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Sunday, July 5. 2015

From today's Lectionary: I will boast of my weakness

Paul's letter to the Corinthians 12:7-10


 ..., to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.

12:8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me,

12:9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

12:10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Posted by Bird Dog at 05:26 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)

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It is hard to understand the nuances of Paul's letter, let alone emulate what he suggests. This passage of scripture has been contentious in our Bible study group. A number of members think Paul is urging us to be "doormats", turning our cheeks all over the place, while his letter to the Ephesians urges them to stand strong.

The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

Washed in the Blood of the Lamb and baptized in the Holy Ghost as I am, I have come to realize about myself that I have only two cheeks. Not being sarcastic by any means, just acknowledging my humanity as well as my Salvation.

I look to the Old Testament when my humility falters.
#1 chasmatic (Link) on 2015-07-05 11:27 (Reply)
I'm such a poor Christian no matter how hard I try. Not content with weakness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkUj0aGUBeo
#2 Vanderleun (Link) on 2015-07-05 12:14 (Reply)
I'm a long time Pentecostal convert and a recovered drug addict. I am a great believer in grace. While I'm not an AA member, Step 2 of the 12 steps sums up what Paul is talking about to me. "We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity" We all need a whole lot of divine intervention in the affairs of our lives.
#3 bill on 2015-07-05 21:45 (Reply)
The Eastern Orthodox view is that being meek and humble gives us peace in this world (that we are in but not of), so that we can be courageous when needed. Not sure how anyone would see that as being a doormat.
#4 Ann K on 2015-07-06 08:26 (Reply)
Well, Ann, how many times will you, or I, or any other Christian back up?
Meekness and humility sound pretty good and around the Bible study tables they are safe attitudes to assume.
Out in the world (that we are in but not of) those attitudes can result in victims.
I envy you that you have found peace in this world. I am cut from the courageous cloth. I look to the Old Testament where I can slay my enemies and still be right with God.

Perhaps people like me and folks like you can learn from each other. I'll pray for you to be strong and you might send one up to gentle me.

.
#4.1 chasmatic (Link) on 2015-07-06 09:19 (Reply)

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