by Roby Ellis SPANISH/ESPAÑOL
[Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:6-10]
Introduction
A. Many have guessed at what Paul’s thorn in the flesh might have been, but nobody knows for certain.
B. Whatever it was, it still teaches a valuable lesson—that God’s strength is most evident in our times of weakness.
I. Paul’s attitude toward his infirmity should be ours.
A. He calls his affliction a “messenger of Satan” (vs. 7).
B. When Paul’s request was denied, he responded, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities” (vs. 9).
C. Paul’s attitude toward his weakness in the flesh allowed the power of Christ to rest upon him (vs. 9).
II. Many others have found strength in weakness (Hebrews 11:34).
A. God’s strength was exhibited in Gideon’s weakness (Judges 6:14; 7:2-7).
B. God’s strength was exhibited in Samson’s weakness (Judges 16:15-21).
C. God’s strength was exhibited in David’s weakness.
III. We find our strength in the “weakness” of Jesus.
A. The most vulnerable moments of the life of Christ are those moments during which He appeared the weakest.
B. Christ put on the appearance of weakness (John 1:14) to give us the power to become sons of God (John 1:12).
Conclusion
A. God’s strength is most evident in our times of weakness.
B. May we learn (as Paul did) to be content with—and even to rejoice in—our infirmities!