2Cor11:18-30 Boast of My Weakness
(Please see PDF link below)
# Boast of My Weakness ## 2 Corinthians 11:18-30 >>> 29 May 2016, ECBC English and Bridge --- # Q: What are you
most **proud** of? # Why? >>> In life, where you are right now
Treasure, most prized, boast --- ## Threat of the Charlatans *
ch10:
The Spiritual **Battleground** *
ch11a:
Lost Your **First Love** *
ch11b:
Paul's Boast: **Weakness** in Ministry *
ch12a:
Paul's Boast: Spiritual Weakness: + My **Grace** Is Sufficient *
ch12b:
As **Parents** for Their Own Children >>> ch10-12, the last major threat to the church in 2Cor: **boastful false apostles**. --- ## The Spiritual Battleground (2Cor10) * Pastor Arthur, "
Corinth and Beyond
" *
1-6:
We **fight** not according to flesh *
7-11:
Apostolic **authority** for building up *
12-18:
**Measured** by God's canon >>> + missions focus, armor of God + letters weighty + in person unimpressive --- ## Lost Your First Love (2Cor11a) * Pastor Phil, "
What Impresses You?
" *
1-6
(You): corrupted away from **simple devotion** *
7-11:
(We): kept ourselves **unburdensome** *
12-15:
(They): **masquerading** as apostles >>> Not: personality cults / celebrities
Back to: simple devotion to Christ --- ## My Grace Is Sufficient (2Cor12) * Brother Sunday (next week) *
1-4:
**Pride** in God's revelation + Visions of heaven *
5-8:
**Humbled** by God's hand + Thorn in the flesh *
9-10:
Power perfected in **weakness** *
11-21:
As **parents** for their own children >>> When we become puffed up,
God humbles us to
Teach us to rely on His grace --- ## Boast of My Weakness (2Cor11b) 1. **Charlatans**
(v18-21a)
2. **Credentials**
(v21b-22)
3. **Crises**
(v23-27)
4. **Concern**
(v28-30)
>>> Outline for today 1. Threat is boastful false apostles + And Corinthians' complacency 2. Paul meets their credentials, to deflate them + Show Corinthians not to be impressed by credentials 3. Paul exceeds them, not in strength but weakness + Normal Christian life is full of hardship and suffering 4. Burden not only physical, also spiritual + emotional + Paul's concern as a father to his children --- ## 2 Corinthians 11:18-21a (NIV)
Since many are **boasting** in the way the world does,
**I too** will boast.
You gladly **put up** with fools since you are so **wise**!
[You: Corinthians]
In fact, you even put up with anyone
who **enslaves** you
or **exploits** you or **takes advantage** of you
or puts on **airs** or **slaps** you in the face.
[They: Charlatans]
To my shame I admit that we were too **weak** for that!
[We: Christ's servants]
>>> They, You, We --- ## 1a. They: Charlatans (20)
* "**Enslaves**" + e.g., to legalism, [Gal4:9](https://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gal4.9) * "**Exploits**" *(eat, swallow)* + c.f. [Mk12:40](https://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mk12.40) * "**Takes advantage**" *(take)* + c.f. [2Cor12:16](https://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Cor12.16) * "**Puts on airs**" *(raise up)* + c.f. [2Cor10:5](https://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Cor10.5) * "**Slaps in face**" *(strike)*
![Madrazo, Jesus in House of Annas](https://sermons.seanho.com/img/fig/Madrazo-Jesus_in_Annas_House.jpg)
[José de Madrazo, Jesus in the House of Annas, 1803](https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/jesus-in-the-house-of-annas/)
>>> 1. to legalism, human authority 2. consume resources/money (cf widows) 3. capture in net, trick 4. elevates self 5. deride, insult, humiliate --- ## 1b. You: Corinthians (19)
* "You are so **wise**!" + pride in own judgment * "**Put up** with fools" + failure to restrain * "**Gladly**": with pleasure, delight
![Gandhara Buddha, Tokyo National Museum](https://sermons.seanho.com/img/fig/Gandhara_Buddha.jpg)
[Standing Buddha, Tokyo National Museum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_Buddha)
>>> 1. Proud of own judgment 2. Endure, accept: inaction + Jam4:16-17, boast in arrogance; not do right 3. Delight + Doctrinal liberality as virtue + Everyone has a voice * (img: Buddha, 1st c. AD, Tokyo National Museum) --- ## 1c. We: Christ's servants (18, 21a)
* "To my **shame**" (irony!) * "We were too **weak**" + c.f. v23-28 * "Boasting [as] the **world**" + according to **flesh** * "**I too** will boast" + but not in the same way + boasts of **weakness**!
![Rembrandt, Apostle Paul](https://sermons.seanho.com/img/fig/Rembrandt-Apostle_Paul.jpg)
[Rembrandt, Apostle Paul, 1657](http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/Collection/art-object-page.1198.html)
>>> 1. Dishonour: Corinthians ashamed of Paul 2. Content of boast 3. Corinthians were **impressed** by the boasting * Not **stooping** to their level, but + **Deflating** their claims + Bring Corinthians back to **simple devotion** --- ## 1. Charlatans (18-21a)
Since many are **boasting** in the way the world does,
**I too** will boast.
You gladly **put up** with fools since you are so **wise**!
[You: Corinthians]
In fact, you even put up with anyone
who **enslaves** you
or **exploits** you or **takes advantage** of you
or puts on **airs** or **slaps** you in the face.
[They: Charlatans]
To my shame I admit that we were too **weak** for that!
[We: Christ's servants]
>>> Review pt1: + They proudly **abuse** you + You **endure** it and even delight in your liberality + We **deflate** the illusion + boast in our **weakness** + personality cult: drawn to powerful people + Jobs + 1Cor1:12-13 Paul, Apollo + mom+son follow me + JMS --- ## Providence (JMS)
For further reading: * [Apologetics Index](http://www.apologeticsindex.org/416-jung-myung-seok) * [A Study of Denominations](http://www.astudyofdenominations.com/denominations/providence/) * [JMSCult](http://jmscult.com/)
![JMS, from their own website](https://sermons.seanho.com/img/fig/jungmyungseok.png)
>>> Jung Myung Seok (Joshua) + splinter from Unification church ("Moonies") + numerology: Messiah + "always smile": life is good, hardship is only mental + Love Principle: Eve fell due to sex; women redeemed via sex w/JMS + in jail in Korea since 2009, 3 counts rape (100s of accusations) + "religious injustice", "persecuted Christians" --- # Q: Are you **passive**
when you hear
**false teachers**? >>> **Pride** in own achievements should be a red flag --- ## Boast of My Weakness (2Cor11b) 1. *Charlatans* (v18-21a) 2. **Credentials**
(v21b-22)
3. *Crises* (v23-27) 4. *Concern* (v28-30) >>> Paul starts his "undertaking of boasting" (17) by **matching**, and hence **deflating**, their credentials --- ## 2 Corinthians 11:21b-22 (NIV) Whatever anyone else **dares** to boast about --
I am speaking as a **fool** --
**I also** dare to boast about. Are they **Hebrews**? So am I.
Are they **Israelites**? So am I.
Are they **Abraham’s descendants**? So am I. >>> *dare*: bold, brash, unashamed
Paul knows boasting is foolishness + 12:1 no profit + 11:16 deem him not a fool --- ## 2. Credentials * Paul **matches** the charlatans' credentials: * "
Hebrews
": **nationality** + Preserve language / culture * "
Israelites
": **theocracy** + Preserve covenant with God * "
Abraham's descendants
": **Messianic right** + Preserve hope of eternal inheritance >>> + Deflate prestige of charlatans + 12:11 no less, but also nothing + (Jam1:9-10 poor/rich boast in high/low) --- ## Philippians 3:4b-5 (NIV) If someone else thinks they have reasons
to put **confidence** in the flesh, I have **more**: **circumcised** on the eighth day, of the people of **Israel**,
of the **tribe** of Benjamin, a **Hebrew** of Hebrews;
in regard to the **law**, a Pharisee; ... --- ## Philippians 3:6-7 (NIV) ... as for **zeal**, persecuting the church;
as for **righteousness** based on the law, faultless. But whatever were **gains** to me
I now consider **loss** for the sake of Christ. >>> v8: count as rubbish (skubalon): horse poop! --- ## Dr. John Sung
![John Sung](https://sermons.seanho.com/img/fig/john_sung.jpg)
![Bethel Evangelistic Band](https://sermons.seanho.com/img/fig/john_sung-Bethel_Evangelistic_Band.jpg)
>>> + b. China, Methodist family + Ohio for undergrad + Ph.D. chemistry, in 5yrs + personal revival at seminary + confined to asylum for half year + where he read Bible 40x + returning to China, threw diplomas overboard + except Ph.D., for dad's sake + cofounded Little Flock (Local Church) with Watchman Nee + with now has its own controversy --- # Q: Do you trust
teachers because of
their **credentials**? >>> Referrals, seminary, mentor Hard work != righteousness Ph.D.only means persistence --- ## Boast of My Weakness (2Cor11b) 1. *Charlatans* (v18-21a) 2. *Credentials* (v21b-22) 3. **Crises**
(v23-27)
4. *Concern* (v28-30) >>> The bulk of Paul's boast is of sufferings experienced in serving Christ. Not his strength to overcome, but God's power when he was overwhelmed --- ## Crises 11:23 (NIV) Are they **servants** of Christ?
(I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am **more**.
I have **worked** much harder,
[Toil, v27]
been in **prison** more frequently,
been **flogged** more severely,
[Beatings, v24-25]
and been exposed to **death** again and again.
[Danger of Death, v26]
>>> + **Exceeds** the charlatans + **not** servants of Christ, but of Satan (11:15) + not about **degrees** of being a servant + Outline of following: + 24-25 Beatings + 26 Danger of death + 27 Toil --- ## Beatings 11:24-25 (NIV) **Five** times I received from the Jews
the forty **lashes** minus one.
**Three** times I was **beaten** with rods,
**once** I was pelted with **stones**, **three** times I was **shipwrecked**,
I spent a night and a day in the open **sea**, I have been constantly on the **move**. >>> + Beatings and floggings + "Not what Paul has **done**, but what he has **bourne** (Robertson) --- ## Danger of Death 11:26 (NIV) I have been in danger from **rivers**, in danger from **bandits**,
in danger from my fellow **Jews**, in danger from **Gentiles**; in danger in the **city**, in danger in the **country**,
in danger at **sea**; and in danger from **false believers**. >>> + Not for **guilt-trip**, thanks, or admiration + Approval comes from **God** (10:18), not man + **Normal** Christian life --- ## Toil 11:27 (NIV) I have **labored** and **toiled**
and have often gone without **sleep**;
I have known **hunger** and **thirst**
and have often gone without **food**;
I have been **cold** and **naked**. >>> + Not typical Chinese **whining**: + Not sufferings overcome by **own** strength + But own **frailty**, inability to overcome + Glory goes to **God**, not self --- ## I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
![map of Assam](https://sermons.seanho.com/img/fig/assam.png)
Assam region of India
![Sadhu Sundar Singh](https://sermons.seanho.com/img/fig/sadhu_sundar_singh.jpg)
[Sadhu Sundar Singh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadhu_Sundar_Singh)
>>> + [(further research)](https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/history-of-hymns-i-have-decided-to-follow-jesus) + story passed through **oral** tradition, details lost + **Garo** tribe, Assam region, NE India (E of Bangladesh) + formerly **head-hunters** + Welsh or English **missionaries**, at great personal cost + first family in village to come to Christ + two sons + wife slain before him, then he was killed + put to music by **Singh**, travelling evangelist in India + gospel of Christ, **culture** of India + Yellow robe of the **sadhu** (ascetic holy man) --- ## 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (NIV) God chose the **foolish** things of the world
to shame the **wise**; God chose the **weak** things of the world
to shame the strong. --- ## 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 (NIV) God chose the **lowly** things of this world
and the **despised** things --
and the things that are **not** --
to nullify the things that **are**, that **no one** may boast before him. --- ## 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (NIV) It is because of him that you are in **Christ Jesus**,
who has become for us **wisdom** from God --
that is, our **righteousness**, **holiness** and **redemption**. Therefore, as it is written:
“Let the one who boasts **boast in the Lord**.” >>> + if we are strong, there's no **room** left for God's work --- # Q: Do you draw others
to Christ through
your **success**,
or your **frailty**? --- ## Boast of My Weakness (2Cor11b) 1. *Charlatans* (v18-21a) 2. *Credentials* (v21b-22) 3. *Crises* (v23-27) 4. **Concern**
(v28-30)
--- ## 2 Corinthians 11:28-30 (NIV)
Besides everything else,
I face daily the pressure of my **concern** for all the churches.
Who is **weak**, and I do not feel **weak**?
Who is led into **sin**, and I do not inwardly **burn**?
If I must boast,
I will boast of the things that show my **weakness**.
>>> + weak: 1Cor12:25-26 parts of body --- Who is led into **sin**,
and I do not inwardly **burn**? >>> + sin (stumble, offense): + Mk14:27, Ro9:32-33 offense at Christ + burn: consumed w/emotion + (1Cor7:9 w/passion) + kid throwing tantrums, deliberate destruction + can force him to be disciplined + but can't force him to repent + feel powerless, indignant + most of all, hurt for him --- ## 1 Corinthians 2:2-3 (NIV) For I resolved to know **nothing** while I was with you
except **Jesus Christ** and him **crucified**. I came to you in **weakness** with great **fear** and trembling. >>> Beginning of our series on 1+2 Cor: + focus not on the preacher but on Jesus --- ## 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV) My message and my preaching were
not with wise and **persuasive words**,
but with a demonstration of the **Spirit’s power**, so that your faith might not rest on **human wisdom**,
but on **God’s power**. >>> + pressure to have it all, do it all + career, family, volunteer, church + when people ask, "always smile!" + not about revelling in sin + but ack we are not strong enough to fight it + not drawing people to ourselves but Christ --- # Q: What are you
most **proud** of? # Why? >>> Kids? Mentorship? Church ministry? "Having it all"? + Are you proud because of **God's** power, + or your **own**? + Paul boasted in his own **weakness** + what about **you**? --- ## 2 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) For [Christ] was **crucified** in weakness,
yet he **lives** by God’s power. Likewise, we are **weak** in him,
yet by **God’s power** we will live with him >>> Even Jesus was weak! + But raised by God's power --- >>> + boasting in Corinthians not foolish + 12:6 speak truth + 10:14 reach Corinthians + 10:8 build up not tear down + boast of Christ's work + Rom15:17-19 Christ's work + 1Th2:19-20 you, our crown + 2Co1:12-14 you are our boast + 2:2-5 boast only in cross: weakness + Gal6:14 only in cross