Weakness Is The Way
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1 - Paul’s contextual weakness, Paul’s gospel of weakness, Paul’s strength
2- though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.”2 Corinthians 12:6 ESV
3- The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above – John 19: 8-11
4- But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:27-31
5- God constantly chooses and works through the second sons, the ones without social power. He chooses Abel rather than Cain, Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob rather than esau, Joseph over Reuben. And when he works with women, he does not choose women with the cultural power of beauty and sexuality. He does his saving work through old infertile Sarah. Not young Hagar, through unloved and unattractive Leah not lovely Rachel. God repeatedly refuses to allow his gracious activity to run along the expected lines of worldly influence and privilege. He puts in the center the person whom the world would put on the periphery. – Keller, Making sense of God
6- Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord."”Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV