Scripture:
2 Corinthians 11
Observation:
(V:3) Just as Satan tempted Eve causing her to believe that God’s insufficiency made Him unworthy and incapable to care for her, Paul is worried the church will fall into the same misconception.
(V:4) Paul is acknowledging that Satan is attacking the church with a false Jesus and false gospel, free of sickness and suffering. However, if we step back and look into different phases of hardships in our life, we can always find that God used these experiences to teach and expand our knowledge of him in us. A gospel of no suffering would severely limit our opportunity to grow in Christ Jesus.
(V:11) This verse is a great example of a hyperbole. Paul received financial help from the Macedonian churches to preach the gospel in Corinth.
(V:16-18) In these 3 verses, Paul is careful to boast only in the mighty things the Lord has done. He does not take pleasure or ownership for these things, but gives true credibility to the one who has accomplished them.
Again, Paul boasts at great length only in his weakness as the appropriate way to glorify God’s grace and power in one’s life.
(V:30) I love how in these verses God is evidently triumphing among human weakness. This is a great example of the purpose for Christ crucifixtion.
Application:
What are some areas in my life that I’m not taking to God because I believe they are insufficient and I need to handle on my own? Am I trusting in Christ knowing he is completely sufficient to handle all my burdens and needs?
Am I using my suffering and times of weakness to actively search for areas of improvement and growth in my life? So often it is easy for us to focus on all the negative things going on in our lives instead of looking at the bigger picture. What are some ways we can step back and focus on the bigger picture and what God’s intended purpose for this trial may be?
I need to be careful to boast only in the things that the Lord is doing in my life, not of the things of my own doing. Even then, it is easy for us to share the things that God is doing through us. However, that is not the point. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that. they may see your good works, and. glorify your Father which is in heaven.” How can we use our works to give glory to our Heavenly Father and not unto ourselves?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your unceasing mercies. Thank you for your patience as time and time again we fall into sinful temptation and pride. Help us to be reminded that we are vessels for you Lord. Our actions and words represent you, not our sinful flesh. Thank you for helping me to conquer battles that are beyond my control, that I am clearly incapable to complete without you. Finally, thank you for your son and his act of pure love for us on the cross. Amen.