"Strength in Weakness" - a study of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Introduction

What do you make of this? What stands out in this passage??

There is within each of us the struggle for significance in life. Yet we find that the human condition is fragile, weak and vulnerable. Sometimes we fight against this and strain to be strong, self-contained and independent; however our efforts eventually fail, and we can find ourselves broken, lonely and sad. This situation often means that we can make bad decisions or no decisions, withdraw (on one hand) or over-exert (on the other) with people-pleasing type behaviour or a performance addiction … to try to gain acceptance.

We can become more resilient as we ably deal with our setbacks, problems and difficulties, especially as we allow helpful others to support us. However, ultimately, our road to ‘strength’ – the sort of ‘strength’ that will see us through – comes from outside of us. It is allowing God’s strength to come into us. And this ‘strength’ isn’t just a new capability given to us, it is more God being present with us. As recently quoted [by Mandy] on Facebook, “God doesn't merely want to give you strength – God wants to BE your strength”.

Then, no longer, will there be the need to strive … as if everything depends on how we perform. We will know that God values us, and that we belong to His Kingdom. We more and more make the right decisions based on God’s view of life. All guilt and shame gives way to forgiveness and wholeness. God becomes very personal; instead of being that unknowable Divine that we worship from a distance, God becomes the most evident loving and dynamic force in our lives. We become acutely aware of what God is doing through His strength in and around us.

Paul’s Testimony (v.1-7a)

In life, God wants us never to lose our focus on him. As we shall see, it is most interesting how all this played out in Paul’s life. Sometimes we need to continue to carry burdens or difficulties, so that we can remain focussed on God, and NOT ourselves. If we had everything together, and every single need was always met, then it would be very easy to drift off in self-contentedness. We would never get to sense God working in our life. God knows us very well, and knows fully well how to handle us … each one of us as God’s unique creations.

Paul was concerned that if he ever felt that he had it all together, or that he himself deserved praise, then he would be very inclined towards boasting of his successes. If we ever felt free to claim credit for our achievements – then we also could easily fall into self-glorifying boasting. The end-point of this … where the world has largely gone … is becoming our own god. This is ultimately to live in spiritual poverty, and bring about our own demise. Paul came to understand that the only credible boast in life, is what God’s strength brings to human weakness (v.5).

Paul was right on the edge here. He was very human, but also very honest about himself. Paul, by now, had a lot of achievements to talk about, planting churches far and wide; and he had to wrestle with himself to make sure that the credit went to God (and NOT to himself). A reality check was required. After all, where Paul had come from – the worst of the persecutors of the people of Jesus … a highly and uncomfortably driven person … someone filled with his own importance. Paul, had to be completely emptied out … before he could be of any good to anyone else. How did this happen? How could the seeming impossibility of this remarkable change take place? Paul knew!!

We come as weak and broken vessels – thus all of our achievements in life and ministry to others come out of God’s strength imparted to us … God working in and through us. Paul had to rehearse over and over again in his mind how he had got to where he was now. He had to retell the story often, that he couldn’t change himself, he had to be changed by the crucified and risen Jesus. Paul, in verse 2 (although unwilling to single himself out … speaking in the third person) speaks about a deep spiritual experience of meeting with Jesus, where he learned things that completely changed his life focus.

So, when Paul talks success, it will only be as a weak person empowered by God’s strength. Don’t let anyone put Paul on a pedestal – from where he would be subject to a fall. Paul, like us, could still, in weak moments, let people down; but God wouldn’t… not ever! This is all so that it can be God that is seen rather than us! This is how we need to approach our roles, responsibilities or ministries in the church and community. This will dispense with egos and agendas and personality promotion. We will just be the diverse faces of Jesus. This can also dispense with anxiety, or concerns as to whether we will be good enough or not … this becoming irrelevant! Is God good enough?! There is great freedom in this!

Paul’s Prayer (v.7b-10)

This is still a trust thing! Do we trust God to bring us his strength? Can we trust each other that we don’t look at human weakness, as much as at God’s strength!? Can we trust that God will rightly answer our prayers, even when the answers seem non-existent or strange?! How do we react when it seems our prayers have NOT been answered? Will we accept that the burdens and difficulties that remain in our lives will aid, not restrict, our relationship with God!? Can we give up the notion and desire to take credit, in trust that God brings reward and blessing in His own way?!

Paul prayed {“appealed”} three times that his “thorn in the flesh” would be taken away. And why not … I would. We should never be unconcerned about our weaknesses, especially those areas under our control and responsibility … where we should repent and change. We should always be looking to develop our gifts and build our contributions to church and community. This “thorn” was clearly a significant burden for Paul. And dealing with this weakness or “thorn” was obviously something only God could grant. So he prayed, he “appealed to the Lord”, no doubt in faith and confidence. There would have been very good reasons in Paul’s mind why these prayers should have been granted. Life and ministry, it seems, would have been so much easier!

There has been much debate about the nature of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”. It could have been something physical like poor eyesight (thus needing a scribe) or a speech impediment (tough for a communicator) or being short in stature or not physically appealing, or something medical like epilepsy or a persistent malaria type complaint, or something else – some think this “thorn” could have been depression … understandable considering how Paul lived on the edge, continually giving of himself in the context of real danger, opposition, and bouts of imprisonment. Whatever the issue Paul was facing, we should NOT underestimate the level of pain and frustration involved, and the potential within to bring Paul down.

The fact that this “thorn” was NOT clearly identified, allows us to read into this passage our own burden or sense of threat. It could be something that has always been there – whether physical, emotional, mental or social, or something that’s arisen lately, or something that seems to be getting worse; something that we’ve prayed about for a long time, or are just praying about now. Nothing wrong with these prayers for help … we should pray this way. And I would pray like to with you for help and relief.

However, we should also be prepared to accept God’s response. Incredibly, Paul actually finished up believing this “thorn” to be a gift or blessing! This was because it kept him honest, humble and focussed on God. Paul had NOT been forgotten; this was NOT a punishment – far from it – this was an opportunity for growth and greater maturity. God actually knows us better than we know ourselves. God knows so well how we are put together. And, unlike us, God sees fully how the big jigsaw puzzle of life on earth fits together. A quote from a recent small group study, “If we knew what the Lord knew, we wouldn’t change a thing”.

Do we remain convinced of God’s love for us, despite the outcome of our prayers? Do we recognise that God can use us the way we are through applying His strength to us? Do we see the shape of our life being a vehicle for the revealing of God’s glory? Will we understand the growth curve available in this? Years after losing his daughter, James Bryan Smith, in his book entitled ‘The Good and Beautiful God’, wrote that, “God’s goodness is not something that I get to decide upon”. He means, that it just is … God IS good, and we need to interpret life through this lens.

What can be gained through this, even in the midst of disappointment? Growth and greater maturity we’ve mentioned. A deeper relationship of dependence upon God – yes! And, because we continue to be touched by need, and experience daily challenges, we can understand and empathise with others who are likewise suffering. Conversely, those who (falsely) appear to have it all together, could lose their capacity to point others to the God who can work wonders.

Conclusion

Paul decided to live with his burden, in such a way that God would get the glory! The proud and boastful will NOT help others (no matter how great their achievement), only promote themselves. Paul would accept his circumstances, and see how God’s strength would bring about a ministry to others. Paul’s weakness would be able to inter-relate with the felt weaknesses and burdens of others to their benefit. If Paul was too caught up in his success he would have likely missed such opportunities altogether.

We don’t know how long Paul took to make this discovery (and how much disappointment he may have endured along the way). But after he had prayed three times, and we would NOT doubt his faith in this, upon reflection, Paul made way to hear God speak, “My grace is sufficient for you, for [my] power is made perfect in weakness” (v.9a)! In this way Paul would have a deeper experience of God, as he grew in patience, endurance and many other disciplines. Paul was also being prepared for even greater challenges!

The Jesus-following life is all about our capacity to rely on God, rather than on ourselves, and rather than on the world. In trusting in God for everything, we allow, rather than restrict, our relationship with God to build. We can embrace becoming part of the new creation. We can be free in our worship, and grow in our discipleship i.e. the way we daily follow Jesus. In our public life we bring glory to God, as Jesus is identified as having come alongside someone with weaknesses … who nonetheless exhibits hope, peace and purpose.

Our level of strength is wholly determined by the extent to which Jesus is active in our life.

Describing a Good Church

A good church is a body where people can gather and participate in the presence of God and the company of other seekers and believers, in the quest to get to know both Jesus and themselves better. A good church is a forum, unlike the past in which answers were often just given, where all the questions can be asked, and there are many voices and experiences through which God's answers can be discovered and discerned. A good church is, unlike the organisational and exclusive modes of the past, a space in which people can simply receive healing from past hurts and abuse, and find forgiveness for their misdeeds and discover grace in their character flaws. A good church is NOT into 'appearance management', but rather allows for brokenness and failure.

A good church is where one can learn well to follow Jesus in each generation, and to change in the ways necessary to be part of God's new creation. A good church is where one can enthusiastically worship God with freedom, in the company of both like-minded people and those starting on a new journey. A good church is where people can belong, feel welcome, find acceptance, give and receive hospitality, be valued, and express their gifts and abilities, while all the time discovering what it is that they really believe. A good church facilitates broad involvement. A good church has a healthy cross-section of people, mirroring the local community. A good church then gently and courageously nurtures faith, commitment, consistency and discipleship.

Good churches are NOT focussed on themselves, but rather outwardly focussed on the community around them - creatively engaging with all the pain and joy within, and also active towards the needs of the world at large. Good churches pray the 'Lord's Prayer', and actively seek to be a part of the answer to their own prayer of: "Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven". Good churches understand that they have been given all the resources they need to turn the world upside down, with all injustice bowing to Jesus.

Good churches see themselves as an interconnected body seeking the common good with Jesus at the head. In a good church, the people love, share with, encourage, care for, support and forgive one another. In a good church, the people want to spend time together, especially in worship, and also in mission. Good churches are based around the Word of God and the Sacraments of the 'Lord's Supper'. Good churches, although diligent in appointing human leadership according to their gifts and maturity, are actually led by the Holy Spirit, best experienced as people gather in humility, dependence upon God, and prayer.

Who is a Christian?

Who is a Christian? First, would it be judgmental or potentially exclusive to try to answer this question or define the boundaries quite tightly? I certainly would not want to eliminate a person on a steady journey toward faith. But the boundaries can be so frustratingly 'thin'! This is where people claim the label 'christian' on the basis of their country of origin or residence, or claim the notion of being part of a christian country. This has been called cultural christianity, and is often so frustratingly divorced from the teachings of Jesus.

Perhaps we shouldn't ask this question at all, given that the term "Christian" is only used three times in the new testament - and only once in the positive sense, while twice in a negative context. But the term is so prevalent, that it should be defined, and it really should be done so in respect of the name of Christ on which it is based.

Surely a "Christian" then, is one who follows Jesus, and not just the Jesus of one's own creation, or the Jesus that was underwhelmingly presented at Sunday School long ago, but rather Jesus of Nazareth Son of God. And this is also not the get-out-of-hell-free Jesus who brings no other claim or challenge. To follow Jesus is to know Jesus, his teaching, his priorities, the nature of his life, his suffering, his victory over sin, and to come into relationship with him.

A "Christian" or 'Jesus-follower' then must live under the discipline of knowing Jesus ... they must be a modern-day 'disciple'. Not perfect, not completely whole as yet, but certainly on the way. Now is it too judgmental to say that this brings to light many hypocrisies or shortcomings in today's understanding of the term "Christian"?!?

People speak of a return to "Christian values", but given the disconnection with Jesus (discussed above), what would these be? Would they just represent a conservative worldview? Would they more relate to, on one hand fear, or on the other hand comfort, than to the values Jesus actually demonstrated? Case in point: how can we largely tolerate what is happening to children in our nationally sanctioned offshore detention centres? This is generally ignored in the "Christian value" debate, as we worry more about attacks on our perceived way of living.

How can this be so? I think we can be mistaken about our history. A lot of what might have been seen as "devout" or "righteous" was not really consistent with Jesus, for example penal colonies and certain military campaigns. I would argue that Australia has never been a Christian country. While we look back to what are seen by some to be 'golden days', we ignore completely the skeletons that have been emerging from our cupboards. This is a land that has been colonised (sometimes brutally) without any thought to a treaty with its indigenous peoples. Over two centuries later we are still struggling with aboriginal health problems and the whole notion of reconciliation. We haven't even yet formally recognised prior occupation.

We would hope that the church ... the collective mind of Jesus-followers of successive generations ... would have been foremost in the call for "Christian values" in this, but often have been left in the wake of other-worldly issues of personal salvation. Complicity in the stolen generations, and then tragic, horrific and shameful instances of abuse and subsequent cover-ups, have left the church now almost voiceless in any real values debate.

There are some in government who claim "christian" faith, yet they seem immovable on the scandalous situations in Nauru and on Manus Island. We might say that "that's politics", but surely a Jesus-follower is a Jesus-follower first and foremost, or not one at all! Party first, or unity with colleagues first, or being re-elected first ... no, surely Jesus first!

Australia is clearly a secular democracy, and always has been from the time of the first locally elected parliament. Here there is a healthy separation between religion/church and state/government. Here there is equality of all people, and no impediment to the God-given freewill to choose for yourself. In this democracy it should be the case that the most vulnerable are the ones most cared for irrespective of background or religion. This should free up (rather than tie up) our elected representatives to express their faith and follow their conscience. What is the point of gaining office, if this can't properly connect with the very centre of what drives your humanity!?

So, with all this in mind, who is a "Christian"? A true Christian is a Jesus-follower who lives under the discipline of the One who has through God's grace provided forgiveness as crucified Saviour and new life as resurrected Lord. A disciple like this will live as Jesus lived, never shying away from the tough challenges that the 'narrow way' presents. A Jesus-follower doesn't claim (cultural) privilege, but rather thrives and grows under persecution. A Jesus-follower then doesn't need to recapture any notion of past glory, but rather simply embrace God's future. A Jesus-follower is prepared to make the tough calls, and not hide behind popularist complacency.

At the same time, a true Jesus-follower will engage with our Missional God and thus love our neighbours (inclusively of course) and seek to bring grace to all. This means that I will even need to love the muslim-hating zealot who is seeking to pervert our community and promote fear and distrust. So life is never easy or without challenge. The only way to avoid challenge is to disengage, and then, by definition, one couldn't be a Christian.

"Trusting in God" (Psalm 40:1-10)

Introduction

We've recently talked about a whole lot of challenging stuff about engaging with the community, building relationships with people, being ministers of reconciliation, and taking on any areas of injustice. This is because, as children of the living God, we are called to be active in bringing about God's new creation - bringing God's Kingdom to earth.

We live in the period between Jesus' resurrection and his return. In this season, we are meant to live lives of active integrity that partner with God in the activity of restoring (a once "very good") creation. This includes all aspects of God's original and ongoing creativeness.

This is a great challenge, even for the motivated. This is a challenge that can't be taken lightly. Only God can ultimately enable this to happen, for we are so dependent on the Holy Spirit's power and effectiveness, for any real solutions to manifest. This means that we have to trust completely in God (in every aspect of our lives). We have to examine, understand, apply and practice what it means to trust in God.

So, initially, we turn to Psalm 40. I see in the first ten verses here, at least 5 aspects or principles of trusting in God:
(a) building relationship (with God)
(b) embracing newness
(c) expressing worship
(d) growing in discipleship
(e) going public.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIP

Verse 1 has the sense of sitting with God, practicing the presence of God, building a consistency with this, digging deeply into God; and in our "waiting" ... knowing that the Lord is hearing and WILL provide. We should be honest ... no point not being so. We can share all our pain, uncertainty, doubt and frustration. We can share our concerns and needs.

The idea behind what is translated "I waited patiently", is being expectantly expectant - looking eagerly for what we know God will do ... not necessarily a specific answer that we have in mind, but more so an appreciation that God will bring His best to us (in terms of our real needs). We accept that our view of our needs can rightly bear God's scrutiny.

As we confess and repent, God looks at us through Jesus. This is all about NOT being content with the status quo, but rather wanting to build a closer and deeper relationship with our Creator and Saviour. In this way, we can turn finger-tapping impatience into an eager expectation of blessing and growth.

God is never slow, only sometimes waiting for us to be undistracted. Where is our primary focus? If anything other than God is our highest priority, then we have created a 'false god' in our life. Yes, your family and job and schooling are important, but these areas will NOT work out for the best ... if they have displaced God from number one position.

EMBRACING NEWNESS

In verse 2, we see the most dramatic change in circumstances, the most dramatic conversion story - moving from a desperate extreme to a whole new and better realiity. The "desolate pit" and "miry bog" indicate drowning in mud, a helpless feeling of floundering and of being alone (and separated off) in the struggle. This could be the case for many reasons: illness (physical or mental), sin, impending peril, grief or loss, suffering in general.

God has an "open ear" to this (v.1,6). And God is ready to offer something different ... a new reality. Our feet being set upon a "rock" suggests a firm foundation from which we will never sink. From a new testament perspective, we might see how this suggests becoming a disciple of Jesus (like Peter did ... being called the "rock").

To have our "steps made secure" indicates that we now have a clear pathway, with less diversions and dead-ends; not a steeple-chase any more, but a straight run ... with a map, and a guide-book, and an inner voice bringing guidance and confidence.

So we should NOT give in to despair, but rather allow God to rehabilitate us. We should accept the steep learning curve ahead of us. God wants to bring new out of the old - we just need to be open for this. Are you open for this? Will you embrace newness?

EXPRESSING WORSHIP

Newness in the depth of our being, leads to a "new song" being in our mouth (refer verse 3a). This is a story about the change God has made (and is still making) in our life ... a testimony to God's grace.

This is combined with our new freedom to worship God with enthusiasm and faith. We do this on our knees, and, as we whistle down the street or hum our latest favourite worship song; but most we worship in the company of our sisters and brothers in gatherings such as this.

This "new song" shows how positive we have become ... how hopeful, joyful, thankful, loving, compassionate and peaceful. As an aside, if we don't actually feel peaceful about something, could it be that we haven't prayed about this issue, or haven't really left it with God?! [It could also be that we haven't let control go - we're not ready to receive an answer that may be different from what we have become somewhat locked into.]

Coming with a "new song" will necessitate leaving some stuff with God; because in this life there will always be some stuff to deal with. And as we have discussed, in the Jesus-following life, there actually may be more stuff to deal with than less ... as we are serious about our lives; the good side of this being the growth, maturity and completeness that can come out of it all!

There will be an upcoming message on strength in weakness.

Each of us has a unique "song" to contribute, and each of these "songs" will have great depth because of the struggles that have been worked through. And, God will bring together all these diverse "new songs" into perfect harmony.

In the second part of verse 3, we see a reaction or response to our "new song". This is great and really rewarding. Others see something they want! Isn't this what our dreams are made of - other people newly putting THEIR trust in the Lord Jesus. Our "new song" RESONATES with people, it is heard, the sincerity of it is seen, it evokes a reaction ... which will, often enough, be a good reaction, for which we praise God.

GROWING IN DISCIPLESHIP

Trusting in God at greater levels, will naturally mean that we are able to follow Jesus more closely. Verses 4 to 8 take us on a mental journey about life in solidarity with Jesus. We don't follow false trends, nor do we follow those who will tend to take take us toward false trends. We will more and more know what activities count for God, and those that don't. A "false god" is anything that gets preference over Jesus.

There are so many popular yet highly falllible alternatives to trip us up. In better days, Israel was tempted to cosy up to their former enemy Egypt for advantage, but this was never going to go well. There may have been some alluring promises, but they just were NOT trustworthy enough.

We see in verse 6, that even a psalmist caught deep into a system of sacrifice and burnt offerings, knew that this was NOT the ultimate path. The ultimate path is having an open heart to God - with an open ear ... to really hear what God would teach us.

Look at verse 8. Our heart is now God's. God controls our thinking, our attitudes, our motivations, our priorities. What the psalmist referred to as "law", we as people under 'grace' would understand as God's Word, God's will and God's ways. This is our heart!

But not only our heart, but also our character; and, if we look back at verse 7, our reputation as well - what we are known for!! In God's record of earthly adventures, it can be said of us ... "I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is written within my heart".

Are we able to say that of ourselves? Yes!? Beautiful. No?! Don't get down on yourself - God can still make this happen. Trust in God, open your life in prayer, build your relationship with God, become new, get worshipping, start growing.

I read this week some words from an old hymn that appealed to me - "Glory to Thee ... for all the grace ... I have not tasted yet".

One aspect of trusting in God left ...

GOING PUBLIC

Jesus can be seen in the normal activities of our life. But this can be cranked up. This is covered in verses 9 & 10:

"I have told the glad news ..."
"I have not restrained my lips"
"I have not hidden your saving help"
"I have spoken of your faithfulness ...".

To truly trust in God we need to be known for who we are ... no secrets ... a complete revelation of a complete person. This doesn't mean we get in other people's faces with our faith, but it certainly means that we shouldn't cover it up. There will be gentle, respectful and relevant ways of sharing with others, as we commit ourselves to listening to them and sharing their journey.

We should never under-sell our particular story of faith ... as if it's not dramatic or significant enough. There is at least one person, if not more, out there, who would benefit from each of our unique spiritual experiences.

So, in Conclusion ...

Every experience of the Lord's grace in the past, should lead us to look up to him with trust ... for the present, and the future (Wilcock). We walk in relationship with our Heavenly Parent as children of the Living God, being 'new creation', worshipping with everything we are and have, following in the path of Jesus ... for all to see. Amen!