CONNECT: This week, try to stop and go to Jesus to receive the rest he offers. Try also to share this good news of rest with someone else.

WARM-UP  Question  

1. What is your reaction when you hear someone boasting in themselves or about their achievements? Why do you think you react that way?
2. How do you react when people show weakness or vulnerabilities?

READ 2 Corinthians 11:30-12:5

1. What is the context of this passage? What was Paul trying to achieve by boasting in these ways? 
2. How is Paul’s boast different to what we would usually boast in? Why would have this been so surprising for the Corinthians?
3. In boasting about these things, what does this tell us about the source of Paul’s strength?
4. In verses 2 to 3, why does Paul refer to himself in the third person? Paul could have used this vision to show how superior he is, why doesn’t he?
5. In what ways can we try and boast in and draw strength from ourselves? Why is this ultimately futile? What would this show about the condition of our heart?

READ 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

1. Why shouldn’t we find our strength the praise of others? What’s the difference between working for the praise of others and receiving encouragement from others? 
2. How could we encourage one another in such a way that keeps our eyes on Jesus and not ourselves?
3. Why was Paul given a thorn in his flesh? While we aren’t told what the thorn actually was, what was the nature of this affliction? 
4. How did Paul react to this? What was the response of the Lord to his request?
5. When we undergo pain and suffering, what should be our response? Does God ever promise to take these things away if we ask? 
6. When these things happen, is it bad to seek medical attention or outside council? Why not?
7. What is the nature of God’s grace as mentioned in V9? How is it sufficient for us? How do we receive it?
8. What’s the difference between boasting in weaknesses and actively searching them out? Where do we find our ultimate source of strength? How do we receive it?

APPLY:  In what ways can you see God’s strength at work through your weaknesses?

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On Your Frontline This Week:  Is your home or neighbourhood a more prominent frontline at the moment? How can you be intentional in this space?

For Families: Download some of the family resources to use at home

Listen:          

• AUDIO: “2 Corinthians 12:9” by Dick Lucas
• AUDIO: “The Power of Weakness” by Alistair Begg
• VIDEO: “God's Wisdom & Power” by Mike Raiter
• AUDIO: “Sufficient Grace” by Gavin Perkins

Read:

• ARTICLE: “Trading Your Weakness for God’s Strength” by Clarissa Moll
• ARTICLE: “It’s Good to Cry Sometimes” by Sarah Phillips

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