GRACE > WEAKNESS: YOU CAN’T OUTRUN THE GRACE OF GOD

2 Corinthians 12:1-11; see through 2 Corinthians 10-13

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; and that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.”  Hebrews 12:15 ESV

OPENING: What are your weaknesses?  Do you tend to hide your weaknesses or brag about them?

TEXT: Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-11 slowly and in different translations.  Read the full context later this week.

1. Paul is having to defend his apostleship and his love for the Corinth church.  Have you ever been put into a situation where you have had to defend your position or love for someone/something?  How did you do it, did it work and what did God teach you through that experience?

2. Do you have a balanced approach to your strengths and weaknesses?  Why do you think Paul chose to boast in his weaknesses vs. his strengths?  How has or how could God display his grace in your weakness? Do you believe this; GRACE > WEAKNESS?  What are some examples of weaknesses that some Christians have to deal with?  What was Paul’s weakness?

3. What do you tend to see as your thorn in the flesh?  Have you been able to see the possible purpose behind the thorn?  What is the difference between a thorn and weakness, or are they the same thing?  Why do you think Paul decided to stop praying for relief from the thorn? Are you willing to stop praying for relief from your thorn?  How would your life be different if you stop fighting against your thorn and pursued God’s grace for the thorn?

4. Fill in the blank, GRACE > (with what you consider to be your weakness).  Solve the equation, GRACE >/< (on how you live with your weakness).  How would your life be better if you viewed God’s grace > whatever weakness you possess?  What are the barriers in life that keep us from believing God’s grace is greater than?

5. DIG DEEPER: What does Paul want us to know about weakness (see 10:7-11; 11:28-33; 12:8-11; 13:1-4; 13:8-10)?  What do these passages teach us about grace? How would Paul compare grace with strength/power? What are some of your obstacles in turning your weakness into a vehicle of God’s grace and power?  Why do we tend to hide our weaknesses rather than allowing God to use them for his grace and glory?

6. The Corinth church had a problem with bragging and boasting about their spiritual gifts and experiences.  What is the problem with boasting about our spiritual experiences? They boasted about super apostles who could do signs and wonders.  What does the modern church boast about? What is the thorn facing HCC that we need to embrace to keep us humble as a church?

NEXT STEP: Confess your false pride and pray for humility.  Talk and pray about your thorn/weakness until you can fully appreciate the purpose behind your thorn/weakness and be strong in the Lord.