Central Truth

We are called by God to use our weaknesses to glorify Him.

---

Reflections

Baseball icon Dizzy Dean once said, "It ain't bragging if you can back it up." If that translates to life, as many sports lessons do, it's OK to flaunt your wealth if you can prove it. It's OK to say you're dominating your competition if you can do it. And it's even OK to feel your faith is stronger than mine because of your profile in your church.

This was part of Paul's challenge with the church in Corinth. In chapter 11, he launched a defensive against self-righteous church members who questioned his authority as an apostle of God. In chapter 12, he drives home the point by basically saying, "Yeah, I can talk some trash, too. But here's what I'll brag about and why."

Paul confronts the hypocrisy of pride and ego and how it separates us from Christ. But he also calls us to bare our weaknesses to others, trusting that Christ is our strength in all situations. Do you mean that at my lowest points, when I have no job or money, when I'm cratered in addiction, or when I'm betrayed by friends, then Christ is strongest in me? Man! Sign me up for that while I finish my list of weaknesses.

I've personally experienced Christ's power in my weakness. When my mother was dying of emphysema, and when my brother died of cancer a few months later, the power of Christ was all over that seven-month period. Stronger in me? Absolutely. But what blew me away was how Christ used others in that situation and how little I could do beyond just listen and follow the Spirit.

Proverbs 3:6 tells us, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Once again, Christ does the work if we just show up and trust. In fact, He did it long ago and keeps doing it every day.

Acknowledge Him by sharing your weaknesses with those in your community of faith.

Yes, Dizzy. This IS bragging. But we have the power of the Holy Spirit to back it up for us.

---

Discussion Questions

1. What are you willing to boast about?

2. Do you share your weaknesses with others in your life to assure the power of Christ is growing in you?

3. Or, do you hide your weaknesses, fearing someone will think less of you or your walk with God?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

2 Corinthians 11 - Galatians 2 (July 23-27)

Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33.

• Make a list of all the things that happened to Paul. Discuss which one you think would be the hardest.
• What does Paul say in verse 30?
• What do you think it means to boast in your weaknesses?
• Have each person make a list of your weaknesses and hardships that you have been through.

Now read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and Romans 5:3-5.

• What are the blessings of hardships and weaknesses?
• What does it mean to trust the Lord in the hard times?
• What does it mean to trust Him in your weaknesses?

Activity: Go back over your lists. What is the weakness or hardship that you are struggling with most? Put everyone's name on a piece of paper and have each family member draw a name. This week, do different things to encourage that person in his or her toughest struggle right now. Find verses to encourage them and pray for them.

---