Strength in Weakness

Based on 1 Corinthians 6-8

"Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church." 1 Corinthians 6:3-4.

We are not perfect. As humans, we have many weaknesses. But Paul gives us godly advice on how to keep unity & order in the church and be strong instead of weak when facing challenges. God does not want there to be discord among people, or within our own selves. As he says above, we will judge angels one day if we stay committed in faith to God! So we need to learn how to deal with different matters of weakness which cause us to be frustrated with others, or which cause us to be frustrated with ourselves. In dealing with these matters in a Christ-like way, we are strong!

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

His strength is made perfect in our weakness! Don't be ashamed to be honest with God about your struggles!

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
1 Corinthians 6:9‭-‬10.

Paul seems to be brutally honest with people, just like John the Baptist was. But remember, the only way to change & be released from chains like these is to tell it like it is! Again, be honest about weaknesses so in Christ you can be made strong!

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." 1 Corinthians 6:11-12.

He then goes on to remind the people that they've been washed & cleansed. That those weaknesses were from their past life, and they should not go back to them. He says all things are lawful, but not expedient. This means we have the freedom to choose anything, but we shouldn't do everything. With the new birth & Spirit of God comes spiritual discretion! God guides us away from areas of weakness & temptation through conviction in our hearts & Spirits. We do not become perfect, just in closer connection to the Perfect One! We become stronger with the Holy Ghost!

"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." 1 Corinthians 7:2.

The lust of the flesh is a dangerous weakness. When we join ourselves with people who may not have the same belief in God, it's even more of an issue. We need to be married to Christ first in a serious spiritual bond before we think about marriage, but also to avoid fleshly temptation, marriage is of necessity. The flesh can be our greatest distraction & weakness if not kept under control. When we give in to the Spirit, we can live a stronger life!

We don't want anything we do to cause us to live a sinful life separated from God, and we sure don't want to lead others down that same path either:

"But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak." 1 Corinthians 8:8‭-‬9.

Meat here is an example of one way to either connect or disconnect with people. For example, if we are around Jewish people, perhaps trying to tell them about our faith, we may not want to eat pork. We do not believe it's bad to eat it through New Testament Scripture, but they do not yet agree on the topic. So, better to just avoid it around them! This is just common courtesy. It is not allowing someone else to stumble in a point of weakness. It is respect. This is what God ultimately wants us to exemplify to people, not that meat is bad or good.

We may think we are strong now, but oh how much stronger we can be in surrender to Jesus! He helps us through times of weakness, and that's where we find strength!