I don’t particularly appreciate feeling limited and weak. I’m not too fond of it when what is required of me exceeds my qualifications. I prefer feeling capable and in control. Unfortunately, this preference of mine runs directly opposed to Christ’s power resting on me. I learned this and more in my study of Scripture inspired by Anne Wilson’s song “Strong.”
Together, we’ll look closely at keywords in a letter from Paul, uncover truths, and then see them played out in an Old Testament narrative.
In this episode, I discuss the following:
- Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week’s Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read in context
- Review section titles
- Consult an overview
- Complete a word study
- Study with a friend
- Episode Guide Download
- The story behind the song “Strong” by Anne Wilson – New Release Today Article
- Inspired to explore Paul’s thoughts about strength and weakness in 2 Corinthians 12
- Recognizing 2 Corinthians may be hard to follow as you read in context. “Reading 2 Corinthians is something like turning on the television in the middle of a very complicated play. People are talking, and things are happening, but we’re not at all sure who some of the characters are or what the plot is.” – “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Fee and Stuart – Amazon Paid Link
- Watching the Bible Project Overview Video – BibleProject.com
- Taking in the context of all of Paul’s weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. – 2 Corinthians 12:10
- From 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, completing a word study on:
- Sharing notes with a friend about these verses
- Exploring Gideon’s story in Judges 6-8 as another passage that supports my conclusions from studying 2 Corinthians 12
- Pondering the question, does asking for strength take us out of God’s will for us to be weak?
What is Paul saying? If Christ’s power is made perfect in weakness, then I want to be weak. Because my strength isn’t the point of the matter — His power is.
Enjoy the official performance lyric video of the song below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Lyrics for “Strong” by Anne Wilson – New Release Today
- The story behind the song “Strong” by Anne Wilson – New Release Today Article
- “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Fee and Stuart – Amazon Paid Link
- Bible Project Overview Video on 2 Corinthians – BibleProject.com
- “What does it mean that Paul went to the third heaven?” – Got Questions Article
- “Second Corinthians: Paradox of the Cross” – Bible Project Article
- My favorite Bible Study Software – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
This Week’s Challenge
Read 2 Corinthians 12 in context. It may help you to watch the Bible Project overview video before narrowing your focus to this contrast between strength and weakness. Complete word studies on “strong” in verse 10 and “power,” “perfect,” and “weakness” in verse 9. Take your new understanding and read Gideon’s account in Judges 6-8 and see how you might absorb the story’s details differently. Download this week’s episode guide for additional cross-references as we seek God to strengthen us according to His Word (Psalm 119:28).
