Why did the Apostle Paul boast about his weakness?
Sometimes in story-telling and in learning, it’s best to start at the end and then work backwards to see how we got to where we are. Let’s start with the Apostle Paul’s boasting…
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)
As we will see, this is a consistent message with the Apostle Paul (also read The shocking war between the flesh and the spirit and I fear that you will be corrupted). When we think we are strong, when we think we have it wired, and when we are full of ourselves, that’s when we are in the most trouble.
Why did the Apostle Paul boast like this?
He loved these Christians and feared they would be corrupted by religion.
I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. Please bear with me. For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ. But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. (2 Corinthians 11:1-4)
Who would want to corrupt these Christians sincere belief in the Lord Jesus Christ?
But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)
Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too. After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that! (2 Corinthians 11:16-21)
Compare what these people want to do with what the Apostle Paul wants to do…
If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying (2 Corinthians 11:30-31)
Perhaps you think we’re saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you. For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure. (2 Corinthians 12:19-21)
There are only two faiths: mankind’s religious faith in themselves and real faith in the Savior. Our natural unregenerate nature can only perform these awful behaviors. Even a supposedly altruistic action is often motivated by jealousy, selfishness, or arrogance. Even though we try to justify ourselves, that’s just as bad as any immorality. It’s only by realizing we cannot do any good thing by ourselves, and giving our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, that we can do anything good.
Don’t forget the Apostle Paul’s first message to the Corinthians because it’s just as true today as it ever was…
When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
We pray for you to be like the Apostle Paul. Do not trust human wisdom. Consider yourself to be dead. Crucify your struggle for self-righteousness. Trust in the power of God. Look to God for true understanding. Grow in grace and knowledge. Please share with us about your testimony of boasting in weakness instead of working to establish your own righteousness. If you appreciate this article, please share it or join the conversation below.