INTRODUCTION

1. The outstanding Apostle Paul

a) In Faith

b) In Life

c) In Ministry

d) In accomplishments

2. The Apostle Paul was a wonderful:

a) Example

b) Inspiration

1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years

ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words,

which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.

6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain,

lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. 2 Corinthians 12:1-6

 

A DIFFICULT LESSON: A THORN IN THE FLESH

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me,

a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7

1. The problem identified

a) A thorn in the flesh was given

b) A messenger of Satan was sent to buffet Paul

2. The problem understood

a) To keep Paul humble

b) To prevent him from being overly exalted (in his own mind/ heart)

 

SEEKING AN ANSWER FROM GOD

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 2 Corinthians 12:8

1. Answer sought in Prayer

2. Answer sought in Pleading

3. Answer desired:

To see the thorn in the flesh removed!

 

A PROFOUND ANSWER FROM THE LORD

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a

1. God’s offer of Grace

2. God’s promise of Strength

3. The Problem of the thorn in the flesh will remain!

 

PAUL’S RESPONSE TO THE LORD

9bTherefore 9-b most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.

For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9b-10

1. Glad acceptance of God’s Answer

a) Most gladly

b) I will boast

i) In my infirmities

ii) In reproaches

i) In needs

iv) In persecutions

v) In distresses

c) For the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ

2. Profound comprehension of the Paradox of Strength

a) Deep understanding

b) Deep wisdom

c) Deep faith

“For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Corinthians 12:10b

 

CONCLUSION

1. The Future that lies ahead

a) The Evil One may attack

b) A thorn in the flesh may not be removed

c) We may have to bear with suffering

2. The Faith that we must Sustain:

a) In the Presence of God

b) In the Provision of God

c) In the Power of God

d) In the Protection of God

e) In the Promises of God

Let us believe that God’s grace is sufficient for us and that His strength is made perfect in weakness.