made into strength. A. W. Tozer once wrote, “The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God's estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but ... he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God more import than the angels. “In himself, nothing; in God, everything.” That is his motto. 1. WEAKNESS PERSEVERES. (THREE TIMES) Paul quotes from the law about every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. That speaks about Paul's perseverance he is not going to give up on the Corinthians but in his weakness / his humility he may have to be very bold with them. Eph 4:15 ...Speaking the truth in love , we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Weakness will not just give up on those who are struggling, it will continue to offer grace and continue to persevere with those who are in sin, and those who need restored. Peter came to Jesus and must have thought he was being generous and humble as he asked him. Matt 18:21-22 ... "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Jesus said “no Peter, just keep restoring, keep forgiving, keep living in weakness, because weakness perseveres with others.” 2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. How do we examine ourselves to see if we are living in weakness? The final point of meekness. 1. WEAKNESS IS MODELED BY JESUS. Paul takes them to Jesus, who by his own words was weak, “gentle and humble in heart.” But as you read the gospels you see this great strength. He challenged the hypocrites, he turned over the tables of the money changers, he spoke boldly to Pilot. Jesus was powerful in how he lived - yet even the greatest of sinner could approach him then he laid down his life in weakness. But Jesus lives because of God's power. Paul says “that is my model.” Strength under control, that was the meekness of Jesus, and that was the model of Paul also. As believers in Christ, that is the life we live - around our families, in our church, and to the world about us. How can we test ourselves to see if we are living in weakness? William Temple, said: “Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself one way or the other at all.” If I'm focused on myself, what people think of me or what I'm accomplishing, then I am most likely not living in weakness. But if I'm focused on the Lord, if I'm busy ministering to others, that is living by faith and living in weakness. Jesus model of weakness is spelled out for us, in closing turn to Philippians 2. Phil 2:5-11 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. A life of weakness, a life made strong starts with humility before God as you bow your heart, and submit your life to Jesus Christ here on earth, as you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord.” That is to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that he may lift you up. INVITE, PRAY, BENEDICTION, SING. Series: 2
Corinthians -Through the Bible |
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