Anchor Verses
2 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Focus Statement
We are not capable in and of ourselves—but God delights in meeting our weakness with His power.
God Chooses Weak Vessels
- We are jars of clay—ordinary, fragile, unimpressive by worldly standards.
- The purpose? So the surpassing power belongs to God, not us.
- Weakness isn’t a flaw in God’s plan; it’s the platform for His glory.
Power Is Made Perfect in Weakness
- Paul doesn’t escape weakness; he learns to boast in it.
- God’s response isn’t removal, but provision: “My grace is sufficient for you.”
- When we stop striving to be strong, we finally make room for God to be strong in us.
Proximity to God Is Not the Same as Submission to God
- Religious activity can exist without relational surrender.
- Calling Jesus “Lord” doesn’t automatically mean He’s at the center.
- A miscentered life can still look impressive on the outside.
- Jesus exposes the danger of knowing about God without being shaped by God.
God’s Way Undercuts Human Pride
- God chooses the foolish, weak, and lowly—not to embarrass us, but to free us.
- No one gets to boast in themselves; all boasting belongs to the Lord.
- Our identity, righteousness, and wisdom are found in Christ, not in competence.
True Life Comes from Ongoing Dependence
- Jesus doesn’t offer a one-time boost—He offers Himself as daily sustenance.
- Eating and drinking point to continual reliance, not momentary belief.
- Life with God isn’t powered by self-effort, but by abiding in Christ.
Walking It Out — The End of Self
- Weakness is not something to outgrow—it’s something to bring to God.
- The Christian life isn’t about becoming self-sufficient, but God-dependent.
- When we rely on His power, His glory is made visible through our lives.
