OUTLINE:

Wisdom on Weaknesses (2Co 12:9-11)
Weaknesses are good because they cause us to turn to the Lord, to rely on Him and His power and grace, rather than our own. Is that not divinely good??! Isn't it good to be "helped" in getting out of the way??! So thanks to God is in order! Thus, we embrace our weaknesses.

“slaves…of their own appetites”
This refers to individuals who are acting on fleshly instincts to satisfy their own self-interests. They are driven by their desire to please themselves. They are selfish lovers.

Gal 5:15
But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

“hearts of the unsuspecting”
Refers to those individuals who may lack the wisdom, and therefore the armor (ala Eph 6:11), to properly defend themselves. Selfish lovers are weak, and so they target the weak. They say all the right things to gain their advantage.

2Pe 2:19
…for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.

Our enemies will try to control us by lying to us about God.

God's love must never be absent from any part of our lives.

"eagerly sought in a commendable manner"
You don't want to be sought any other way. A godly person courts others, to Christ or self (in marriage). An ungodly person seduces others, away from Christ. It's all about control.

2Co 10:5 [Amplified]
We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ.

We need to commit ourselves to Truth - to the Lord, that is.

What the Apostles Lacked
- Understanding (e.g., Mt 16:15-23; Lk 18:31-34; Ac 1:1-9)
- Humility (e.g., Mt 20:20ff; Mk 9:33-35)
- Faith (e.g., Mt 16:5-11)
- Commitment (e.g., Lk 5:11; 22:31ff)
- Power (e.g., Mt 17:16-17; Jn 20; Ac 1:8)

Lk 5:11
When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

Lk 5:10
…“Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.”

We, Too, Lack Commitment
Just like the apostles, we lack commitment, inversely proportionate to our faith and maturity, throughout our lives.

“fit”
from euthetos - means suitable, fit, useful; fit because well-adapted; hence, ready for use; in context (Lk 9:62), does not refer to salvation but to service. A believer’s fitness is a function of their faith - the more faith, the more fit.

Spiritual Fitness
Like any form of fitness, spiritual fitness requires consistent exercise, resistance training, and a commitment to the program. Fitness is a way of life, a mindset, in every sense, both physically and spiritually. We peak in Heaven.