2 Corinthians 11
July 21, 2022
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (v30)
Paul intentionally breaks his rule about boasting in himself - but not in the conventional sense of boasting. Paul’s resume of accomplishments are a list of the hard things he’s endured, like being beaten, shipwrecked, persecuted, and starved. The Corinthians, who were enamored with the prosperity gospel, saw weakness and hardship as signs of God’s absence. But Paul explains how all of these hardships that he’s endured, and especially his “thorn in the flesh” (12:7) - have become a means of revealing to him that “God’s grace is sufficient and God’s power is made perfect in weakness” (12:9).
Father, I praise You that Your grace is sufficient and that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Perhaps someday I, too, will boast of the excruciating spasms, restrictive diet, and sleeplessness of these past few months. Even though I still don’t like pain or hardship, I know that You’re using it to teach me not to rely on myself, but to rely on You, whose power is made perfect in my weakness. And so, if a life marked by pain, hardship and weakness can better platform Christ to a watching world, then I pray You would give me all the grace I need to live that life - with joy, peace and perseverance.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
