Sufficient Grace

Introduction

A. Today is the day of resurrection. The religious world turns toward the open tomb. We also celebrate today as resurrection day just as we celebrate each Sunday. This is our hope. Let’s celebrate with song and thanksgiving what God has done for us in the resurrection. (Jack, lead two songs dealing with the resurrection here. Suggestions: 464, 356, 266. After the songs I will lead a prayer of thanksgiving)

B. 2 Corinthians is not written in isolation of 1 Corinthians. At some point during Paul’s initial ministry at Corinth he was offered financial support, possibly by an influential member of the church. Corinth was divided. Acceptance of such an offer was problematic and so Paul felt it necessary to reject the offer (1) so as not to become a burden, and more importantly (2) to avoid compromising his position and further dividing the church. Despite his motivational integrity, his refusal of assistance was met with hostility and scorn, and a shaky relationship which had existed from the start (1 Corinthians 2:3ff) was made worse. The first two chapters of 1 Corinthians revolve around the themes of weakness and power, folly and wisdom which he observed in the Lord Jesus (1:18–25), in the Corinthian church (1:26–31), and also in his apostolic ministry (2:1–5). These same themes now appear in 2 Corinthians 10–13 and especially in 12:1–10.

C. As Paul defends himself again against accusations, he takes a different tact. He appeals to his failures as a sign of what God is doing through him. While his opponents boast of their successes and accomplishments, Paul will revel in his failure so that the Corinthians can acknowledge that it is God who deserves the credit and not any man. In order for Jesus to be seen, Paul understands the words “I must become less, so that he can become more.” That is our goal today — to exalt Jesus and to lower ourselves.

Boasting About Suffering

A. In 11:16–33, Paul gives a list of failures he has gone through. Paul’s opponents have been boasting about how great they are. They have a resume which would make anyone sit up and take notice. Paul says in verse 18, that he will join in the process. Paul is going to submit his resume for review. Because the Corinthians are so wise (v.19) then they can see the importance of Paul’s accomplishments. In verses 22–23, Paul boasts that he has the same titles as his opponents — Hebrew, Israelite, descendant of Abraham, and he surpasses them in the title of servant of Jesus. Servants don’t brag about their “failures.” Servants do what they are supposed to do because that is the nature of the servant. Look at Acts 9:15–16. From the very beginning, God didn’t call Paul to greatness — he called him to suffering.

B. So in verses 23b–33, Paul lists his “accomplishments.” Not much of a resume. Not what we might want to see on a prospective employee’s list of good things. What drives a man to keep going when his failures mount? Don’t misunderstand. I am not speaking about business — I’m speaking about spiritual matters. Look at verse 28. Paul feels the pressure that the churches succeed. When one sins, he hurts. What’s point of verses 32–33? To show his courage? Hardly. He didn’t even stick around to face those who wanted to hurt him. He left the city running for his life. Not much courage there. What motivates Paul?

C. When we read the list of suffering from Paul do we put ourselves into those situations? Or do we congratulate ourselves for having avoided them? Paul paid the price of suffering because there was a burning passion in his heart for the church. (11:29) Paul felt intense pressure. Do we? He cared when one entered sin. Do we? Do we feel the same burden as Paul did? And if we don’t why not? 11:30 Paul boasts in his weakness while we boast in our strength. We will serve God as long as it is on our terms. We are so thankful for Paul (as long as it isn’t me). Look at verse 30. If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. Why? Because the God and Father of our Lord Jesus is to be praised forever. Where is your passion? What drives you?

D. What drove Jesus to the cross? What was his passion? Jesus himself pointed to the Father and gave his life so that all could look to the Father rather than themselves. Let’s take the supper together. (Jack, let’s sing another song or two — short devotional type. Suggestions: 309, 605, 693)

A. Paul continues to boast. But the direction of his boasting is set. He will only boast about that which will make God look good. In 12:1–6, Paul tells about a vision he had. He was permitted to see and hear things that cannot be revealed. This was a real success story. Unlike the list of failures, Paul could really boast about this experience. It would be like Peter, James, and John boasting about the transfiguration experience. Paul was in a select group who could boast about such an event. But he refrains from doing so in verse 6 because what people need to judge him by are his words and deeds. Paul’s authority came in the consistency of his words and actions in relationship to his preaching.

B. To make sure that he didn’t boast about this success, God gave to Paul a thorn in the flesh. Some physical handicap was given to him following this experience so that he would not boast and to torment him. The word “thorn” means a stake often used at a crucifixion. The word “torment” is the same word used in Matthew 26:67 and it means to be struck. Paul pleaded three times for this handicap to be taken away. You can hear Paul say, “Please take this away. If only you would make my body stronger, then I could serve you more. If only you would make this go away, then I would be free to serve you more. If only…” How many times do we say “if only” to God and excuse ourselves from serving him. “If only my husband were more committed to Christ. If only we had more resources. If only my wife had a more positive attitude. If only the man I work with was better. If only my children didn’t expect so much.” If only. Three times just like Jesus in Gethsemane, Paul pleads for God to take away his handicap.

C. Jesus answers Paul in verse 9. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” My grace is sufficient. My grace is more than enough to satisfy. My divine favor will take care of what you need. You don’t have to be strong to do my work. Is God’s grace enough? “Lord, this problem is keeping me from really working for you. Now, here is what I want you to do with my life.” Some of us are so busy telling God what we want him to do with our lives that we aren’t taking the time to listen to what he is trying to say to us. “My grace is sufficient. I can best be seen in your weakness.” We are so sure that what needs to be done is the problem removed and then things will be just right. We are like Goldilocks in the bear’s house. We aren’t satisfied until everything is just right.

D. Paul said he took delight in his failures and shortcomings because Jesus was revealed in them. We aren’t talking about sin. We are talking about what this world finds to be important. Maybe it is time to quit asking and start delighting. Several times in this text Paul uses words and phrases which compare to what Jesus went through on the cross. I think this is significant. The words thorn/stake, torment, asking three times, weakness all point to the cross. In 1 Corinthians the church at Corinth had to be reminded that real strength was not found in mind and body but at the cross. The mark of success is not a lengthy resume with all your successes. The mark of success is found at the cross. Service, humility, and conviction are traits of the Christian. They will not look good on a resume, but then this life isn’t about us — it’s about God.

E. What drives you? What are you passionate about? How is God being seen in your life? Invitation.

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