2 Corinthians 11 (7)

Pray Psalm 46.1-3.
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
Selah

Sing Psalm 46.1-3.
(St. Chrysostom: We Have Not Known Thee As We Ought)
God is our refuge and our strength; He is our help in times of need.
Thus though the earth beneath us should change, the sea engulf the mountain range.
Waters may roar with raging speed; yet God will rescue us at length.

Review 2 Corinthians 11.1-33; meditate on verses 1, 10, 17, 18, 30, 31

Preparation
1. Why was Paul so upset in this chapter?

2. What was his purpose?

Meditation
Paul knew the Corinthians, and he loved them. He loved them so greatly that, as he would say in the next chapter, he would very gladly spend and be spent for their souls (12.15).

At the same time, it angered him to learn how easily they had been led off the Jesus Path by false teachers, boasters and smooth talkers, who, to advance their own interests, fractured the apostolic witness, flaunted their eloquence and ability to attract others, divided the churches in Corinth, and opened the flood gates for all manner of sin to wash over the people for whom Jesus died.

Paul was firm and uncompromising throughout 1 Corinthians. He told it like it was, and he was perfectly clear about what the Corinthians must do. In 2 Corinthians he rejoiced that they heard him and began to set matters straight. They had found their way back to the Jesus Path and were leaving the false teachers behind.

But Paul was not naïve. He knew the Corinthians, how easily they could be swayed by a little eloquent boasting. So, unseemly as it was, Paul decided he needed to boast a little himself. He had to get grubby like those disgusting false teachers so that the Corinthians would hear him.

But whereas they boasted in their prowess, he boasted only in his weaknesses and infirmity, so that his boasting in the Lord might resound all that much more clearly. Just as Jesus lowered Himself to come among us for our salvation, all the while refraining from sin, so Paul lowered himself, without compromising his faith, to defend the Corinthians from the lies of the devil. When we truly love people, we’ll do whatever we can to help them know the joy of walking the Jesus Path.

Treasures Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
“If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity” (2 Cor. 11.30).

Most people try to cover their weaknesses. They surely do not boast in them.

But we should consider this infirmity-boasting mode of ministry as one that has great merit.

If we are always victorious, where do we gain the comfort to comfort others? “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1.3-5).

If we don’t have infirmities, how can we boast in them? “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness’. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12.9).

If we are not weak, why would we need a strong Savior? “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12.10).

If we graciously own our weaknesses, then we can boast like Paul did, in the strength and comfort of the Lord Jesus.

Consider David, who wrote a whole poem recounting the occasion when, out of fear, he behaved like a madman (1 Sam. 21.10-15). Not really a day to write home about; but he was able to glorify God, even through that embarrassing situation:
“I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
the humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt His name together” (Ps. 34.1-3).

True humility demands we boast in weaknesses for the sake of others.
For “When we truly love people, we’ll do whatever we can to help them know the joy of walking the Jesus Path.”

For reflection
1. Have you prayed lately about your weaknesses? How did you pray?

2. Why is it important that we admit our weaknesses, especially to the Lord?

3. Whom will you encourage today to help them grow strong in their walk with and work for the Lord?

It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord; yet prudence must direct in what it is needful to do things which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11.16-21

Pray Psalm 46.4-11.
Seek the grace of God for this day, and be ready to do whatever it takes to care for the souls of His people. Talk of His works and let your work refract His joy into your Personal Mission Field.

Sing Psalm 46.4-11.
(St. Chrysostom: We Have Not Known Thee As We Ought)
God’s everlasting, joyous grace gladdens the city where He dwells.
Safely in Him, we will not be moved; when morning dawns, His love will be proved.
Fears and distresses Jesus dispels for His beloved, chosen race.

Kingdoms arise and rage and roar, threat’ning the earth with sore distress.
Nations may fall, earth melt away, His Word is yet our hope and stay.
God is among us, ever to bless; He is our stronghold evermore.

Come see the works of God’s Right Hand! He breaks the nations of the earth,
shatters their foolish weapons and pride, sets all their sinful strength aside.
Them He will show His infinite worth as they before His judgment stand.

Rest in the LORD and be at peace, all who are mired in sore travail.
Lift up our God, praise Jesus our Lord; proclaim to all the earth His Word!
God is our stronghold, never to fail; thus may our hope and joy increase!

T. M. and Susie Moore 

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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter, available by clicking here.