13th May 2018 - God's Weakness vs Man's Strength
13th May 2018 - God's Weakness vs Man's Strength
Summary
The sermon uses the context of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4) to illustrate that man's strength and worldly promises are insufficient compared to God's power. It emphasizes that true life and authority come from acknowledging God's sovereignty and refusing to rely on earthly temptations or self-reliance.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God's thoughts and ways are higher than oursThe Lord reminds us from Isaiah that His ways and thoughts far transcend human understanding, and apart from Him we can achieve nothing of eternal value.
How God humbles human strengthGod must deal with our limitations and bring us through processes of testing and crushing so that we depend entirely on Him rather than our own abilities.
Examples of Moses, Jacob, and GideonBiblical figures like Moses, Jacob, and Gideon all had to have their natural strengths checked before God could use them mightily through seemingly unconventional methods.
The foolishness and weakness of GodPaul explains that God deliberately chooses what the world considers weak and foolish to shame the strong and wise, ensuring no man can boast before Him.1 Corinthians 1:25
God's divine mathematicsScripture shows that God operates on a different scale than human mathematics, where one can chase a thousand and two can put ten thousand to flight.Deuteronomy 32:30
Carrying divine treasure in clay potsGod has placed the glory of Christ inside fragile human vessels so that the surpassing greatness of the power is recognized as coming from Him.2 Corinthians 4:7
Power perfected in human weaknessWhen Paul pleaded for his thorn in the flesh to be removed, the Lord declared that His grace is sufficient and His power is perfected in weakness.
The Holy Spirit helps our weaknessIn our utter helplessness and inability to pray as we ought, the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself intercede for us according to the will of God.Romans 8:26
King Asa's reliance and subsequent failureKing Asa initially trusted God against a massive army and experienced victory, but later relied on political alliances and physicians rather than seeking the Lord.
Boasting only in knowing the LordJeremiah reminds us not to boast in wisdom, might, or riches, but rather in the understanding and knowledge of the Lord who practices lovingkindness and justice.Jeremiah 9:23–24
Knowing God to stand firmThose who truly know their God will be strong, resist Satan's schemes, and accomplish exploits for His glory by acknowledging their complete weakness.Daniel 11:32
