120. 2CO 12:10. WEAKNESS, STRENGTH
2Co_12:10. Weakness, Strength
"When I am weak, then am I strong."’972Co_12:10.
The chapter contains the apostle Paul’s very peculiar experience. He refers to his glorious revelation; ver. 1, &c.: to its unspeakable nature, and the dangerous effects it was calculated to produce; ver. 3 to 7. Then he dwells on the remedy God graciously appointed; ver. 8 to 10. Then states his own approval and satisfaction with it, and assigns, as a reason, the declaration of the text: "For when I am weak, then am I strong." The apostle does not mean, that real weakness can possibly be strength; but, that a consciousness of our weakness is at all times our best security, and therefore our strength.
Observe,
I. A reference to experienced weakness.
"When I am weak." The Christian is often so weak, that,
1. He is unable to do what he ought.
He ought to devote all he is, and all he has, to God. God has an undivided claim upon him, and upon him every moment But how often is duty neglected or imperfectly performed! How often is he languid’97flesh weak’97evil present, &c.! He is often so weak,
2. That he does not perform what he desires and purposes to do.
He purposes and desires to watch; but, ike the disciples, he slumbers. He is bold and determined; but afterwards follows afar off. He resolves to go to death with Christ, and if he does not deny him, yet he is not found near his cross. He groans in this tabernacle, being burdened. He is so weak, 3 That his best efforts are distinguished by frailty and imperfection.
Prayers often lifeless’97no relish, no appetite, no liberty of speech. Praises listless and formal. He reads, but scarcely understands; hears, but does not retain the word; labors, but effects little; fights, but often beats the air; runs, but makes little advancement in the course. He is so weak,
4. That his enjoyments are often limited and languid.
Hope beclouded; love like the dying embers of the expiring fire; faith weak; soul discouraged; breasts of consolation dry. Now, this state of mind is not joyous, or desirable in itself; but still, it is always better to know and be fully conscious of our weakness, than to be shorn of our strength, and clumber in ignorance of it. And this leads us to notice, that the text contains,
II. A declaration of conscious strength.
"When I am weak, then am I strong." Now, a knowledge of our weakness leads to the possession of strength, inasmuch,
1. As it produces feelings of vigilance and fear.
"Blessed is the man who feareth always." Such a one will not rush into danger, parley with temptation, &c. It is when we imagine that we are strong, that we are in imminent peril. Thus it was with Sampson, Job, David, Peter, &c. A sense of weakness,
2. Leads us to seek help from God, and thus we are strong.
Striking case in Jehoshaphat, 2Ch_20:12. The sinking man cries for help; the lost traveller cries aloud for direction. In this way the believer stands upon the immutable Rock of Ages; and thus, God is his strong tower, and stronghold in the day of trouble.
3. A consciousness of our weakness gives us an interest in many great and precious promises.
God has promised to carry the weak lambs in his bosom; not to break the bruised reed, &c., not to leave, nor forsake, but to bear in his arms; to hold in his hand; to protect, as the apple of his eye; to comfort, as a mother comforteth her only son, &c. In the happy realization of these promises, the Christian finds God’s grace sufficient for him; God’s strength made perfect in his weakness He, therefore, glories in infirmities, and feels the force of the text: "When I am weak, then am I strong."
Application
1. Let us cultivate an intimate knowledge of our weakness and infirmities. 2. Seek strength from God. "In all things, by prayer and supplication," &c. 3. Lay ourselves out for usefulness. By this means we shall become the subjects of that promise: "Unto him that hath, (and who improveth it,) shall be given more abundantly." 4. Let the inquiring sinner turn to the stronghold for succor and salvation.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS