Weakness and Fear: The Strength of a Christian

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-30-2025

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  The Apostle Paul. One of the greatest men found in the New Testament exposes his heart and mind to these carnal Corinthian babes in Christ.  Several times in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit reveals the weakness of the strongest.   Romans 7 exposes Paul’s personal failures, 2 Corinthians 12 exposes his thorn in the flesh to keep him humble in the face of pride, Acts 15 exposes his intolerance for the shortcomings of others with John Mark, and in this chapter, his determination not to use his power and oratory.

 

B.  I find these five verses of great interest and also a help to your pastor. In chapter 1, God prepared a young church for the reproof and rebukes of the remainder of the Book of 1 Corinthians.

 

1. In chapter 2:1-5, I find God preparing the man who will do the reproving and rebuking! A pastor or preacher needs to recognize his faults and failures before preaching to his people about theirs! 

 

2. Before the reproving and rebuking in the remainder of the chapters of 1 Corinthians, the Lord would not allow Paul to rebuke the Corinthians until he fully understood his personal weaknesses. 

 

C.  One of the greatest essentials of Christian service is knowing your limitations and that God has none!  It is so easy to see the sins of others and forget what manner of men we are.  We often place these great men of God on a spiritual pedestal above our ability to attain, instead of seeing that these were just men, such as we are.  These were men who loved the Lord, but were robed in sinful flesh just as you and I. 

 

D.  These five verses expose my heart just as they did Paul’s.  My greatest fear in the ministry is always the pulpit.  I know this sounds bad, but I prepare for preaching and teaching with fear and trembling. 

 

1. I never feel as prepared as I should be. Most of the time, I feel like a failure when I leave the church. I rarely listen to one of my sermons except for a quick check to ensure the sound is right in the live video.

 

2. I am not the great Apostle Paul; I am just a completely human man! I am sure, after reading the text, that the great Apostle Paul felt unworthy too.

 

E.  When we see our fears and limitations, we find our possibilities.  We have the same God and Holy Spirit as Paul had. Therefore, we have the same possibility of service as Paul had.

 

F.  Paul’s Resolve:

 

1.  What Paul Resolved Not To Do – Rely upon fleshly wisdom (which he certainly had).  He was possibly the most educated man of his time.  Tradition tells us that he spoke at least five languages fluently.  I am sure that he had a repertoire of “3-dollar words” to impress the listeners.

 

Acts 5:34  Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

 

Acts 22:1-3  Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.  (2)  (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)  (3)  I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

 

2.  What Paul Resolved To Do – Depend entirely upon the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

2 Corinthians 4:7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

 

Ephesians 3:7-9  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.  (8)  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;  (9)  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

 

G.  Paul’s Reasoning:

 

1.  That Their Faith Not Stand In The Wisdom Of Men – If it stands in the wisdom of man, which is foolishness to God, they will eventually fail.

 

2.  That Their Faith Should Stand In The Power Of God – If it stands in human power, they will eventually fall.

 

1.  Paul’s Weakness – The Christian’s Strength – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  (10)  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 

a.  Paul Was Not Powerful In Body

 

1)  He Was Evidently Small - 2 Corinthians 10:10  For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.  (Little Man’s Syndrome Is Dangerous)

 

2)  He Was Evidently Sickly - Galatians 4:13  Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

 

b.  Paul Was Not Powerful In Oratory - 2 Corinthians 11:6  But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

 

1 Corinthians 2:4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

 

1)  Fleshly Weakness Destroys Pride – “lest I should be exalted above measure”

 

2)  Fleshly Weakness Brings Realization – “My grace is sufficient”

 

3)  Fleshly Weakness Brings Reliance – “that the power of Christ may rest upon me”

         

2.  Paul’s Fear – The Christian’s Steadfastness

         

a.  He Was Afraid Of Personal Sin - Romans 7:14-23  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

 

b.  He Was Afraid Of Robbing God Of His Glory - Galatians 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.  (“Lest I should be exalted”)

 

c.  He Was Afraid Of Becoming A Castaway - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.  (Unapproved)

 

d.  He Was Afraid Of Quitting - 1 Corinthians 16:13  Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

 

2 Timothy 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.  (Earthly mindedness.)

 

John 21:3  Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.  (Went back to his old profession.)

 

e.  He Was Afraid Of Bloody Hands - Acts 20:26  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

 

Ezekiel 33:8-9  When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

 

f.  He Was Afraid Of Seeing A Lost World Go To Hell – John 3:16-18  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  (Sinners do perish!)

 

Romans 10:14, 17  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

Revelation 20:12-15  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.  (Sinners do spend eternity in hell!)

Bearing The Infirmities of The Weak

Temple Baptist Church - 5-5-2019

Romans 15:1-7

Introduction:

A.  “We then” shows a continuation and conclusion of the context found in chapter 14.  There are some couplets found in verse one.

B.  Two types of believers.  Both are saved.

1.  “Strong.”  “We then that are strong.”  Mature in Christ and serving Christ.  The Christian life is a personal one as it is our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  In Hebrews, chapter 5, Paul said, “When for the time ye ought to be teachers.”  Spiritual maturity brings about strength in Christ.  This is what God expects from us all!

2.  “Weak.”  “Infirmities of the weak.”  The word “infirmity” is normally used when mentioning sickness, disease, or impotence.  Within our context, if is descriptive of the immature child of God who remains in bondage instead of relishing the liberty that we are to have in Christ.

C.  This portion of Scripture is not written to the pastor alone.  The strong speaks of those who:

1.  Are strong in their personal Faith.  They know that they are saved and are servants.

2.  Are strong in the Scriptures.  They can understand and teach the doctrines of the faith.

3.  Are strong in Church.  They are faithful to and serving in the local church.

4.  Are strong in Tribulation.  They are enduring and steadfast when trials come.

D.  The strong are those who live their lives for Christ, others, but not self.  It is our love for Christ that determines our life lived for Christ.  It is our life lived for Christ that counts.

“My life, my love, I give to Thee,
Thou Lamb of God who died for me;
Oh, may I ever faithful be,
  My Savior and my God! 

    I'll live for Him who died for me,
    How happy then my life shall be!
    I'll live for Him who died for me,
        My Savior and my God! 

The world and all its joys I leave;
My life, O Lord, Thou wilt receive;
Henceforth no more Thyself I'll grieve,
  My Savior and my God! 

O Thou who died on Calvary,
To save my soul and make me free,
That I may ever live for Thee
  My Savior and my God!”

E.  We do not have the power, in most instances, to take away the infirmities of the weak.  Spiritual growth must come from within each of us individually.  Spiritual maturity cannot be forced.

1.  Verse 1-2.  Spiritual Obligation.  Chapter 14 speaks of two classes of believers.  Strong and weak.

a.  To be Strong in the Lord.  We have a spiritual obligation to mature in the Lord.  To conform to the image of the Son of God.  1 John 2:12-14  I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.  (13)  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.  (14)  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

b.  To Bear the infirmities of the Weak.  To put up with!  We have a spiritual obligation to both longsuffering with and exhortation of the weak.  1 Thessalonians 5:12-15  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;  (13)  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.  (14)  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.  (15)  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

c.  To Share the gifts that God has given to us.  As God has blessed us, we are to be a blessing to others.  Not selfish, but selfless.  Philippians 2:3-4  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  (4)  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

2.  Verse 3-4.  Spiritual Example.  In these verses, we find two sources of example.

a.  The Son of God.  Jesus Christ gave up heaven for sinners.  The Strong for the weak.  John 10:10-11  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  (11)  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

b.  The Word of God.  The Word of God throughly furnishes the child of God for the task ahead of him or her.    2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

3.  Verse 5.  Spiritual Keys.

a.  Patience.  Ephesians 4:1-2  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,  (2)  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

b.  Consolation.  Consolation comes through consideration and loving exhortation.  Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  (25)  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

4.  Verse 6.  Spiritual Goals.

a.  One mind.  Philippians 2:2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

b.  One mouth.   1 Corinthians 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.5.  Verse 7.  Spiritual Conclusion.

5.  Verse 7.  Spiritual Admonition. 

a.  Receive one another.

b.  As Christ receives you.

6.  We Have Been Called To Serve One Another - Galatians 5:13-14  For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.  14  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  (We were not set at liberty so that we could fulfill the desires of the flesh.)

a.  We Can Serve One Another By Having Compassion

b.  We Can Serve One Another Through Prayerfulness

c.  We Can Serve One Another By Giving Comfort

d.  We Can Serve One Another Through Exhortation

e.  We Can Serve One Another By Sustaining

f.  We Can Serve One Another By Strengthening

g.  We Can Serve One Another By Simply Listening

h.  We Can Serve One Another By Weeping With Those Who Weep

Strength In Adversity

Temple Baptist Church - 9-22-2013

 

2 Timothy 2:1

 

Introduction:

A. By interpretation, in these "Pastoral Epistles," the Apostle Paul is preparing young pastor of the important work of the ministry. By application, every one of us can profit from these verses as we remain faithful in these last, perilous days before the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ!

B. We have spent a long time in chapter one laying the groundwork of chapter 2, verse 1.

1. "Thou" is personal. I wish that every believer had a desire to "shine" as lights in a dark time and place but, to be perfectly honest, too many are too earthly minded to be of any heavenly good. For the most part, they are Laodicean to the hilt.

a) The word "Laodicea" means "the rights of the people." When we get saved, we forfeit our rights! We have been bought with a price and are to glorify God is all that we do.

b) 1 Corinthians 6:20    For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

c) 1 Corinthians 10:31    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

2. "Therefore" ties this verse to the preceding ones in chapter 1. When you see a "wherefore" or a "therefore," go back and see what they are there for. Chapter divisions are not necessarily the end of thoughts. In our verse for tonight, we find a reason for the context.

C. In Ephesians 6, Paul dealt with the Christian Warfare and the spiritual armor provided. He prefaced the armor with this statement: "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand!"

1. "Withstand" carries the though of "taking a punch." The Bible says that all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. In another verse, Paul mentioned suffering as a Christian. When we live our lives for Christ, we will suffer persecution or "take a punch."

2. "And having done all, to stand" is a strong phrase. When we have done all we can, there is no biblical place to go so the order is to stand! We not only do not know what to do, we cannot do anything. We have done all that we can so we cannot move forward, we cannot compromise by leaning to the left or right, and we certainly have no right to retreat. Now, we get back to our verse as Paul told young Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

D. Two things that need to be noted:

1. Where our strength is not found. Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Proverbs 24:10    If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

2. Where our strength is found. 2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (Strong in God's grace, not personal strength.)

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

E. The preceding chapter laid out several areas where we are to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

1. Strong in Assurance - 2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

2. Strong in Afflictions - 2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

3. Strong in Allegiance - 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

4. Strong in Adherence - 2 Timothy 1:13-14 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

5. Strong in Affiliation - 2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

I Can Do All Things Through Christ!

Temple Baptist Church - 11-7-2012

Philippians 4:13

Introduction:

A. In the life of Paul, we see a pattern of change concerning his circumstances. He abounds and he is abased, he has been full and hungry; he has abounded and suffered need; he has been jailed and he has been free. Life is a roller coaster. As one man said, “Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people but neither of them stays that way.”

B. In this verse, we find Paul’s Confidence. “I can do all things” This confidence is not self-confidence but rather a profound confidence in the Lord.

Philippians 3:4-10 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: (5) Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; (6) Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. (7) But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (9) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

C. In this verse, we find Paul’s Companion. “through Christ” From the Damascus Road until the day of his death, the Lord was a faithful Companion.

Acts 18:9-10 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: (10) For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

D. In this verse, we find Paul’s Commitment. “which strengtheneth me” As one man said, “Life is a marathon!” It requires a long term commitment.

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

1. Responsibility – “I” 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

I know that God is God but there remains a human element in our personal performance. God can and will help us but He also expects you and I to do what we can. Too many of God’s children sit idly around expecting the Lord to do everything for them.

2. Resolve – “can do all things” 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

I have often heard it said, “Can’t never did anything.” Confidence is the key to keeping on keeping on when the going gets tough. It is a mentality that, no matter what comes my way, I will continue to do what is right. “All” is a big three letter word. It means continuance in the face of seemingly impossibility.

3. Realization – “through Christ” Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

The key to our confidence in the face of insurmountable adversity is our Helper. It is in Christ that we live, move, and have our being. Without Him we are nothing and with Him we are more than conquerors.

4. Reliance – “which strengtheneth me” 2 Timothy 4:16-18 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. (17) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (18) And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Someone once said, “When you come to the place where Christ is all that you have, it is then that you realize that He is all that you need.” At the end of our strength, we find His. Paul said that when he was weak, He is strong.

5. Rest – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

From our personal Damascus Road experience, our wonderful Lord has promised to be there with us and for us. He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is full well to meet our every need in every moment of our lives.