2 Corinthians 12:6-10 “For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure…”

2 Corinthians 12:6-10 “…Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (NKJV).

“When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong” What does this mean? What it does not mean. It does not mean spiritual weakness (Rom. 6:1-2). It is not teaching we defeat sin by surrendering our fight against sin (1 Cor. 9:24- 27; cf. Matt. 26:41).

“When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong” What does this mean? Context: This was some fleshly infirmity (2 Cor. 12:7). It was something he was helpless to be able to change (2 Cor. 12:8). It was something by which Christ’s strength was “made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

“When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong” Weakness and Strength in Life We are born helpless (Luke 2:12). Often we become helpless in old age (John 21:18). In death we are utterly helpless (Ecc. 8:6-8). Between these times we may forget the degree to which we remain helpless (Col. 1:13-17; Job 34:12-15).7

“When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong” How is Christ’s Strength Perfected in Weakness? It is not that we make Him stronger—He has all power (Rev. 19:6). When we recognize our dependency on Him it leads us to live in such a way that His strength accomplishes its end in our lives (Isa. 66:2).

“When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong” How is Christ’s Strength Perfected in Weakness? Unbelief and rebellion assert a self-sufficiency we do not have (Rev. 3:14-22). Faithfulness trusts when we can’t see. It obeys, when we don’t understand. It is a weakness that leads us to depend on God.