Introduction
In the sermon text this Lord’s Day, Paul concludes what some call his “fool’s speech.” Since 11:1, he has “boasted” about his credentials as an apostle. However, unlike his opponents in Corinth, his boasting focuses on his own weakness. At the climax of this speech, he explains why weakness is his supreme credential.
The hymns in our service will focus on the grace and power God displays by using weak and frail people like us to accomplish his purposes.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship Lamentations 3:22-24
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn HBC 36 Here is Love
Notes: This beautiful hymn extols goodness of God displayed in the cross-work of Christ. The third verse expresses the selfless devotion to Christ and his cause that Christians must cultivate: “Let me seek Thy kingdom only, And my life be to thy praise.” The fifth verse makes clear that God lavishes his love on us to display his own glory:
Here is love, displayed in glory,
To the heavenly hosts above;
All the Church, redeemed and holy,
Bless the Savior’s dying love.
Saints from every tribe and nation,
Called by grace, and saved by blood,
Praise forever their salvation:
“Hallelujah to our God!”
Worship through Giving
Response: Doxology
Hymn 371 It is Well with My Soul
Notes: The Lord does not promise his people a life without sorrow. Indeed, sometimes sorrows “like sea billows roll.” Yet we do not despair because we know that:
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Scripture Reading 1 Peter 1:3-9
Notes: In his infinite wisdom, God sometimes plans for various trials to bring us grief. These trials, among other outcomes, demonstrate the genuineness of our faith, a faith that results in the praise and glory and honor of the One who saves and keeps us.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 55 God Moves in a Mysterious Way
Notes: A biographer of William Cowper said that his life seemed to be “one long accumulation of pain.” Yet Cowper penned this famous hymn expressing the Christian’s trust in God’s goodness, sovereignty, and wisdom. He left us the memorable line: “Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.”
Message Sufficient Grace
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 696 (alternate lyrics, 1963) So, Send I You
Notes: In 1954, a 22-year-old Margaret Clarkson penned the now famous hymn, So Send I You. She was working in a remote area of Canada, cut off from friends, family, and even church. She later explained that her original hymn lyrics reflected her despondent and discouraged state of mind. In 1963, she wrote new lyrics that reflect a brighter outlook and more mature perspective on our mission. They also capture the themes found in the sermon text.
Prayer Response Jon Lont
Benediction John Miles
So Send I You
Alternate Lyrics
So send I you — by grace made strong to triumph
O’er hosts of hell, o’er darkness, death and sin,
My name to bear and in that name to conquer —
So send I you, My victory to win.
So send I you – to take to souls in bondage
The Word of Truth that sets the captive free
To break the bonds of sin, to loose death’s fetters —
So send I you, to bring the lost to Me.
So send I you — My strength to know in weakness,
My joy in grief, My perfect peace in pain,
To prove My pow’r, My grace, My promised presence
So send I you, eternal fruit to gain.
So send I you — to bear My cross with patience,
And then one day with joy to lay it down,
To hear My voice, “Well done, My faithful servant —
Come share My throne, My kingdom and My crown!”
“As the Father hath sent Me, so send I you.”