Energized by His Power

Bible Study

Energized by His Power
Dr. Charles Stanley

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life or unable to cope with its challenges? If so, that fact won’t disappoint God or disqualify you from serving Him. God views our weakness as an opportunity to display His power. This is the surprising truth the Lord revealed to the apostle Paul, and He sees your struggles no differently. When we respond properly to hardship and inadequacy, they become God’s instruments for spiritual growth.

Paul’s Revelation

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. The apostle mentions a “thorn in the flesh.” We aren’t told specifically what it was, but most biblical scholars believe he was referring to a physical affliction of some kind. It could also have been another hardship in Paul’s life, such as false apostles whose teaching misled believers. In verse 10, Paul “boasts” about his burden, so it probably wasn’t an area of sin. Because the exact nature of the “thorn” remains unknown, God’s response to Paul can encourage all suffering Christians.

•Who was the source of the “thorn in the flesh” (v. 7)?


•Why was it given to Paul?


•The Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (v. 9). How does His view of strength and weakness differ from the world’s perspective?


Paul says, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” Adam Clarke’s commentary reveals the imagery within the original language: Paul is saying “that it may overshadow me as a tent, or tabernacle” (meeting place).

•Why do you think Paul compared the Lord’s power to a meeting place or tent?


•Name at least three images from Psalm 91 that represent God’s protection in times of trouble.


In some translations, 2 Corinthians 10:10 reads “I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships…” (emphasis added). This rendering is a little too strong. It’s more accurate to say that Paul was “well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses….”

•Why could the apostle find contentment in the midst of hardship and persecution (v.10)?


•Do you typically see your weaknesses as opportunities for God to work, or do you try to hide them from Him and others? Why?


Second Corinthians 12:10 concludes, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” Matthew Henry’s commentary offers the following reflection: “When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from Him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.”

Although we usually pray for deliverance from our trials, God often wants to strengthen us to go through them. This is the essence of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:15: “I do not ask You to take [My followers] out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.”

•Describe a time when you felt the Lord’s strength in the midst of difficult circumstances.


•What did you learn in that season that could help you with struggles today?


Most believers can quote Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” In context (vv. 10-13), it refers to being content whether we have abundant daily provisions or not.

•Do you think this verse has a broader application to any situation in which we feel a lack of strength? Why or why not?


In 2 Corinthians 4:7, “treasure” describes the precious truth about salvation in Christ, and “earthen vessel” refers to simple pots. In other words, believers are subject to the same passions and weaknesses as other people.

•According to this verse, why does the Father choose to work through us despite our weaknesses?


Application

In order to experience the abundant life God has planned for us, we must come to terms with our human frailty, remain humble, and depend fully on Him.

•List the areas of life in which you feel strong, confident, and capable of handling most challenges.


•Do you find it difficult to depend on God in those areas? Why or why not?


•List the parts of your life that are overwhelming, out of your control, or unchangeable in your own power.


•What does God want you to do about them, now that you have studied 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and related passages?


Conclusion: Followers of Christ often think of mature believers as “strong Christians.” While this may refer to the strength of their resolve, the term can be misleading. Our objective is not to become strong, but to increasingly lean on God in all circumstances, good or bad. Those who, in their weakness, learn to rely fully on the Holy Spirit are the strongest of all believers.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for handling life’s challenges apart from Your strength. Remind me in all things to quickly turn to You and rely on Your perfect power. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.