When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: Understanding Strength in Weakness
In 2 Corinthians 12:6-10, the apostle Paul reflects on how a thorn in the flesh humbled him, leading to a greater understanding of God's grace and strength in weakness. This passage emphasizes that true strength is found in acknowledging our dependence on Christ, allowing His power to be perfected in our weaknesses. The concept of being strong in weakness does not imply spiritual weakness but rather highlights the transformative power of relying on God's strength even in our vulnerabilities.
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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.
