Notes - 8th October 06

Bible passages:
2 Corinthians 12:1-12

Paul came to discover the lesson from God that was truly life-changing, when the Lord told him, 'I am with you, that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people' (2 Corinthians 12:9, Living Bible).

How do you react when people point out your weaknesses? (Do you remember the comments on the Report Card at school?) How would you respond to someone listing all your flaws? Which of the following reactions are you most likely to display?

Denial, Make excuses, Pretend they are not there, blame someone/something else for them.

Why do you think we are so ashamed of our weaknesses? How much does it touch our pride and self-sufficiency to admit weaknesses? Are there any weaknesses in your life that you would be prepared to share with the group? How does it feel to admit a weakness, how does it feel to hear of someone else's weaknesses? A repeated word in the verses of 2 Corinthians is 'fool'. That is how Paul felt that others viewed him, on account of his weaknesses. Can you identify with that reaction?

Rick Warren points out that whilst we may think that God only wants to use our strengths in His service, often he acts in the exact opposite way: He also wants to use our weaknesses. Indeed, there is a sense that God is more able to work in us through our weaknesses, for then God's power (rather than our own) is the main force.

(Read 2 Corinthians 11:0-12 ) These verses are a bit difficult to understand. However, discuss the details that would have tempted Paul to regard himself as being a bit extraordinary, special and strong. Can you think of experiences or blessings that you have had that might tempt you to think yourself a little bit more exceptional than other people in some ways?

(Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-11) What did God permit to come into Paul's life to make him aware of his frailty and need of God?

What do you think Paul's 'thorn in my flesh', actually was? From whom did Paul think it originated? Nonetheless, how was God able to use this trouble for good?

In order for God to work through our weaknesses, we must follow the model of Paul:

(1) Admit your weaknesses.
Do you find this more difficult than assessing our strengths? Perhaps you find it easier? Probably all of us struggle to be really honest about our weaknesses, even to ourselves, let alone in comparison with other people?

(Read 1 Corinthians 1:2-29) The Corinthian Christians were clearly not in a position to deny the truth about their past, everyone knew the truth about them. But could you be so honest before others and with yourself about your past?

(2) Be content with your weaknesses.
Look at what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9b. At first this seems ridiculous. Surely we want to be free from these weaknesses? Certainly Paul repeatedly sought to have his 'thorn' removed by God, yet he also sought to allow God to use it for good. Weaknesses can be good because:
(i) they cause us to depend on God
(ii) they prevent arrogance
(iii) they encourage fellowship between believers
(iv) they increase our capacity for sympathy and ministry

Can you think of instances in your life when these things have happened through your experience of weaknesses?

Perhaps there is one overiding weakness in your life?

Moses' weakness was his temper. Gideon's weakness was his low self-esteem. Abraham's weakness was fear. Peter's was impulsiveness. David's was lust. John's was arrogance.

God specializes in turning your weaknesses into strengths. How may he do this with you?

(3) Honestly share your weaknesses
'Ministry begins with vulnerability. The more you let down your guard, take off your mask, and share your struggles, the more God will be able to use you in serving others.' How difficult do you find this to do? Why is it so essential if you are to serve others?

(4) Glory in your weaknesses
The choice: to appear as a self-achiever (an illusion), or as a trophy of grace (2 Corinthians 12: 9). Which do you choose?

Points to ponder:
* God works best when I admit my weakness
*Am I limiting God's power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses?
*How have you seen God's power demonstrated through you when you felt weak?
*What do I need to be honest about in order to help others?