Freedom in Christ — 4-Week Bible Study
① Our Need for Freedom → ② Christ, the Source of Freedom → ③ Living in Freedom → ④ Freedom that Endures
Day 22 — Freedom in Weakness
Paul recounts his “thorn in the flesh,” explaining how God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:1 - 10
1It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I don't know, or whether out of the body, I don't know; God knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven.
3I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don't know; God knows),
4how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.
6For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me.
7By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.
8Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
10Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
Asaph acknowledges that even when strength fails, God remains his portion forever.
Psalms 73:25 - 26
25Who do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth who I desire besides you.
26My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
God delights to display His strength where we cannot rely on ourselves.
Isaiah 40:28 - 31
28Haven't you known? Haven't you heard? The everlasting God, Yahweh, The Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn't faint. He isn't weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
29He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.
30Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall;
31But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.