Life Groups Study – Week of 04/11

Life Groups Study – Week of 04/11

Let’s Catch Up

Is there anyone new to introduce?

Has anything significant happened in our lives since we last met?

This Is God’s Word

2 Corinthians 12:1-10  Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know, God knows. 3 I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know, God knows— 4 was caught up into paradise.  He heard inexpressible words, which a man is not allowed to speak. 5 I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses. 6 For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth.  But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, 7 especially because of the extraordinary revelations.Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ.  For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

My Message Highlight from “The Strength of Weakness”

This week Pastor Lennon discussed how God can work in us and through us even in areas where we feel weak or incompetent. What stood out to you, impacted you, or confused you?

My Story

QUESTION: Jesus is the point of everything, but the church plays an important role. How did you first come to visit a church?

1. In our weakness we find reason to exalt the Lord and not ourselves.

2 Corinthians 12:7 …Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself , a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself.

QUESTION: Paul here is freely admitting that God saw he was in danger of becoming prideful because of the profound experiences he was given with God. 

QUESTION: Scripture has a LOT to say about pride. Take a few moments before Life Group to look up a passage or two. What is one that stands out to you? Why?

2. In our weakness we become kinder to others because we know what it is like to fall short.

Romans 7:21-23a So I discover this principle: When I want to do what is good, evil is with me. 22 For in my inner self I joyfully agree with God’s law. 23 But I see a different law in the parts of my body…

QUESTION: Our culture likes to say, “We are all perfect just as we are.” Yet here in Romans, Paul says that he (and we) are deeply flawed—that we have evil within. Which view do you think is more helpful to people? Why?

QUESTION: Read the rest of Romans 7 (it’s not long). What does Paul say the solution is to the darkness in us?

3. In our weakness we find a greater appreciation of the gifts and strengths of others.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7,14,19-21 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many… 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

QUESTION: Paul says “To each is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good,” referring to God-given giftings. What giftings are present in your group?

4. In our weakness we have opportunity to find God’s power through His covering.

2 Corinthians 12:9b But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.

QUESTION: What do you think it means for God’s power to be perfected in weakness?

QUESTION: Have you ever come out of a season of weakness feeling like God had worked in it to make you a stronger person? What was it?

Final Thought: Jesus became weak so we could be made strong.

Let’s Pray