"Grace in Weakness" - a sermon on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

There is something within the human condition that makes us want to push ourselves up. Perhaps it’s the lack of encouragement or recognition by others that motivates us to boast of certain achievements. There is within all of us the struggle for significance in the midst of life’s complexity. Some good souls have found ways of dealing with this. This usually happens through a thorough understanding that we are accepted and valued by God, and have our place reserved in the heavenly kingdom. This gift of grace continues to flow in our direction, changing the way we think about ourselves.

In Paul’s own mind, there were many things he could boast about, if he was so inclined. Paul had experienced a magnificent revelation of God’s presence on the Damascus road, which others clearly had not. Paul had also gained necessary knowledge and understanding about the ways of God, not from teachers or books, but directly from God. Paul too had seen much success in planting new churches across the known world. Yet we see Paul’s uneasiness about such boasting in the opening verses of 2^nd Corinthians chapter 12. This does read though as a real-life struggle with himself, which you can understand given all the opposition he faced – people who denied Paul’s credibility and apostleship.

Wanting to establish himself as a true apostle, Paul seems quite tempted to boast away, but has enough reserve to do so in quite moderate terms. He talks about his own personal experiences in the third person, as if it were someone else. Against the urge to do so, Paul has come to see boasting about what may appear to be human achievements as inappropriate and counter-productive. Why??? Firstly, such experiences and achievements could have only been made possible by God. Secondly, Paul, on the basis of many of his other writings, seeks primarily to draw attention to God, and give God the glory, not himself. Boasting in any way would certainly counteract this goal!

And thirdly, Paul was well aware of his weaknesses; and to boast too heavily in certain areas would set him up for an inevitable fall. If one puts themselves too much in the spotlight, then it is likely that their weaknesses will find them out! Case in point: the morals campaigner who eventually falls very publicly to their own sexual addiction. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t stand up against wrong behaviour patterns, but it does mean that we need to have a rational understanding of our own fallibilities and vulnerabilities.

We could go on to a fourth reason why boasting is inappropriate and counter-productive. It may only be the admittedly weak (rather than the proud) that can truly empathise with and help others who are weak. Those who have a persona of strength all the time may well have outgrown their usefulness. Paul understood that he would naturally be exposed from time to time in his weakness, so therefore should not present himself as anything special (purely in his own self). We sometimes hear Paul defending his credentials, but this was always in the context of what God was seeking to achieve through him.

Like all of us, Paul would have had various points of vulnerability that he had to be careful about. We read in verse 7 about Paul’s famous “thorn in the flesh”. Much discussed and debated this has been, with no clear consensus on what this particular issue was! It is often thought that Paul had significant problems with his eyesight, debilitating him in many ways, upsetting his travel plans, and causing him to need a scribe to write his letters down for him. Other suggestions are: that Paul had a speech impediment or another type of physical disability; or a persistent illness like epilepsy or malaria; or a propensity toward anxiety and depression; or he experienced persistent temptation in some form. We do know though that the use of the Greek word generally translated “thorn” suggests a resulting frustration or aggravation, which could in turn, if not properly handled, lead to self-pity and embitterment.

The fact that Paul didn’t specifically identify his “thorn in the flesh” allows the reader to factor in their own particular ‘weakness’. This then also allows the reader to identify closely with how Paul resolves this situation in his own mind. Whatever the problem was, Paul initially wanted to be rid of it (refer verse 8). Paul thought that he would be way more effective in his mission work without this “thorn in the flesh” continually afflicting him. So naturally he asked, and he asked, and he asked God again to take this thing away; and I’m sure he would have been hopeful, even confident, of a positive response … but no result!

Put yourself in Paul’s shoes. Think of something you may have sincerely prayed for … with seemingly no result. There are feelings of frustration, and doubts arise as to whether God really loves us as much as we had always thought was the case. What can we say to this? Is God less than what we have said God is?? Or can we accept the proposition that God actually knows better than we do about our lives and our needs? This would be so through God’s own loving creation of us and deep knowledge of how we are put together. And if this is so, then God can surely be trusted with whatever determinations he makes concerning our particular weaknesses.

Like it was in Paul’s case, it just could be that we will be better off in the long run for this prayer being answered in the negative. Because we will be able to persist through our weakness, our faith and usefulness will grow far more than would have otherwise been the case. And God will be far more likely to get the glory, which is a large part of what we are here for! Also, only God sees the big-picture of how our particular humanness will interact redemptively with other distinct humanness. As mentioned earlier, it does take certain experiences of vulnerability to truly engage and support others in their similar vulnerabilities.

We don’t know how long Paul took to make his big discovery … in the text it’s all over in the space of two verses. We don’t know how long he dwelt in disappointment. But when this great discovery was made – it became absolutely plain and clear to Paul. It was as if God had said the words directly … “My grace is sufficient for you”. God declares that the love, compassion, mercy and enabling that he is bringing into Paul’s life, and our life, will cover all the need that will surface in our lifetime and beyond! God’s grace will continually empower the willing servant in their weakness such that God will be revealed. Being willing to bring our weakness to the mission table, offers a place in which God can work. And the one who so commits themselves, will certainly know that God is working through them.

Because Paul was so concerned about this “thorn in the flesh”, it was likely to be something noticeable by others – that might tend to attract scorn, or in Paul’s mind detract from the delivery of his gospel message. It could have been that Paul’s opponents were using this obvious weakness to deny Paul’s God-given authority. So Paul took the opportunity to explain that God’s approval did not lie with human strength, but rather with evidence that God was active within human weakness. The basis of Paul’s ministry would ultimately be that God was working (with great effect) through him – a mortal, fallible human being. It is such transparency and openness that really displays integrity and builds credibility.

It seems from verse 7b that Paul even came to the view that this so-called “thorn in the flesh” (or this particular vulnerability) was actually deliberately placed within him for his own good – so that he would not become “too elated”. We might notice some similarity to what was allowed to happen to Job (where a significant test is placed upon a righteous person). In Paul’s case, this is to prevent the possibility of a more problematical weakness, that of becoming too prideful and full of his own achievements (very tempting when, like Paul, one’s successes are great).

So one weakness by design was there to offset another weakness (that perhaps would otherwise develop through the course of life). This again highlights that our achievements in life are designed to point towards nothing other than God’s glory! Sometimes we need to feel vulnerable and weak before we fully put our trust in God. Feeling content in our own capacities blocks the path to God-centredness. As Paul Barnett comments, “The ‘thorn’ also kept Paul pinned close to the Lord, in trust and confidence”. We see here (in verses 7-8) how intimately and purposefully God can work in our lives!!

This is not to say of course that we are unconcerned about our weaknesses, nor should we be apathetic about our spiritual growth. It’s just that we do not allow them to discourage, imprison or divert us from becoming what God wants us to be. Rather than have our weaknesses disappear overnight, the very process of working on them, bearing with them, ministering through them, being disciplined around them, will bring us the best and most permanent sort of results. This includes developing greater endurance and patience. Important … because even bigger tests may be around the corner – “insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities” (v.10).

As this passage concludes, Paul seems grateful for God’s non-intervention – now he even more so feels a recipient of God’s grace on a daily basis. Any “boasting” will be directed towards the great things God is doing despite the servant’s weakness. “Strength” is seen to be defined, not in humans terms, but by the extent to which Jesus is evident in a person’s life. Such humility and trust brings results for God’s Kingdom. There is also great freedom in knowing that good outcomes are not dependent solely on our capabilities, but more so on our availability to walk with Jesus.

Words of Grace (part two)

Preparation for grace-giving speech:

1.       GOOD LISTENING

Proverbs 18:13 – If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame [or, stupid and offensive].

Good listening helps us understand how a person is feeling about a particular situation. Good listening begins the process through which we may be able to offer appropriate and targeted encouragement. Also, good physical attentiveness and eye-contact help the other person feel valued and safe.

Are there barriers to good listening? You cannot listen while you are talking (or are otherwise distracted). And to interrupt someone (or change the subject) is often to destroy the moment (a moment that can never be regained). You cannot listen while you think that you already have the answer. You cannot listen while tuned into your own agenda. You cannot help while focussed on yourself.

2.       EMPATHY

Proverbs 10:19 – When words are many, transgression is not lacking; but the prudent are restrained in speech.

Good listening and attending leads to developing an empathy with a person, such that we begin to enter their level of need, feel their hurt, and start to feel properly engaged in the support process. This is a compassion based on understanding. A foundation of trust then starts to build. Empathy also involves accepting that God loves this other person just as much as he loves you, and that God wants to love this person through you. Remembering just how much God has had to forgive us, humbles us sufficiently for us to be open to help others. We may need to visualise Jesus loving this other person from the cross.

Sometimes empathy will come down to the statement of Romans 12:15 … Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Silence – a mutual state of being ‘lost-for-words’ can also be relationship building.

Are there certain barriers to empathy developing? Jumping to conclusions, judgemental attitudes, denying the right of someone to their feelings, ‘black-and-white’ solutions to ‘grey’ problems.

3.       GOD AWARENESS

Proverbs 12:18 – Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

As we listen we can reflect on God’s presence with us and seek God’s special insight … ‘O Lord, how can I respond wisely to this’?  Again, this may centre on seeing the person as God sees them – developing positives about this person and what they can become with Jesus on their side. God sees this person as valuable … ’So how can I assist this person to feel that way’? God’s Spirit is available to us as an ‘inner voice’ (as we successfully clear our mind of other thoughts); and this will help us understand with more clarity and respond with more wisdom. We need to rehearse the reality of God’s presence being with us! [See also Philippians 2:13.] In this way our sharing becomes a deeply prayerful experience.

Are there barriers to having God awareness? Having lost touch with God ourselves. [See also Philippians 2:12.]

4.       GENTLE SUGGESTIONS

Proverbs 25:11 – A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

We now might cautiously be in a position to offer some insight and fresh perspectives that bring some new hope towards resolution and moving forward. We can also offer encouragement concerning the strengths and successes of the past to aid courage for the future.

5.       MUTUAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Proverbs 15:23 – To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word in season, how good it is!

As trust continues to build, there is a more natural sharing of weaknesses and strengths. Conversations develop toward a mutual giving and receiving of feedback and support. One can hardly tell who was the original encourager and who was the original recipient [of encouragement]. Grace has flowed forth.

Poem: “How Do You Listen?” (Unknown author)

Please listen when I talk, but don’t only listen with your ears, because if you do,

you might not hear all I’m saying, for I do not only talk with my mouth.

Listen with your eyes – look at me – watch me.

My actions may be saying more than my words.

You must listen with your eyes because I speak with my eyes.

My eyes are the mouthpieces of my inner self.

The inner me is the real me, the me you need to know.

Listen with your mouth – I need to know you are hearing me,

that you are interested – that you care.

Most of all listen to me with your heart, for I talk mainly with my heart.

My voice might say, “How are you, what are you doing?”

And your ears may hear this – but my heart might be yelling, “Ask me how I am?”

Get me to talk. I need to talk.

If you don’t listen with your heart you won’t hear, and I’ll be afraid to really talk to you.

But if you will listen with your heart you will hear,

And I will talk and you will listen,

And the rainbow will seem to have more colour.

Words of Grace (part one)

Our key text is Ephesians 4:29.

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.

My interest is grabbed by the last phrase – the very notion of grace-bearing words. For it is to the grace of God that we are witnesses. This is the purpose of our lives now – to pass on an experience of God’s grace.

But first, how would you define “evil talk”?? The Greek word here means “rotten and decaying”.

·         Corrupt, unwholesome, unhealthy, uncaring, worthless, harsh … that which is negative, discouraging, aggravating, abusive, destructive … leading to psychological injury, pain and suffering

·         Obscenities, lies, (idle) gossip, put-downs

Once spoken, any such “evil talk” takes on a life of its own – it can be forgiven, but it cannot be unspoken. Such “evil talk” can destroy relationships, turn neighbour against neighbour, even nation against nation.

Old saying: “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me” – NOT TRUE!

Proverbs 15:4 – A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit – VERY TRUE!

Frustration easily builds, and often pours out the mouth. Things happen every day that draw angry responses. There are excuses, and there is forgiveness. Yet there is also a responsibility we bear to others, a cause – the Kingdom cause, our ‘set apartness’ for God’s purposes, the companionship of the Holy Spirit – the fact that we have received God’s grace. We need to think about expressing God’s love in the same way as we are receiving it! This is what I was made for … this is what I’ve been redeemed for!

Even those people seen to be in acting in deep ‘darkness’ need to be shown grace. The book of James also famously warns us to be careful and consistent when it comes to our tongue. If we use our tongue as a tool through which to praise God, we should not use this same tool to curse others (James 3:9-10). To “curse” others in this context means to depreciate their value; and this takes in all those “who are made in the likeness of God” i.e. everyone. To praise and to curse with the same mouth is hypocrisy – the two things do not go together.

So, “evil talk” is to be eliminated, so that there is only words for “building up” others, and giving “grace” to those who hear.

We talked last week about the concept of “building up” others. This means to: encourage, stimulate, lift people up towards their [God-given] potential.

Ephesians 4:29 takes this further into the area of grace-sharing. The idea here is that we become channels through which God’s grace is reflected or revealed.

How can our words give grace i.e. God’s grace?? How can our speech be grace-bearing i.e. represent, indicate, offer a measure of God’s love and mercy?? After Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue and had attributed the fulfillment of that prophecy to himself, we read: All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth (Luke 4:22). As Jesus-followers and recipients of God’s grace, we are, by definition, grace-bearers. How can this become part of our everyday conversational patterns??

To be continued …

Grace brings Encouragement

Ephesians 2:10 says: For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. We are thus looking at how we can “live by grace”, that is, demonstrate in our daily living the impact on us of God’s love and mercy.

Life continually has its challenges, and sometimes we struggle for answers to deal with certain of these challenges or decisions to be made. As individuals we often desperately need the input of others into our lives, as we travel down somewhat unfamiliar roads. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 … Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

To “encourage” is to give courage to! To “encourage” is to bring out and develop the good capacities that lie deep within a person. Then, on occasions where people feel jaded or stale or bored with their jobs or lives (or even in their roles at church), the role of the encourager is to ‘stimulate’ new interest, enthusiasm and growth. Dr Allen Meyer speaks of “encouragement” as being the “oxygen that fuels learning”.

How do we build up each other? This seems to suggest much more than just being courteous and sociable, and more than just supporting someone out of a ‘hole’. ‘Building up others’ suggests that we work to lift people up higher … right up into their [God-given] potential. We sense their need, draw alongside them, hear their pain, enter their suffering, creatively guide them forward – thus building their gifts and capacities.

Later, 1 Thessalonians 5:14 seems to address a very real church situation: And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. This does bring a wider application of the notion of ‘building people up’ than we may have had originally. There are those who may be starting from a very low base … those described as “faint-hearted” – lacking courage and committed decision-making … and those described as “weak” – which probably suggests those that are particularly vulnerable or lack moral fibre. These ones could also have suffered badly and been discouraged in the past (through various bereavements, hurts and abuses).

Such people are to be consoled, supported, guided and helped … with all patience! With all patience … because such ones may not be easily able to recognise encouragement, having not experienced much in the past. They may not be highly developed in Bible knowledge, nor have had many victories over temptation, and have found themselves easily swayed in the past. Yet they remain precious people to be nurtured. In a way, we share, at least for a period, a measure of our strength to compensate for their weakness or lack of courage.

In this ways knees previously lacking firm foundations can become unbuckled, soft touches of comfort untwists the stomach, and offers of experience, learning and [Divine] wisdom can see shoulders no longer hunched. In the process of being encouraged and built up, people can again access their value to God and affirm their unique calling, being more prepared to try new things. At the same time, their faith seems to be strengthening, trust issues are being resolved, confidence grows, relationships become easier, and they are generally becoming more spiritually enriched.

Then there are those described as “idlers”, where we see a whole different style of encouragement mentioned. These “idlers” are likely to have been favoured by many advantages, including good teaching and pastoral care – yet ‘sit’ on these as if they were only for personal advantage. The type of encouragement required here is termed “admonishment” – i.e. setting such people straight, giving them a reality check, even a calling to account; giving them a good dose of Ephesians 2:10. Of course, any such ‘admonishment styled encouragement’ toward “idlers” must be approached both prayerfully and humbly, lest anyone become embittered.

Often people think that the church’s mission is to deal with all the various individual needs that crop up (most particularly their own); but this is such a small part of the church’s true mission of bringing God’s grace to the whole world. Often people’s desires and needs can only truly be addressed and resolved as they get out of themselves and become fully involved with God’s bigger picture. People grow as they actively experience community; as experiments succeed, as people mix like never before, as people together make a difference. And working hand-in-hand toward mutual goals cements community together.

This then takes us to Hebrews 10:24-25 … And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. The last phrase here suggests some urgency and focus! Jesus-followers of the first century believed that Jesus would return quite soon, so therefore we should feel no less urgency.

Then in the first phrase we have that word “provoke”, which often has a negative connotation, but here is clearly directed at a positive outcome. This word could also be translated ‘stimulate, spur, urge, stir’; but with elements of meaning in the original Greek word “paroxysmos” like ‘irritate’ and ‘incite’, “provoke” seems stronger and more appropriate than these. To “provoke” is to act in a way that causes a reaction in others! Leading by personal example, if you like.

There is also the sense here of ‘encouraging in love’, so any “provocative” type behaviour must be done for the right reasons with a good Godly outcome in mind. As “love and good deeds” don’t just happen, and have to be worked at, what about the translation “awaken one another …”, with the idea that “love and good deeds” lie deep within us yet need to be actively drawn out.

But why do you think the concept of “meeting together” and encouragement are linked together here???

Of course the sort of meetings being thought of here is different to how we might think today (primarily in terms of formal worship services). The first century church more met in homes and spontaneously gathered at various times of the week for prayer, study and shared hospitality.

This seems to be about our desires and level of determination to be together … the thought of not missing out on being together (as a local expression of being family of God). This all has to be factored in with responsibilities to family, neighbours, friends and work. Quite complicated sometimes! Yet there seems to be a question here of where our heart is.

Ø  We are being reminded that the practice of encouragement is impossible from any distance!!

Ø  Also there is here the notion that the dynamic of mutual encouragement is best, where we lean on each other mutually according to our particular and varying weaknesses and strengths!!!

Reflecting on God's Grace from Ephesians 2:1-10

God’s grace is a magnificent thing. God’s grace is generally defined as God’s unmerited (or unearned) favour. The word “favour” here suggests that God is ‘for us’, that God is on our side, and that God wants the best for us … God is barracking for us. In ‘barracking’ for us or ‘supporting our cause’, God is seeking to connect with us, and form a relationship with us; because without God – we will always be less than we could have been. In short, God loves us … in an outgoing, relational and caring way.

Grace being God’s “unmerited (or unearned)” favour, means that we cannot do anything ourselves to earn or merit God’s love and favour; for God has loved us completely and unconditionally from the moment of our creation. God has deemed us worthy recipients of his love purely because we have been given human life. Thus there is nothing we can do to make God love us anymore; or indeed love us any less! While, our sins and misdeeds and self-centredness are not proper responses to God’s love, this does not at all stop God loving us.

The most important part of God’s grace is the mercy he offers, even when God has been personally offended, which leads to our forgiveness and salvation. The fact that God is so merciful and forgiving, should lead us to be forgiving people who seek reconciliation wherever possible. God’s grace is a revolutionary concept that can lead to all sorts of improved outcomes and fulfilled hopes.

Let us read again that great statement about God’s grace contained in Ephesians 2:4-9. How does grace operate?? God, whose desire to be in relationship with us goes higher and wider and longer than any of the fallout from our sins, reaches out to us in love and mercy, and offers us Jesus as an object of faith and source of salvation. Receiving this offer of forgiveness and salvation gives us a new experience of life empowered by Jesus’ own resurrection from death. As our inclinations toward the sinful life die with Jesus on the cross, we are raised into an eternal association with Jesus and a new purposeful way of life. This new life orientation is beautifully described in verse 10. And this very point will be the subject of future messages.

But let’s return to the state affairs that God’s grace seeks to address (as described in verses 1-3). The perpetual pattern of doing the wrong thing by others, yourself, and God, leads to a living death. Ultimately this life is on a hopeless trend of hurting many, especially oneself. There might be certain occasional ‘highs’, but these never lead to any substantial happiness or well-being. There are two factors here; and they are pretty stark and shocking! One is the self-centredness that leads to no other concern than the immediate gratification of the desires of the “flesh” – meaning feeling good in the moment, in personal control, and feeling dominant over others. This is a selfishness that ignores most needs of other people. This is following a pattern in complete opposition to the God who encompasses kindness and sacrifice.

Then secondly there is the tendency to just follow a whim, or simply float down the path that others take, or just do (and say) what everybody else does (without any proper critique); or as Ephesians puts it, “… following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air”. This is uncritically or uncaringly cooperating with a society (or a social value-system) which is functioning without reference to God (and often in opposition to God); and then ultimately, albeit subtly (or even unconsciously) becoming captive to it. This is often a prevailing culture heavily influenced by materialism, commercial advertising and greed, and one preferring simplistic black-and-white solutions to complex human problems.

The only thing that has any chance of turning all this around is a gift of grace. A desperate problem requires a radical solution! Many people try superficial remedies hoping that these will release them. Some Christians will try to use shock tactics on others, but the threat of judgment or punishment only raises fear. It is only “grace” that truly offers the hope of new opportunity. It is true that God desires justice and purity, and God could be angry about all sorts of earthly abuses (v.3b), but we read in verse 4 where God’s emphasis and wealth of character really lies … in his “mercy”. God’s mercy is vast! God’s mercy forgives sin, removes guilt and delivers from shame. God’s mercy breaks the cycle of negativity and the bondage to evil (‘slavery to sin’).

What a great outcome this richness in “mercy” can bring about when it is gratefully and fully received (refer  verses 6-7). These verses seem to depict a new quality of life in the here and now … true life … that anticipates our eternal life in heaven. And it will be a life lived that brings due attention to God, and displays God’s inexhaustible availability to transform the human condition. True life has a peace and a calm attached to it, also displaying joy, courage and endurance, as well as a natural concern for the well-being of others. Leonard T Wolcott writes: When our lives become pure agencies of God’s love, the world knows it is in the presence of the living God.

So, how do we live by “grace”?? What are the elements of “grace” that orient our lives??

·         Considering our shortcomings

·         Receiving God’s forgiveness, and accepting we are forgiven – as Charles Swindoll puts it, “[Grace] silences guilt and removes self-imposed shame”

·         Forgiving others

·         Seeking to grow into the image/likeness of Jesus

·         Worship, prayer, involvement in Christian community & witness

·         Serving others (doing good works … v.10).

Now, as we well know, God’s gift of “grace” is for all. If only people would hear about this “grace”, see this “grace” lived out, and experience this “grace” for themselves. Then there whole lives can be turned around. Some people need to be turned around just a little, and have their lives redefined by God’s character. Others need a total turnabout, so that their downward spiral can be halted. God’s grace is up to either job! From the extreme of behaving in completely self-destructive ways through to the possibility of just wasting our lives altogether, Jesus can put us back on track. God’s grace can transform the broken elements of personal lives into something beautiful, as yet another example of God’s own creative glory!