“When You’re Weak” 2 Corinthians 2:10 10/26/2008 Dr. Dane Boyles

“When You’re Weak” 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Cor. 2:10)

“When You’re Weak” Introduction Very often, God chooses people because they’re weak. If that sounds backwards to you, it is. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (1 Cor. 1:27)

“When You’re Weak” 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, (1 Cor. 1:28)

“When You’re Weak” 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. (2 Cor. 12:10)

“When You’re Weak” Every time he tried to do things by his own strength, his own wisdom, or his own cleverness, he failed. Life is all about the mission of God. The Bible teaches that there are MORE important things in life.

“When You’re Weak” One of the secrets to having a successful Christian life is the ability to look at personal weakness and hardship from God’s perspective. The Ethiopian preacher’s passion was focused on one thing: making disciples for Jesus Christ.

“When You’re Weak” Being a Christian isn’t easy. We learn to cherish life when someone we love has died. We learn to endure when something is worth suffering for. We learn to trust God when we have no other choice.

“When You’re Weak” Embrace the Grace of God. Paul was debilitated to such an extent he didn’t know if he could keep going.

“When You’re Weak” Jesus gave Paul clarity. “My grace is sufficient for you.” Initially we embrace grace at our salvation. But what about grace used in this way?

“When You’re Weak” The only way this is even remotely possible is to trust God to empower you from without.

“When You’re Weak” 9 …Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Cor. 12:9)

“When You’re Weak” Accept Weakness. To live with it without resenting God or giving up your ministry. Outwardly Paul was the same, but inwardly he was a different man. By accepting weakness Paul would experience the power of God.

“When You’re Weak” Power comes to us only if we accept weakness as a state of being. If you want it, it comes free by grace, but not without a cost.

“When You’re Weak” Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Weaknesses. Don’t hide away lamenting your physical condition.

“When You’re Weak” 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. (2 Cor. 12:10)

“When You’re Weak” Conclusion It’s not easy, but it is extremely satisfying to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We can accept grace and let Him have his way with us.

“When You’re Weak” 2 Corinthians 2:10 10/26/2008 Dr. Dane Boyles