Become New with John Ortberg Episode 3 - Thorn Removal
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Feb 19, 2021 A reflection on why spiritual growth begins with admitting weakness rather than willpower. A look at Paul’s “thorn” and God’s surprising reply of sufficient grace. Stories and examples show how weakness opens the door for divine strength. An invitation to surrender and rely on God rather than self.
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Begin By Admitting You Are Inadequate
- Spiritual life begins with admitting personal inability rather than mustering willpower.
- John Ortberg calls the community the "fellowship of the withered hand," celebrating public acknowledgement of inadequacy as a spiritual achievement.
Unmanageable Things Lead You To God
- Unmanageable problems are God's way of revealing our need for divine management.
- Ortberg cites Richard Rohr: until something you cannot manage comes, you won't meet the true manager, so God will send such things intentionally.
Paul's Thorn Led To Strength In Weakness
- Paul received a persistent painful "thorn in the flesh" that he pleaded to have removed three times.
- God's reply was my grace is sufficient and my strength is made perfect in weakness, shifting Paul from asking for removal to bearing it.