15
Jun '20
The Great Exchange – Our Weakness for His Strength
15
Jun '20
2 Corinthians 12:9-12
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
Introduction: Did you know man’s EXTREMITY becomes God’s OPPORTUNITY? What looks “Bad” can turn out “Good”! Setbacks, can be Setups, for Comebacks….How about it? In our weakness, the Lord Jesus’ strength can be displayed. Paul experienced that very thing as the Lord Jesus carried him through the GREAT EXCHANGE…… (4) stages of God’s AMAZING GRACE that led to a breakthrough.
1. We go through experiences in life where we can get lifted up in our own EXALTATION! (2 Cor 12:1-7)
Paul was “caught up” into the third heaven. Because of such an experience, he was tempted to be lifted up with pride. But to prevent that, and to keep him usable, our Lord allowed a “thorn” to be put in his flesh. (“caught up” in v. 4 is in passive form – meaning God did it, not Paul) (” third heaven” is where God abides)
Paul was “caught up” into the third heaven. Because of such an experience, he was tempted to be lifted up with pride. But to prevent that, and to keep him usable, our Lord allowed a “thorn” to be put in his flesh. (“caught up” in v. 4 is in passive form – meaning God did it, not Paul) (” third heaven” is where God abides)
[See 1st Heaven by day] [See 2nd Heaven by night] [See 3rd Heaven by faith]
• Be careful being consumed about WHO we are
• Be secure in WHOSE we are
• Be aware what WE’VE done
• Be focused rather on what HE has done
• Be thankful for WHERE we’ve been
• Be more grateful for WHERE we’re going
• Be secure in WHOSE we are
• Be aware what WE’VE done
• Be focused rather on what HE has done
• Be thankful for WHERE we’ve been
• Be more grateful for WHERE we’re going
2. God carries us through experiences in life where we’re bent over with HUMILIATION! (2 Cor 12:7, 8)
“There was given unto me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me….For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” (“buffet” means to cuff, to slap with fist)(“besought” – parakaleo – means to beg)
“There was given unto me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me….For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” (“buffet” means to cuff, to slap with fist)(“besought” – parakaleo – means to beg)
• The devil’s behind the scene
• God’s beyond the scene
• Paul, (we), are in the scene
• God’s beyond the scene
• Paul, (we), are in the scene
3. God’s GRACE is enough to strengthen us through experiences in life where the power of CHRIST rests on us in our AFFLICTION! (2 Cor 12:9, 10)
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
• “Sufficient” means enough
• “Perfect” is teleo, which means to finish
• “Perfect” is teleo, which means to finish
4. In our weakness, our Lord Jesus’ strength is released, thus producing the TRANSFORMATION! (2 Cor 12:10)
“Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I’m weak, then am I strong.”
“Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I’m weak, then am I strong.”
• Thank Him for the exchange
• His strength for our weaknesses
• His strength for our weaknesses
Conclusion: Are you feeling weak? Has our Lord allowed you to go through a time of “distress”? Is Satan attacking you? Are you ready and willing to accept the “GREAT EXCHANGE”? If so, remember, rather than self-EXALTATION (2 extremes……whining or complaining……anger or bitterness), the position of HUMILIATION (humility – brokenness), activates God’s strength which produces the TRANSFORMATION in our AFFLICTION. Aren’t you glad that when we’re weak we’re really strong because of His GRACE!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese