July 8, 2012 – The Patterson Avenue Baptist Church
The scripture reading for worship is 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, with a special focus on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
Our religious societies and congregations values things like: Clean Living – Religious Duty – Heritage – Spirituality. It is thought that those who express these qualities in their daily affairs are living a “successful Christian lifestyle.”
While these qualities are certainly noble, these are not expressions of “success” in the Christian lifestyle enterprise.
In his writings in Galatians, Philippians, 2 Corinthians, and elsewhere, the Apostle Paul speaks about all this stuff (and more) and consigns it to the trash heap of life. He calls it trashm garbage, calls it dung, and says it is worthless.
So, then, how should we define success, according to Paul’s writing?
He refers to the cross.
He says that success starts with the reality and acceptance of our weakness.
In the text for today’s sermon, after recounting a spiritual experience too wonder for expression in human words, Paul refuses to confuse that grandiose experience with a level of success or achievement, saying instead that he will only boast in his weakness.
He says this in response to the word of God that comes to him, saying:
“My power works best…
“My power is perfected…
…IN YOUR WEAKNESS”
Real success comes from our WEAKNESS
Click this hyperlink NOW to watch the sermon video titled: Redefining Success
