In the article 'Finding Strength in Weakness: Exploring 2 Corinthians 12:9,' we delve into the profound paradox that the Apostle Paul presents in his epistle. Through a series of reflective sections, we examine how weakness serves as a conduit for divine strength, how human frailty underscores the necessity of God's grace, and how embracing our limitations can lead to spiritual empowerment and fulfillment. We explore the biblical insights, personal testimonies, and practical applications of living out this paradox in the Christian life.
Key Takeaways
Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 12:9 reveals that divine strength is perfected in human weakness, offering a counterintuitive approach to spiritual empowerment.
Biblical narratives and figures like James Smith emphasize the importance of humility and surrender to God as the pathway to experiencing His limitless power.
The Christian journey involves a transformation from feeling inadequate to recognizing that God completes His work in us, often through our struggles and frailties.
The Christian call to humility and dependence on God is central to receiving His grace, which is sufficient to overcome our insufficiencies and trials.
Practical applications of this teaching include rejoicing in our weaknesses, serving others with a heart of reliance on God, and finding resilience through Christ in difficult times.
The Paradox of Power in Weakness
Understanding Paul's Message in 2 Corinthians 12:9
In the heart of his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul presents a profound paradox that has puzzled and inspired Christians for centuries. He speaks of a strength that is made perfect in weakness, a concept that seems counterintuitive to human wisdom. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," declares the Lord to Paul, and in response, Paul takes pleasure in his infirmities, for when he is weak, then he is strong.
This passage invites believers to reconsider their understanding of power and strength. It suggests that divine strength is not diminished by human frailty; rather, it is in our moments of vulnerability that God's power is most clearly seen. The key to grasping this message lies in embracing our own limitations and allowing God's grace to work through them.
To delve deeper into Paul's message, consider the following points:
The acknowledgment of weakness is not a defeat but an opportunity for God's power to be displayed.
True strength is often found not in self-reliance but in complete dependence on God.
The Christian journey involves a transformation where our inadequacies become the very conduits of God's perfect power.
The Counterintuitive Strength of Vulnerability
The notion that vulnerability could be a source of strength seems contradictory at first glance. Yet, it is in the admission of our own limitations that we often find the most profound growth. Embracing vulnerability allows us to tap into a deeper level of trust in God's sufficiency, recognizing that our own efforts are not enough.
Vulnerability leads to humility, and humility opens the door to God's grace.
In our weakest moments, we are positioned to experience the full measure of divine strength.
It is through our frailties that we can truly understand the meaning of 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness' (2 Cor 12:9).
This paradox is not just a spiritual concept but a lived experience. As we navigate through life's challenges, the strength we gain from being vulnerable and dependent on God's might becomes evident. It transforms our perspective, enabling us to see our struggles not as defeats but as opportunities for God's power to be displayed in us.
Embracing Weakness as a Path to Spiritual Empowerment
The Christian journey often involves a paradoxical twist where embracing our own weakness leads to spiritual empowerment. When we acknowledge our limitations, we open ourselves to the sufficiency of God's grace. This admission is not a sign of defeat but a strategic surrender to the One whose power is made perfect in our frailty.
Recognizing our 'empty hands' positions us to receive God's favor, aligning with the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Surrendering to God and walking by faith allows His work to be completed in us, as promised in Philippians 1:6.
The development of humility may be uncomfortable, yet it is through this process that we are refined and strengthened. As we endure, we experience an increase in grace that sustains us, turning our weaknesses into a testament of God's enduring strength and faithfulness.
Biblical Insights on Human Frailty and Divine Might
Contrasting Human Limitations with God's Limitlessness
In the human experience, we often encounter situations that seem insurmountable, leading us to doubt our abilities and the possibility of overcoming such challenges. Our perception of what is possible is frequently clouded by our own limitations. Yet, when we turn to the Scriptures, we are reminded of a profound truth: God's omnipotence knows no bounds. The Bible is replete with affirmations of His limitless power, from Genesis, where He is called the Almighty God, to the Gospels, where Jesus assures us that 'with God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26).
The contrast between human frailty and divine might is stark:
We are often hindered by our doubts and disappointments.
Our trials and tribulations can seem overwhelming.
Yet, in the face of the impossible, faith invites us to trust in God's infinite capabilities.
Embracing this contrast is not about dismissing our struggles but about recognizing that our weaknesses are the very places where God's strength can be most powerfully displayed. As we lean on His might, what once seemed heavy becomes light, and the impossible becomes a canvas for His work.
James Smith's Perspective on Surrender and Strength
James Smith eloquently captures the essence of surrendering to God's strength with the profound realization that our weaknesses are not a hindrance but a conduit for divine power. "When my weakness leans on His might, all seems light." This statement encapsulates the transformative journey from self-reliance to dependence on God.
Surrender, as Smith suggests, is not a sign of defeat but a strategic step towards joy and peace. It begins with a plea for help, an acknowledgment of our moral and spiritual poverty. Here are the steps to embracing surrender:
Acknowledge our inability to control life's outcomes.
Commit our plans to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3-4).
Embrace the threefold path of surrender, perspective, and trust.
By doing so, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing God's might in ways that our own strength could never achieve. Smith's insights remind us that in the economy of God's grace, surrender is the prelude to receiving His unending strength.
The Role of Faith in Overcoming Life's Challenges
Faith is often seen as a dynamic force in the life of a believer, especially when facing life's challenges. Trusting in God's faithfulness becomes a source of strength, dispelling fear and uncertainty. It is not about the quantity of faith, but its quality, even if it is as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20).
Faith is not a work; it is a restful assurance in what God has promised. It is heaven's medium of exchange, allowing believers to receive from God. Unbelief, by contrast, is a significant obstacle, hindering the flow of divine blessings and support.
The Bible outlines several areas where God's faithfulness manifests, providing believers with:
Temporal and spiritual blessings
Support in temptation and persecution
Sanctifying discipline
Direction in difficulties
The enabling to persevere
Assurance of being brought to glory
Embracing faith in prayer is crucial, as without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith assures us that we will receive what we ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22), reinforcing the importance of faith in overcoming life's challenges.
The Journey from Inadequacy to Divine Fulfillment
The Comfort in Paul's Admission of Weakness
Paul's candid expression of his own frailties offers profound comfort to believers. It is in his admission that we find a shared human experience, one that connects us deeply to the apostle's journey. For when I am weak, then I am strong—this paradoxical statement encapsulates the transformative power of embracing our limitations.
Weakness, as Paul describes, is not a cause for despair but a condition for divine strength to manifest. His contentment with insults, distresses, and difficulties for Christ's sake reveals a counterintuitive truth: our inadequacies can become the very soil in which God's might blooms.
Consider these points reflecting on Paul's comfort in weakness:
Weakness is a universal human experience, not a personal failing.
Admitting weakness allows God's strength to be perfected in us.
Our vulnerabilities can lead to a deeper reliance on divine grace.
Paul's journey teaches us that feeling inadequate is not an endpoint but a beginning—a starting point for God's work to be completed in us, as promised in Philippians 1:6. It is a call to surrender and walk by faith, trusting that our weaknesses, in God's hands, become the very instruments of His power.
How Feeling Inadequate Can Lead to God's Glory
The sensation of inadequacy often leads us to a pivotal moment of surrender. It is in this surrender that we find the paradoxical strength to glorify God. For when we acknowledge our own limitations, we become open vessels for His divine power.
Recognize your need for God's grace.
Embrace humility as the soil in which God's grace flourishes.
Surrender your efforts and rely on divine strength.
Feeling inadequate is not a sign of failure but a beacon calling us to depend on God's sufficiency. As we let go of our self-reliance, we discover that His grace is not only sufficient but is also perfected in our weakness. This divine economy turns our insufficiency into a showcase for God's glory, ensuring that "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it" (Phil. 1:6).
The Assurance of God Completing His Work in Us
The journey of faith is marked by the assurance that God is actively working within us, shaping our lives according to His divine purpose. This process of sanctification is a testament to God's grace, as He works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. It is not by our strength, but by the Spirit's power, that we are transformed.
Sanctification is a divine promise, one that is fulfilled as we yield to the Holy Spirit's guidance. The trials we face serve not only to reveal our weaknesses but also to strip away the old self, making room for new growth. As believers, we can:
Trust in God's faithfulness to His promises
Embrace the process of being filled with the Spirit
Hold fast to our hope, knowing that God's work in us is continual and assured
The full assurance of God's work being accomplished in us is a profound comfort. It allows us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, not as a solitary endeavor, but as a cooperative act with the divine. The indwelling Holy Spirit energizes us, providing both the desire and the power for His good pleasure. In this, we find the true meaning of spiritual empowerment.
The Christian's Call to Humility and Dependence
The Blessings of Embracing Meekness and Weakness
In the Christian walk, embracing meekness and weakness is not a sign of defeat but a strategic posture for receiving God's grace. The humble are positioned to be exalted by God's hand, as humility paves the way for divine favor. It is in the acknowledgment of our own limitations that we find the strength of God's sufficiency.
Humility allows us to recognize our need for God's help.
It opens the door to grace, which is the unmerited favor of God.
Through humility, we can experience growth and empowerment that comes from beyond ourselves.
When we are willing to be humbled by God, circumstances, and others, we often encounter a paradoxical increase in humility. Our pride, which can be a barrier to intimacy with God, is dismantled as we seek a lowly place. The journey towards humility may be uncomfortable, but it is in this very discomfort that we often find an added measure of grace to sustain us. As we embrace our spiritual poverty, we allow God to enrich us, making much of our lives in ways we could never achieve on our own.
God's Grace as the Answer to Our Insufficiency
In the face of our own limitations, it is the unmerited favor of God's grace that offers us the strength we cannot find within ourselves. Grace is not a reward for our merits; it is a divine grant given despite our unworthiness. This profound truth underscores the essence of grace—it is entirely unearned and freely bestowed upon us by a loving God.
Grace operates in various dimensions of our spiritual life:
It is the foundation of our salvation, rescuing us from the grip of sin.
It is the agent of our sanctification, shaping our new nature within.
It empowers us to bear the burdens of life, providing comfort and assistance in our daily walk.
As we humble ourselves, acknowledging our need for divine assistance, we open the door for more grace to flow into our lives. It is in this humility that we find the opportunity for spiritual growth and the experience of God's favor.
The Importance of Humility in Receiving God's Favor
In the Christian walk, humility serves as the gateway to experiencing God's unmerited favor. It is grace which makes us humble, and grace which finds in this humility an opportunity for pouring in more grace. The development of humility, while often a painful process, opens us to receive an abundance of grace that sustains us through life's trials.
Humility is not a natural human inclination; it requires a conscious effort to submit to God, circumstances, and others. This submission, though contrary to our prideful nature, aligns us with God's will and makes us receptive to His blessings. The Bible teaches that God resists the prideful but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Therefore, embracing humility is not only a command but a practical step towards divine empowerment.
To cultivate humility and thereby attract God's favor, consider these steps:
Acknowledge your need for God's grace and mercy.
Be willing to be humbled by life's circumstances as a form of spiritual discipline.
Seek to understand and repent of sins against humility.
Maintain a posture of gratitude for the grace you have received, giving glory to God.
Experiencing God's Sufficient Grace in Trials
Finding Resilience Through Christ in Difficult Times
In the midst of life's storms, believers are called to find their resilience not within themselves, but through Christ. It is in the act of surrendering our own strength and acknowledging our limitations that we often encounter the profound strength that comes from Jesus. Through Him, we can endure all things that we are meant to face, finding peace and confidence that surpasses understanding.
Resilience through Christ is not a passive state but an active reliance on His promises and presence. The following points outline how to cultivate this reliance:
Trust in the Lord's wisdom, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Embrace the Holy Spirit's guidance in every challenge.
Anchor your mind in God's peace by steadfastly placing your trust in Him.
Remember, no situation is too hopeless when we are in Christ. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. As we lean on His strength, we can be assured that we are never alone in our trials.
The Testimony of Perseverance and God's Faithfulness
Throughout history, believers have found solace in the unwavering faithfulness of God. This divine fidelity is not limited to spiritual blessings alone but extends to every aspect of life, from temporal needs to the strength required to endure trials.
Temporal blessings include the provision of daily needs, as seen in God's care for the Israelites in the wilderness.
In times of temptation and persecution, believers are reassured of God's support and His promise to never forsake them.
The discipline that comes from God is a form of sanctifying grace, guiding His children through difficulties and ensuring their spiritual growth.
God's faithfulness is a testament to His unchanging nature, a source of strength that believers can rely on. The stories of those like Hudson Taylor, who trusted in God's provision against all odds, inspire us to maintain a trusting heart. Their lives bear witness to the truth that God's promises are steadfast and His support is ever-present, enabling us to persevere and ultimately, to be brought into glory.
The Promise of Jesus' Presence in Our Struggles
In the midst of life's trials, the assurance of Jesus' presence brings a profound sense of peace and resilience. He keeps His promises, offering not an escape from our struggles, but a steadfast companionship through them. The knowledge that Jesus may not deliver us from trials, but will deliver us from our adversary, is a source of immense comfort.
Believers can find solace in the fact that:
Jesus understands our difficulties and invites us to cast our burdens upon Him.
He offers His Holy Spirit to guide and empower us, turning our weakness into strength.
The journey with Christ is marked by His faithfulness, as He navigates us through life's challenges.
Rest assured, regardless of the trials we face, the promise of Jesus' enduring presence is a beacon of hope, illuminating our path and providing the strength to persevere.
The Transformation of Weakness into Spiritual Strength
The Growth of Inner Strength in Believers
The journey of faith is marked by the continuous growth of inner strength in believers. This growth is not a passive process but an active pursuit of holiness, as we focus not only on what Christ saved us from but also on what He saved us to. It's the way of all those who have been called to a holy calling by a holy God.
The path to godliness involves both trusting in God's promises and striving for spiritual maturity. As we embrace this dual approach, we find that:
Trusting does not negate the effort to grow in grace.
Prayer becomes a resolute practice for personal transformation.
The gap between our love for the Gospel and our love for godliness narrows.
In this sanctification process, we become partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world. Let this truth feed our faith, excite our hope, and stimulate our prayers, as we press on towards the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul's Contentment in Weakness as a Source of Power
Paul's declaration of contentment in the face of adversity is a profound example of finding strength in what the world perceives as weakness. For when I am weak, then I am strong—this paradoxical statement encapsulates the essence of Paul's spiritual resilience. His dunatos, or power, was not of human origin but a divine endowment, perfected in his moments of frailty.
The apostle's journey was marked by a series of tribulations, yet he embraced them not as setbacks but as opportunities for God's grace to manifest more fully. The key to this transformation lies in:
Surrendering to God's will
Walking by faith
Recognizing our own inadequacy
Paul's weakness became the very conduit for God's might, teaching us that our limitations are not obstacles but the very grounds upon which God's strength is perfected. As James Smith poignantly puts it, "When my weakness leans on His might, all seems light." This is the mystery and the promise of God's economy—where human weakness is met with divine sufficiency.
The Spiritual Maturation Process Through Life's Adversities
The journey through life's adversities is not merely a path of survival but a process of spiritual maturation. As believers face trials and tribulations, they are presented with unique opportunities to grow in faith and holiness. It is in the furnace of affliction that the believer's character is refined and strengthened.
Adversity often compels us to draw nearer to Christ, the Bible, and prayer, transforming what may seem like curses into blessings. This transformation is not instantaneous but progressive, mirroring the biblical command to grow in the process of holiness. The following points outline the maturation process:
Recognition of our own limitations and the need for divine strength.
Submission to God's discipline, understanding it as a means to share in His holiness.
Cultivating a trusting heart that accepts God's mysterious ways, regardless of our understanding.
Embracing the assurance that God is present in our trials, guiding us towards a stronger faith.
Through this process, believers learn to stand firm on the solid rock of Christ, finding that all other ground is indeed sinking sand. It is by holding firmly to His hand that we navigate valleys treacherous, not with despair, but with a spirit of joy and thankfulness for the growth that comes from such journeys.
The Role of Weakness in God's Economy of Salvation
Understanding Salvation as a Process of Empowerment
Salvation in the Christian faith is often viewed as a moment of conversion, but it is also a transformative process that empowers believers to live a life of holiness and righteousness. Salvation is not just about being rescued from sin; it's about being empowered to walk in newness of life. This empowerment is a journey that involves growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
James Smith outlines seven aspects of salvation that highlight its multifaceted nature:
Horn of Salvation—the Power of Salvation
Rock of Salvation—the Stability of our Salvation
Tower of Salvation—the Security of our Salvation
Helmet of Salvation—Preservation of our Salvation
Cup of Salvation—the Joy of our Salvation
Wells of Salvation—the Refreshment in our Salvation
Each aspect reflects a different dimension of the strength and support that salvation provides to believers. The process of salvation is not passive; it requires active participation in the pursuit of holiness. As Pastor DeYoung suggests, holiness is not optional but a commandment for those who have been positioned in Christ. From this definitive holiness, believers are called to engage in the progressive work of sanctification, growing in both the inner life of holiness and the outward walk of righteousness.
The Significance of 'Mighty in the Scriptures' for Believers
The term mighty in the Scriptures often refers to the inherent ability and omnipotence of God, highlighting His infinite resources and power. For believers, being described as 'mighty in the Scriptures' is a profound testament to one's understanding and articulation of God's Word. It implies a depth of scriptural knowledge that empowers the individual to navigate life's complexities with divine wisdom.
The Mighty One's deeds are a source of inspiration and strength for believers. Reflecting on the great things God has done, as Mary did in Luke 1:49, can bolster our faith and remind us of His capability to work mightily in our lives. This acknowledgment of God's might encourages believers to trust in His ability to accomplish the impossible.
The Virgin Birth is one such mighty deed that defies human logic, yet it stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith.
Apollos, known for being mighty in the Scriptures, exemplifies the transformative power of God's Word in an individual's life.
Meditating on the mighty acts of God, as recorded in the Bible, can rejuvenate a weary faith and inspire confidence in God's ongoing work in our lives.
James Smith's Seven Aspects of Salvation and Strength
James Smith's theological insights offer a multifaceted understanding of salvation, each aspect highlighting a unique dimension of the divine work in a believer's life. The 'Seven Aspects of Salvation' delineate the comprehensive nature of salvation, extending beyond a mere event to an ongoing experience of God's power and presence.
Horn of Salvation: Symbolizing the power of salvation, it speaks to the strength we receive to overcome life's challenges.
Rock of Salvation: Represents the stability of our salvation, providing a firm foundation in tumultuous times.
Tower of Salvation: Emphasizes the security we have in God, a refuge against the assaults of life.
Helmet of Salvation: Signifies the preservation of our salvation, protecting our minds from doubt and despair.
Cup of Salvation: Reflects the joy that salvation brings, a celebration of our deliverance.
Wells of Salvation: Illustrates the continual refreshment salvation offers, sustaining us day by day.
Each element underscores a promise of God's enduring strength and support. In embracing these aspects, believers find a holistic approach to understanding and experiencing salvation, which is not just a moment of rescue but a lifelong journey of empowerment.
Living Out the Paradox: Practical Applications
How to Rejoice in Weakness in Daily Life
Rejoicing in weakness may seem counterintuitive, yet it is a profound biblical principle that can transform our daily lives. Embracing our limitations can lead to a deeper experience of God's grace and strength. Here are some practical ways to find joy in our weaknesses:
Acknowledge your weaknesses without shame, recognizing them as opportunities for God's power to be displayed.
Cultivate a spirit of gratitude for the ways in which your weaknesses remind you of your dependence on God.
Practice humility, allowing your inadequacies to keep you grounded and open to God's guidance.
Remember, it is in the moments of our greatest frailty that we are most likely to experience the sufficiency of God's grace. As we surrender to Him and walk by faith, we can echo the sentiment that when we are weak, then we are strong (2 Cor. 12:10).
The Impact of Weakness on Christian Service and Ministry
In the realm of Christian service and ministry, the acknowledgment of one's own weakness can paradoxically become a source of strength. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:10) encapsulates the transformative power that occurs when believers lean not on their own capabilities, but on the might of God. This surrender to divine strength fosters a humility that is essential for effective ministry.
Recognizing our inadequacy leads to a greater reliance on God's sufficiency.
Surrender to God's will allows His power to work through us, often in ways we could not anticipate.
The servant who feels inadequate is in a position to glorify God, for His grace is made perfect in our weakness.
The impact of this principle on Christian service is profound. It encourages a ministry that is not self-reliant but God-dependent, ensuring that the glory goes to the One who truly empowers us. As we serve with empty hands, we are in the best position to be filled with His strength and to witness the impossible become possible through faith (Luke 1:37).
Cultivating a Lifestyle of Reliance on God's Strength
To cultivate a lifestyle of reliance on God's strength, we must first acknowledge our own limitations and the sufficiency of His power. Embracing our weaknesses allows us to lean into the might of God, where what seems overwhelming becomes manageable. As James Smith poetically expressed, "When my weakness leans on His might, all seems light."
Recognize that perseverance in faith is crucial, even when success is not immediately evident.
Serve and obey the Lord faithfully, trusting that He will bless you in His time and way.
Accept the mysterious ways of God, trusting in His mighty hand regardless of perplexing circumstances.
By adopting these practices, we align ourselves with God's will, allowing His strength to flow through us. This alignment is not a passive state but an active pursuit of His presence in every aspect of our lives. It is in our daily walk, through trials and tests, that we find the resilience and grace to stand firm and be strong.
Embracing Our Weaknesses as a Path to Divine Strength
In the journey through the trials and tribulations of life, the teachings of 2 Corinthians 12:9 offer a profound paradox: our weaknesses are not to be shunned, but embraced as the very means through which divine strength is perfected. As we have explored, the apostle Paul's contentment in weakness, insults, and hardships for the sake of Christ reveals a counterintuitive truth—that in our inadequacy, we are positioned to experience God's all-sufficient grace. This article has sought to illuminate the transformative power of surrendering to God's might, where our human limitations become the fertile ground for spiritual growth and empowerment. May we, like Paul, find solace in the promise that when we are weak, then we are truly strong, and may our lives reflect the strength that comes from a humble dependence on the One who can do all things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central message of 2 Corinthians 12:9?
The central message of 2 Corinthians 12:9 is that God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. It teaches us to embrace our vulnerabilities and depend on God's strength rather than our own.
How can weakness be considered a strength in the Christian faith?
In the Christian faith, weakness is considered a strength because it compels us to rely on God's might and grace. When we acknowledge our limitations, we open ourselves to divine empowerment and the fullness of God's support.
What does James Smith mean by 'When my weakness leans on His might, all seems light'?
James Smith implies that when we lean on God's strength in our times of weakness, our burdens become lighter. This reliance on divine might brings clarity and ease to our struggles.
How can feeling inadequate serve as a positive sign for a servant of God?
Feeling inadequate can be a positive sign for a servant of God because it indicates a reliance on God's strength. It's a reminder that success in God's work is not about personal adequacy but about glorifying God through His power working in us.
What does it mean to have 'empty hands' in the context of receiving God's favor?
Having 'empty hands' symbolizes humility and openness to receive God's grace. It suggests that when we come to God without pride or self-reliance, we are in the best position to be filled with His favor and strength.
Can you explain the idea of spiritual strength and how it relates to believers?
Spiritual strength refers to the inner resilience and power that comes from faith in Christ. For believers, it's the ability to endure life's challenges with confidence in God's provision and guidance, growing in character and faith through the Holy Spirit's empowerment.
What are the 'Seven Aspects of Salvation' mentioned by James Smith?
The 'Seven Aspects of Salvation' are a set of principles outlined by James Smith that describe the multifaceted nature of salvation and its empowering effect on believers, leading to spiritual growth and strength.
How can Christians practically rejoice in weakness in their daily lives?
Christians can rejoice in weakness by recognizing it as an opportunity for God's power to be displayed in their lives. Practically, this involves prayer, surrender to God's will, and a perspective that values spiritual growth over worldly success.
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