Few lies are as attractive, poisonous, and damaging to Christians and the Church as the claim that following God means worldly success (1 Timothy 6:3-5). We’ve talked some about the prosperity gospel that so many widely popular pastors and televangelists preach, however, Jesus’ explicit teaching was that Christians should expect hardships (John 15:19; 2 Corinthians 5:2-6). There will be hard times for all of us, and Christ knew this. When we expect hard times, we can avoid discouragement as we know that it comes with the territory (John 16:33).
Liars who teach that health, wealth, prosperity, or any other benefits are waiting for anyone who possesses “enough” faith are, simply put, unbiblical. This section in 2 Corinthians that describes Paul’s experience here is among all of Scripture’s most powerful proofs that “word of faith” and other forms of the prosperity gospel are completely and utterly false.
Here’s some background regarding what leads up to this verse. Prior verses included Paul’s extraordinary heavenly experience (2 Corinthians 12:1-3). It was in this experience/moment that Paul was provided with insights that he was not allowed to reveal to others (2 Corinthians 12:4). In order to prevent Paul from being conceited/arrogant about this insight that he gained, we see in Scripture that God sent Paul an unspecified “thorn in the flesh,” or a “stake in the flesh.” We don’t know the extent to which this verse is speaking, whether the “thorn in the flesh” was emotional, physical, or a connection to some temptation. Rather, all we know is what we’re told. We’re told that this is a man of profound faith and deep commitment to God, was stricken and cried out repeatedly for relief (2 Corinthians 12:7-8).
Paul came to realize that the purpose of this was to maintain his humility. His persistent “weakness” helped keep him from being conceited.
We see God proclaiming that His grace was fully capable of providing everything that Paul needed to endure this suffering. His power is made perfect in our weakness. When we see the word “sufficient” being used, the greek word for it is arkei (αρκεί) which when translated implies endurance, strength, or satisfaction. In 2 Corinthians 12:5, we see Paul writing that he would only boast in his weaknesses, but now in verse 9 he is adding enthusiasm to it. “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly…”
Why would Paul gladly boast about his weaknesses? Because Christ’s power becomes the most obvious in the areas where we, as believers, are weakest. The phrase “made perfect” in the verse is originally teleitai (τελείται) in the Greek, which we see mostly refers to, in this context, completion or accomplishment (literally translated means, “is done”). This means that the focus of this is on something being achieved, and not having flaws removed.
So why is this verse important? Because it reveals several incredible truths about how God works in the daily and worldly lives of...
