Sermon Snippet –The Paradox of Power
INTRODUCTION – The Christian writer G. K. Chesterton defined paradox as “truth standing on its head to get attention.” More prosaically, paradox is something that does not seem to be right but actually is. Verse 10b from today’s text (II Corinthians 12:1-10) is a noted Biblical example: “When I am weak, then am I strong.”
1. CLEARLY, PAUL IS NOT SPEAKING OF WORLDLY POWER
Physical tests of strength, like weightlifting, can empirically measure that type of power. The negative power of compulsion, associated especially with governments, is not as easily calculated, but we know it when we see it. On the personal level, manipulative control of a spouse, other family member, or acquaintance (it is hard to say “friend” in this context) is a particularly despicable form of power. Paul is not talking about these kinds of power.
2. PAUL IS CONSIDERING SPIRITUAL POWER
Paul had a serious medical issue (verse 7). He felt, reasonably enough, that he could be much more effective if his health were not afflicted. One reason for the continuation of this “thorn in the flesh” (we do not know exactly what it was) was to keep Paul from the path of pride (v. 7a – “lest I should be exalted above measure”). I appreciate Paul’s honesty. Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was a noted persecutor of Christians. He thought that he was as strong as a bull, but he was just bullheaded (Acts 9:1-6) – Note especially the change in verse 6b – “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?”). His immediate humility before Jesus is winsome, but Paul knew himself well enough to know that he could revert to his previous ways. Certainly other reasons were in play, as well. For example, Paul preached to many people; some of them, no doubt, were also suffering from chronic medical conditions. Empathy is stronger than sympathy, and the mutual difficulties that he shared with these people created additional opportunities for the furtherance of the Gospel. Since eternal life through faith in Jesus is the most important matter in life, Paul could truthfully state, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (verse 9b). His physical weakness became an integral part of his spiritual strength in sharing the Gospel.
3. PAUL WAS NOT LACKING IN FAITH
Let us briefly consider a heresy popular amongst some. This false teaching states that the only reason that Paul was not healed is that his faith was deficient. One lady once said to me, “His faith was at a low point. Otherwise he would have been healed.” I pointed out that this account is part of God’s Word and is intended to teach all of us about spiritual power. She said, with conviction, “Sometimes the Bible is not enough.” In other words, she was not going to let the Word of God get in the way of what she had chosen to believe. I have commented before on the difference between triumphalism and triumph. Triumphalism, in everyday terms, thinks that it has arrived; it is a form of overrealized eschatology on a personal level. Triumph, conversely, focuses on Who Jesus is and what He has done for us in saving us from our sins. Paul successfully resisted the temptation of triumphalism (“I’ve seen heaven, and you haven’t”) and instead triumphed by accepting the divine limitations placed upon him. He prayed diligently (verse 8) as a man of faith; he received as a man of faith the answer that his “thorn in the flesh” would continue until his death. His response is one of the great statements of faith found in Scripture.
CONCLUSION – Only when we know that we are “weak” and cannot save ourselves for all eternity are we ready to receive the salvation that Jesus offers. His strength is absolute and mighty to save. May each one of us be certain that our faith is solely and squarely in Jesus, and may we continue to reject the world’s way, including the world’s wrong assessment of power.