SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 "Boasting as a Fool" (Rev. Erik Veerman)
In this text, we see that weakness in Christ is more noteworthy than all the strength of the world.
In Paul's day, many Greeks were captivated by the self-promotion of others. So Paul reluctantly decided to engage in a little "foolish boasting." Paul didn't, however, boast about the things that made himself or other men great; he boasted in his persecutions and weakness. All of this was to show what Paul endured through Christ, for Christ. He was a true apostle who went the way of the cross for the sake of the gospel and God's people. May we also boast in the humiliation unto exaltation of Christ with and for His people.
Application Questions:
Paul doesn't like to boast about himself. What is ironic about Paul's boasting? What is he trying to do? (See vv. 18-19, 30).
What specifically does Paul boast about? Can you remember any examples from the book of Acts (see cross-references) that Paul is referring to?
How does Paul's boasting remind us of Christ and prove that he is a true Apostle?
Scriptures for Further Study:
Hebrews 2:9-10; Isaiah 53:3-6; Acts 16:16-34; 1 Peter 1:3-9
