2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Notes
Transcript
1 This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. 3 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know 4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.
5 That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. 6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul defends his ministry against the “Super Apostles”
Paul defends his ministry against the “Super Apostles”
There was a belief in Corinth that if someone was an Apostle they would not go through suffering. Apparently, there life would be bliss and full of visions and great experiences with God… And, apparently, there were other so called, self named, “Super Apostles” who were willing to boast of their experiences and their great deeds
So, in this part of the letter, beginning in chapter 10, Paul again affirms his authority as an apostle - Specifically an Apostle who is appointed and called by God.
EXAMPLES OF PAUL’S DEFENSE...
7 Look at the obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do.
12 Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!
18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
12 But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. 13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
In Chapter 11 Paul decides to use the Corinthian foolishness for his argument’s advantage - they want an arrogant boastful person to be their apostle and he will do just that… But he will boast differently...
16 But if anyone wants to argue about this, I simply say that we have no other custom than this, and neither do God’s other churches.
17 But in the following instructions, I cannot praise you. For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together. 18 First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it.
What is Paul’s boast?
He’s a Hebrew and Israelite
He’s a servants of Christ
BUT A GREATER ONE THAN THEM - WHY? Because of his sufferings...
22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?
30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.
3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!
5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,
What does Chapter 12 have to do with that?
What does Chapter 12 have to do with that?
Paul said at the end of Ch. 11 that he would boast in his weaknesses - now he will continue to prod the Super Apostles a little and explain why he will boast only of his weaknesses. Ultimately, it is so Christ can be seen through him...
Paul has already set the stage in his letters to this church about how God uses the logic and expectations of the world in a backward way....God using weak things to prove his power...
Wisdom and Folly
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
Treasure in Earthen Vessels..
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
They do not consider Paul an authority not only because of his suffering, but because he, apparently has had NO great experiences with the Lord to boast about.
Apparently, a dramatic conversion on the way to arrest, imprison, and most likely martyr followers of Jesus in Damascus, as well as a brief conversation with Christ in that conversion and a period of blindness for 3 days is NOT a great experience enough...
Now Paul talks about a personal experience in heaven… A great experience that highlights that Paul COULD claim superiority. And yet, Paul doesn’t describe it - it was an experience ONLY for HIM - it was NOT for the building up of the rest of the believers, and therefore, was NOTHING he ever mentioned.
He is VERY uncomfortable about even boasting about such an experience as he doesn’t want to even name himself in the story - it’s a believer, or somebody. Yes, EVENTUALLY we catch on that Paul is talking about himself, but we sens his lack of comfort in such a boast...
Paul doesn't expect this to be a part of following Christ or ministry... it only happened to him 1 time, and that was A LONG time ago...
So, for those who downgrade Paul based upon THEIR standard of what an apostle should be, Paul has an answer - HE TOO HAS HAD SUCH AN EXPERIENCE NA NA NA NA BOO BOO...
Paul’s Experience of Suffering...
Paul’s Experience of Suffering...
But that experience is countered by a different experience - probably one that is more normal for most believers… This other experience grounds Paul in the reality of the life of faith… We are still human and we will have struggles…
How often have we had a similar experience? We’ve experienced a great HIGH only to be met with a great LOW immediately following the great HIGH. For Paul, it wasn’t only a LOW, but a continual struggle that countered his revelatory experience...
This experience is countered by another, ongoing, frustrating experience... the messenger of Satan.
This reminds Paul of his humanity - buy does NOT disqualify him from ministry.
When Roman governors and other officials (maybe even ambassadors) would go out into public often there would be a parade, an entourage, of people that would amass. Often this entourage would applaud the official for the great things he had done and celebrate the life of this official. However, there was often, nearby the official, whispering in his ear, the words “Remember, you are still human...” It was this person’s JOB to center the official on the reality that he was a human - all the praising in the world would not counter that...
Even though Paul had this experience with a vision in heaven - HE IS STILL HUMAN! There is a messenger of Satan to remind him of this...
But, Paul ALSO mentions a thorn in the flesh… I would say that this struggle is the messenger of Satan that grounds Paul into the reality of his call to SUFFER for the sake of Christ...
What is this thorn? We really do not know. Some have suggested that it is an ongoing temptation that Paul might have struggled with. Others have suggested a health issue or physical ailment. I have a friend who suggested that Paul is sarcastically referring to the church in Corinth - that THEY are the messenger of Satan that grounds Paul in the reality of his ministry on behalf of Christ. That they are as annoying as a thorn in the flesh - and often as painful as they struggle to overcome sin and its arrogance in their life. Some have suggested blindness or limitations to sight (which Paul does mention in Galatians)
15 Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible.
11 Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting.
4 Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?” 5 “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”
Whatever the issue is Paul EVENTUALLY realized that God would be praised through this struggle and weakness of Paul. And, because of that GOD WOULD NOT TAKE IT AWAY...
Paul said he begged God to take this issue away...
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.
Paul might have actually prayed/begged more than that. Three here could be a reference to a repeated petition from Paul to do something about this.
Normally, the expectation, for the Corinthians church and most likely for our world today, would be that after the third time (or eventually) God would give in and say, “OK, I will finally answer your prayer”.
I mean, even Jesus told a parable about a persistent widow who begged a judge repeatedly for justice against her enemy. And, eventually, according to the parable, the judge relented and gave in to the woman’s petitions… Doesn’t that mean God will give in to our incessant begging? NO!!
What Jesus says after the parable is what is valuable… God answers begging not because of personal preference but because of JUSTICE on behalf of those who cannot function without the God of Justice acting on their behalf
6 Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. 7 Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
When it was expected, somehow, that God would say “OK Paul, you win…” God doesn’t. God says “NO.” Yet, it isn’t a simple straightforward “NO”. It is a NO with a promise of strength and grace. God will RISE UP on account of Paul. BUT IT WILL BE TO HELP PAUL AND TO SHOW GOD’S POWER THROUGH PAUL
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Paul recognizes that his struggle, his suffering, will show God’s power - and remember, all we are is an earthen vessel (a clay pot) for God’s light to shine through…
Lessons Learned From Struggle (A Theology of Suffering)
Lessons Learned From Struggle (A Theology of Suffering)
So, we learn a couple of lessons about our struggles from Paul and his struggles
1- They remind us we are HUMAN… We are valued by God, treasured by God, and we have a great relationship with God. This relationship gives us a great ministry (we are ambassadors of reconciliation). Yet, suffering reminds us that amidst all of this WE, LIKE PAUL, are still human and HAVE NO REASON TO BOAST about our life, our wealth, our homes, our cars, our ministries, and most importantly our relationship with God through Christ. Struggles and sufferings are object lessons that are permitted upon us to remind us that we are NOT the main character in this play - God is. We are simply willful participants in the unfolding drama!
2- God permits suffering… This is a very valuable lesson we must learn and relearn.
No on likes suffering, yet God permits it to happen. Notice I said PERMITS - not causes it… God is NOT the source of human suffering, but God does allow it to happen. Look at Job...
6 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. 7 “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” 8 Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” 9 Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. 10 You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! 11 But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” 12 “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.
Even in Paul’s life, Paul said he begged God to make this torment or issue stop - but God did not do that.
So it is so many times with us. We suffer, we struggle, and we beg God to make it stop. Yet, it doesn’t. This may not sound like good news yet, so hear me out on this. God PERMITS Suffering. God has PERMITTED your struggle.
That struggle would not be allowed to touch you or harm you except for that God allowed it. The struggle does not come from God - Paul’s struggle came from Satan, in an effort to be used by Satan to attack Paul and cause Paul to question life and maybe even his faith. Yet, God was NOT the source of the struggle.
And although God permits the struggle, we do not suffer alone- God is present with us within the struggle...
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
And, there is hope that the struggle is ONLY for this side of life...
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
So, God permits the struggle, and we don’t struggle alone, and ultimately it is only temporary, BUT the question becomes WHY would God permit the struggle...
3 - God uses/permits struggles and suffering so that we can grow and be shaped.
71 My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
4 -And, after we grow, our time of suffering and our struggle, and the comfort we needed and received can be used to encourage and strengthen others...
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
5- Suffering is only permitted so that GOD would be glorified THROUGH it... it is not permitted so Satan would win and or be victorious... it is permitted for GOD to show THROUGH it.
Think on that… God permits suffering. Satan has to beg God to make us suffer. That means Satan’s power is LIMITED to what GOD allows SATAN to do!!
Ultimately, the suffering that is permitted to be thrown at us is allowed so God can be glorified in us and through us.
What Satan intends for evil, God allows so GOD can change it to good!
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Suffering and struggles allow us to be shaped into the likeness of Jesus so that God would be glorified in every situation....
Remember, Paul has compared his ministry, and the ministry of the church to clay pots/earthen vessels...
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
We are fragile pots and what is most important is God’s light shining within us to be seen in our world. Clay pots are fragile and they break easily. Yet, it is when they break that the treasure within them can be seen better. So it is with our struggles and suffering. God allows situations to crack us and break us SO THAT GOD WILL BE GLORIFIED!!
This is Paul’s point - he struggles and suffers, but that is not a sign of disqualification in ministry, it is a sign of God breaking him so God can be known through him… It is is Paul’s weakness that Christ is seen to be at work.
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
In Paul’s struggles and sufferings it was God’s strength that would carry him through. Therefore, Paul’s greatest power came (not from himself, but from God) when Paul was at his weakest - when Paul was in the midst of the struggle. For, it is in the midst of the struggle that Paul (and us) are more apt to allow God to work in us and through us. Because, after all, the struggle shows that we CANNOT make it on our own...
Wrap it up...
Wrap it up...
How much different will our struggles be when we can adopt this same mindset. That in the midst of the struggle God is in the process of breaking through. That in the midst of the struggle God is strengthening us to show His power at work with in us. That we are actually the strongest when we are at our weakest - because it is when we are at our weakest that we are more often willing to let God do the work in us and through us. That when we struggle, when we suffer, we are being molded and shaped to shine God’s light and that God will be glorified THROUGH this.
So, instead of asking Why...
Why me? Why now? Why this? Why them?
When we are at our weakest may we learn to ask the question HOW...
Not how come? But how…?
How will God be seen to be powerful in this?
How will God mold me in this?
How will God shine through this?
How will God use this?
How will God be glorified in this and through this?
So, may we boast in our struggles. May we boast in our weakness. So that God can shine through us!! And may God in Christ provide the strength we need to make it through!!