The Upside Down Way of God (Part 2)

Strength in Weakness
2 Corinthians 12:1-10

“When I am weak, then I am strong” (v. 10b).

The Big Idea: My weaknesses cause me to rely on God, who supplies me with sufficient strength.

I. What Kind of “Weakness” is Paul Talking About?

“For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties” (v. 10a).

A. "Weakness" is not wrong behavior.

B. "Weakness" is a problem we have no control over.

II. What Is the Source of Our Weaknesses?

A. Our weaknesses come from Satan who desires to harrass us.

“A messenger of Satan, to torment me” (v. 7b).

B. Our weaknesses come from God who desires to humble us.

“To keep me from being conceited … there was given me a thorn in my flesh …” (v. 7a).

III. What Is the Purpose of Our Weaknesses?

A. Our weaknesses keep us from being self-reliant.

B. Our weaknesses cause us to be God-reliant.

1. When I rely on God, He will give me the strength I need.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you’” (v. 9a).

2. When I rely on God, I display the power of God to others.

“For my power is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9b).