Grateful for God's Grace

2 Corinthians 12:1–9

1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Grace is defined as the free gift of God. It is best seen from Jesus at the cross of Calvary. You and I are the witness of God’s favor on this very hour. Gratefulness has to be our song of praise. for grace wakes us up every morning, Grace has renewed our joy and grace has given us cite when we could not see.

Once again we have been blessed to come into the season of Thankfulness. I believe that gratefulness is the by product of being thankful. Our thankfulness has to be to the one person who has created us. The bible says He is our Alpha and Omega, Rev. 21: 6.

Paul gives us a look at being grateful as being give by the mouth of God himself.

It is seen in our text: (He said my grace is sufficient)

He was Caught in God’s Spirit

2 Cor. 12: 1-3

1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

Paul says that boasting is unprofitable, but it was necessary in order to defend himself. Therefore, he would share the visions and revelations which the Lord had given him.

Paul had no choice; he had to defend himself against the false accusations. His salvation and call from God were real. God had saved him and called him into the ministry; therefore, he had to do all he could to substantiate his salvation and call.

Paul said: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Ga. 6:14).

Because of Paul’s hesitancy to speak about himself, the false teachers and critics were saying he lacked in spiritual experiences, that his salvation and ministry were suspect because he had not had the kind of experiences they were privileged to have.

They thought to themselves and questioned others: How could Paul be called of God if he has not had spiritual visions and revelations from the Lord?

Paul wanted no attention upon himself, but rather all attention upon Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul argument of this point is seen in Gal. 1: 17.

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went in Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

1.Caught in His Spirit

He Caught in God’s sufficient Grace

2 Cor. 12: 9

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

vs. 4-5

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

A. God’s control

B. God’s Home

1. He was Caught in God’s Spirit

2.He was Caught in God’s Sufficient.

He was Caught up in God’s Strength

2 Corinthians 12:8–9

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.