The perfect Scriptural text for this post on weakness is Matthew 26:41b. Jesus said, the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. I think it clearly describes that sad state of human experience when a person truly wants to do better but lacks the inner or spiritual strength to follow through. His weaknesses are too strong for him to overcome. In the context of our text, the Apostles were about to face this very situation. They all had vowed to Christ how they would never forsake Him, but go with Him even to death itself. I’m sure when they spoke those words, they sincerely meant them and were willing to fulfill them if necessary. But, only minutes later, they fled in fear as Jesus was apprehended in the Garden of Gethsemane. They were too weak to follow through on their own desires. Their very words of stedfast faithfulness fell to the ground.
Universal human weakness (Romans 5:6)
All persons living before the Apostles and since them have experienced the same inability to turn their desires and aspirations into reality. Good intentions don’t always translate into good actions. That’s because human beings by nature lack spiritual strength (Romans 5:6a). Many persons living today have sincerely wanted to live for God, perhaps from childhood, but are beset by the sins and weaknesses of the flesh and mind (Ephesians 2:1-3; Hebrews 12:1). Their spiritual ambitions have, thus, been frustrated. They may feel defeated and give up trying to meet the challenge, eventually relieving themselves from the frustration brought on by failure by citing human nature— no one’s perfect. That assessment about human nature is correct. It is not just prone to sin, human nature is, in its very essence, sinful. We cannot attain to the holiness of God by mere human effort. We will always fail. That’s why Jesus came to save us (Romans 5:6b). There was no other hope for us.
Regeneration brings new strength.
Thankfully, when Christ saves us, He changes our nature and gives us strength to live new lives (2Corinthians 5:17). That’s the real remedy to our sinful nature. Jesus referred to it as being born again (John 3:5). Theologically, this new birth experience is called regeneration. It is the antidote to the Fall. It enables us to live uprightly again, a process that will be complete when Jesus comes back for His Church (Romans 8:18-23; Ephesians 1:13-14). Were it not for regeneration and the strength it provides to rise above sin (2John 3:8-10), we would be constantly crucifying the Son of God afresh (Hebrews 6:6).
The Bible witnesses of the cataclysmic change that takes place at conversion— change that is not just spiritualized but occurs in actual fact (1Corinthians 6:9-11). We become triumphant in living (2Corinthians 2:14) and are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) through the power of Christ’s Spirit within (1John 4:4). We are involved in a transformation of our minds (Romans 12:1-2) in a kind of metamorphosis, as the Greek word for “transformed” suggests. We are regenerated by a washing of our past and renewing of Christ’s Spirit (Titus 3:5-7). The old person is passed away and a new person emerges (Ephesians 4:22-24), just as was prophesied (Ezekiel 36:25-27). We become temples of the Holy Ghost (1Corinthians 3:16; 6:19), a habitation of Christ’s Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). His presence is manifest and our joy is complete (John 14:12; 1Peter 1:8).
A sinner may unduly focus on his weakness.
The saints of God manifest truly changed lives. It can be almost intimidating to those still stuck in the miry clay of sin. They know their weakness and may think they cannot attain to such living. Some come into our Church services and experience the presence of God in a holy atmosphere of worship. They are moved to tears by the beauty of holiness and the distinct focus on the worthy Person of Christ. They feel the perspective of the eternal victory there is in God (Psalms 73:17). It’s wonderful to them. The person, to a large extent, is willing. The notion of living in such a right relationship with God is refreshing. It seems to fulfill some real creative purpose. Their soul longs for it but they begin to assess the real world in which they live. Hardships or temptations await them that must be confronted. Perhaps they perceive their spouse would never want anything to do with that Church! Perhaps they are involved in an illicit sexual relationship, the temptation of which is overwhelming. They may imagine telling their peer group, who would quickly scoff at their notion of being anything other than what they are. Getting religion is not cool. They could lose their friends. Maybe they would “stick out” too much in their work environment, or worse— be mocked. They perceive that becoming a sold-out Christian would bring dramatic lifestyle change. It can be frightening. I know issues like this come to the fore when considering a new life in Christ. And they are formidable to weak souls. Change may seem out of reach— at least for now. Weakness reigns and they let the opportunity to have Christ effect salvation in their lives go by.
What I have just described is a sad scenario, but not an infrequent one. It happens a lot. The moved soul admires those that can live it. Wouldn’t it be great to be in their shoes?— to have the support of a spouse, or child, or trusted friends, like they have? But they think it’s personally unattainable. They are convinced the hurdle is too high for them. And, what’s even more convincing is that they know their own weakness, which has surfaced before. It’s the same kind of weakness that confronts them on many moral fronts. It’s the weakness that keeps them cussing when they no longer want to use profanity, or smoking cigarettes, or doing dope, or keeping that improper relationship going that makes them feel badly in their better moments. They are simply, but powerfully, facing human weakness. We humans are weak by our fallen nature (Romans 5:6). All people are not weak in the same area but we all have our weaknesses. Every natural human frame is weak.
Trusting Christ in our weakness
When people are presented with the prospect of truly living for God, a war begins in their minds. The devil begins to fight like never before so as not to lose them. He reminds them of their weakness, of which they are already certain. But, what they don’t realize is that their weakness does not need to be a hindrance. As in natural peril, all they have to be able to do is call out for help. In this case, Christ will be there. We all come from a similar point of weakness (Ephesians 2:1-10). Not one of those persons the sinner sees at Church worshipping God or at work walking the higher road of life is doing it entirely on his own. Every one of them is the product of the enabling grace of God (1Corinthians 15:10a; Philippians 4:13). They came to be converted, not due to some exceptional strength, but because, at some initial point of faith, they chose to surrender to God, thrust themselves upon His mercy, and trust Him enough to embrace Him and let the chips fall. The result was that God took their hand from that point and led them on their new journey with Christ. It’s actually a very exciting process. I remember when I repented of my sins and surrendered my life to Christ. It was many years ago but I distinctly recall an inner assurance from God that life would be different going forward— that He would help me, as though holding on to me every step of the way. It was a great positive first step that brought immense relief to my soul. And He did hold on to me every step of the way.
I was immediately baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins. I felt so clean afterward. That was the second wave of encouragement in this new life I was beginning. It felt wonderful to know that all my sins were gone! I couldn’t have proved it to anyone at the time but I could sure feel it. I felt differently and it was inspiring. It didn’t require much effort or take much time but I already felt like I had come a long way.
Thankfully, the Church I repented in was an Apostolic Church. They encouraged me to seek God for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Within days, God filled me, and I spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave me the ability (Acts 2:4). (Thankfully, my fiancé at the time, who has been my dear and faithful wife for decades, received the Holy Ghost at the same moment. We have shared our Christian lives together.)
New strength that’s real
Receiving the Holy Ghost made all the difference in the world. As Jesus promised, it gives strength (Acts 1:8), replacing the former weakness. Remember what we said about the Apostles fleeing Jesus when endangered. Well, in contrast, it’s remarkable how differently they conducted themselves after receiving the Holy Ghost. Afterward, they were indeed willing to face danger and death for Christ. The strength they didn’t have in the Garden of Gethsemane, they received on the Day of Pentecost. That same strength that comes through receiving the Holy Ghost is promised to everyone (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:38-39).
Conclusion
The definition of a sinner is one who misses the mark. And that is due to the weakness of our fallen nature. But Christ came to change our very nature. Through the new birth experience, He transforms us into saints. We are overcomers. We can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
We will next consider the four external obstacles to a person being saved.