The document discusses how God's power is glorified through human weaknesses, contrasting worldly beliefs that emphasize strength and independence. It illustrates biblical examples where God used seemingly weak individuals to achieve great purposes, highlighting that true faith and trust in God come from recognizing His strength in our weaknesses. Ultimately, the message emphasizes that believers should focus on glorifying God rather than relying on their own accomplishments.

1. When I am Weak, Then I am Strong Glorifying God through our weakness. 2 Cor. 12:7-10

2. Introduction Using the ways of the world into the Way of the Lord seems natural for many, sometimes without knowing it. While there are godly principals that rightly apply to this world, some in the Lord’s church vainly strive to apply the principals of the world to the Lord’s church. There are Christians who believe and strive to apply business strategies for the growth of the church.

3. Introduction One such worldly mindset is that of man’s own strength and independence that is brought into the Lord’s church. It is seen via his accomplishments through strength, speed and strategy. It is easy to get caught up in what we do that makes a congregation or body of believers look successful. This worldly course of life brings glory to man and not God, to Whom all glory belongs .

4. Introduction In this lesson we look at how God is glorified: By contrasting this world’s view and God’s word in how He is glorified. The reality of God and His divine power is magnified through the weaknesses of His servants. And, how we are actually strengthened spiritually through our weaknesses.

5. Contrasting The World with the Word In the natural world the course of nature is evident: Life in general: The stronger, faster, and more cunning survive. In business and athletics: The stronger, faster, smarter, most efficient, wins. It is understandable then, that – as men who live in the flesh – we strive to live with this mindset:

6. Contrasting The World with the Word While this law of nature is the way of the world, it is not the way of the Lord. While we live in the world, we are not of the world . Jn. 17:16 We cannot apply a truly successful walk in the Lord by this mindset or way of living. To the world, weaknesses are unbecoming….even among professing Christians. To God, however: His power/strength is perfected – and glorified – in/through our weakness. cp. Jdg. 7:2

7. God Glorified Through Man’s Weaknesses God used men in the most unimaginable manner to bring about His promise to Abraham. He used a nation of shepherds/slaves to be His chosen people. He used a people who did not know war and afraid to leave the Egyptians. Exo. 14:10-12 Yet, He lead them out by His mighty hand. Exo. 14:13-14

8. God Glorified Through Man’s Weaknesses God used these untrained men to battle against the giants of Canaan and against armies far more numerous than they. He used 300 men against two armies over 135,000 strong. Jdg. 7:1-2, 7; 8:10 He used a young shepherd, who was a small and zero-experienced warrior slay a giant. 1 Sam. 17:41-42, 45-49 In cases like these God makes it clear where the glory should reside. Jdg. 7:2

9. God Glorified Through Man’s Weaknesses God uses the seemingly worthless to deliver the invaluable souls of the lost. cp. Mk. 8:36 He does it using a foolish message. 1 Cor. 1:21 He uses the unlikely to preach His message: fishermen, tax-collector, the humbled. Acts 2:7 (Lk. 5:10, 27); He blesses the humble and meek recipients to come into and flourish in His kingdom. cp. Rom. 6:17-18; Matt. 5:2-12

10. Man’s Faith is Strengthened through His Own Weaknesses NOTE: Faith, courage and abiding trust in the Lord to provide are absolutely necessary for God to be glorified. But, our faith is not in us but in Him; our courage is not from ourselves but from Him; our trust is that provides the means by which our faith and courage in Him will glorify Him. To be strengthened in faith, courage and trust we must exalt God and give Him all the praise.

11. Man’s Faith is Strengthened through His Own Weaknesses Our faith increases in God when we see His grace working through our weaknesses. The divine strength of God and His grace is perfected through our weaknesses. 2 Cor. 12:7-10 God allows Satan to put a “thorn in our flesh” so that we learn to better trust in His strength. Thus, when we live by faith we accept these weaknesses that God may be glorified. cp. 1 Sam. 2:1-10

12. Conclusion Our fleshly mind works with a mindset trained by our experiences in the world: only the strong survive. Yet, God is greatly magnified, when by faith we serve Him through our weaknesses.