2 Corinthians 12:5-6 (WEL) For even if I wanted to brag, yet I will not brag about myself, but only about my weaknesses. 6 For even if I would like to brag, I’m not going to be a fool, but I will speak the truth, but now I will not, fearing somebody would think more of me than what he sees me to be or what he hears about me.
V5 For even if I wanted to brag, yet I will not brag about myself, but only about my weaknesses.
The reason Paul brags about his weaknesses is that he has learned:
- John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.
- Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Since these are true due to his experiences and God’s teaching, he rejoices in being weak. (2 Corinthians 12:10).
We also can be comforted in our weaknesses:
- God’s strength is seen—1 Corinthians 1:27
- God’s strength is through the Holy Spirit—Romans 8:26
- Our believers have experienced the strength of God—Hebrews 11:34
- Believers receive the strength they need for the situation. The greater the weakness, the greater God’s assisting grace—Isaiah 40:29-31
- Believers receive help in temptation, etc.—2 Corinthians 12:9
- God keeps believers safe by His power—Jude 1:24-25
- God’s strength is stronger than any human or spirit’s ability—1 Corinthians 1:25
- We need to acknowledge our weakness—2 Corinthians 12:5 and
- We receive strength through faith in God and in prayer—Mark 9:24
- God is with us—Isaiah 41:10
V6 For even if I would like to brag, I’m not going to be a fool, but I will speak the truth, but now I will not, fearing somebody would think more of me than what he sees me to be or what he hears about me.
Warren W. Wiersbe comments:
“You and I are not going to heaven till we die or till our Lord returns. But we have a marvelous encouragement in the fact that we are today seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). We have a position of authority and victory “far above all” (Ephesians 2:21-22). While we have not seen God’s glory as Paul did, we do share God’s glory now (John 17:22) and one day we shall enter into heaven and behold the glory of Christ (John 17:24).
“Such an honor as this would have made most people very proud. Instead of keeping quiet for fourteen years, they would have immediately told the world and become famous. But Paul did not become proud. He simply told the truth — it was not empty boasting — and let the facts speak for themselves. His great concern was that nobody rob God of the glory and give it to Paul. He wanted others to have an honest estimate of him and his work (see Romans 12:3).”
We learn:
- We need God’s strength.
- God is worthy of our trust.
Questions:
- How do you handle great blessings?
- When you tell of how God helped you, are you humble?