TEACHING

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2021
9:30 AM (In-person + livestream, Pilgrim campus)
​11:15 AM (In-person, IBC campus)
PEACE WITH SELF SERIES
LET GO! Releasing Power and Control, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
"In emotionally healthy churches, people live and lead out of brokenness and vulnerability. They understand that leadership in the kingdom of God is from the bottom up, not a grasping, controlling, or lording over others. It is leading out of failure and pain, questions and struggles—a serving that lets go. It is a noticeably different way of life from what is commonly modeled in the world and, unfortunately, in many churches" (EMC 114).
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TEXTS: 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
TAKING OFF

• The Lake Wobegon Effect

THE FLIGHT
1. Develop a Theology of Weakness/Universal Sinfulness

• The Fall: Affected Relationships and Work. 
• Flee
• Fight
• Hide

​PROUD/DEFENSIVE	​BROKEN
​I am guarded/defensive.	​I am open/weak.
​I focus on the “positive,” strong, successful parts of myself.	​I am aware of the weak, needy, limited parts of who I am.
I am highly “offendable” and defensive.	​I am approachable and open.
​I give my opinion a lot, even when not asked.	​I am slow to speak and quick to listen.
​I blame others.	​I take responsibility for myself and speak mostly in the “I,” not the “you” or “they.”
​I am demanding.	I assert myself respectfully and kindly.
​I keep people from really seeing what is going on inside of me.	I delight in showing vulnerability and weakness, that Christ’s power may be seen in me. ​

Paul on spiritual authority and weakness

2. Accepting Your “Gift Of A Handicap” Weakness and Struggles As Part Of Your Identity Through Jesus’ Grace

Scazzero: Paul's growth in Christ parallels his increasing sense of weakness.

• ~Year 49AD
• ~Year 55AD
• ~Year 60AD
• Two years before death

What happened? He grew in the love of God and the gospel! Stronger in Christ but weaker in self.     

WALKING AS A CRACKED POT!

3. A Church Based On Weakness
God meets us in our failures and frailties. God uses people who do not depend on their own fits or resources.  

• Moses: stuttered
• David: armour
• John Mark: deserted Paul
• Timothy: ulcers
• Hosea: prostitute wife
• Amos: only a farmer
• Jacob: lied
• David: had affair, murderer, and abused power
• Naomi: widow
• Paul: terrorist
• Moses: murderer
• Jonah: racist, ran away
• Gideon and Thomas: major doubt
• Jeremiah: depressed, suicidal
• Elijah: burned out
• John the Baptist: loudmouth
• Martha: a worrier
• Noah: got drunk, passed out drunk
• Solomon: too rich
• Jesus: too poor
• Abraham: too old
• David and Timothy: too young
• Peter: friend of death
• Lazarus: was dead
• Moses, Peter, and Paul (and many other leaders): short fuse

Don’t be encouraged to stay where you are, but admitting where you are, and the truth about the sinful and broken you, is the start. To receive mercy, you need to admit why, and to what extent, you need mercy!

SIDE TRIP: Home Church

4. Parable of the Prodigal Son (9/23)

LANDING: Next Steps

• Language to develop
• Where are you embracing a "fake culture" or "saving face" in front of people that is fraud and killing you inside?
• Come to Jesus—He ALREADY KNOWS

​For Reflection and Discussion

(From Emotionally Healthy Spirituality study guide Study )