Being Weak, We Live in the Power of God - 2 Corinthians 11-13

2 Corinthians 13:1-4 (ESV Strong's)
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— 3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.

Being Weak, We Live in the Power of God

Paul, in the above verses, is giving a final warning to the church at Corinth.   The context of this letter is very important to understand the meaning of the text (which is true of all letters).   The church at Corinth was being invaded by a “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5-13).  These visiting and traveling speakers were eloquent and charismatic; Paul, apparently, was not (2 Corinthians 11:6).   Yet, Paul boast about his ministry in a completely different way.  Paul was a humble servant of Christ who proved his authority and authenticity based upon the power of Christ.  The above verses are the final statement to this end.   Paul, in relationship with Christ, admits he is weak (as Christ was to submit to the crucifixion).   But, as Christ was raised again by the power of God (Hebrews 13:20), so, too, would Paul come to them and correct the “super-apostles” by and with the power of God.   We do not shrink when it comes to taking a stand against false teachers.  Notice what Paul told young pastor Timothy:

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV Strong's)
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

We can stand on the very power of God in our lives as we serve and speak for God.  Notice what Peter says about our giftedness, and using it to serve others:

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV Strong's)
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We are to speak, as the oracles of God, and we are to serve in the strength that God marvelously supplies so that Jesus Christ will be glorified.  No “super-apostle” with all the charismatic skills in the world can stand against God’s power in us and through us.  We are to yield to that power and claim that power.