The Sufficiency of God's Grace

INTRO

Paul begins this chapter by talking about how he had been caught up to the third heaven or heaven of heavens (paradise) some fourteen years prior to writing 2 Corinthians. Then he moves on to discussing the “thorn” that was given him.

The word “thorn” (Gk. skŏlŏps, skol´-ops), withered; front; point; prickle; annoyance; disability; thorn.

PLGNT: orginally a stake, but commonly in N.T. times a thorn; a splinter: met. referring to some physical trouble.

Paul’s thorn could be his inner turmoil about the churches (2:4), an ongoing sin, his oppenents (super apostles; 11:1-5), a physical ailment (such as poor eyesight), his speaking ability (10:10), or demonic opposition.

We can only speculate. It is possible that Paul was intentionally vague here. 1. for maximum application. 2. to avoid drawing attention to the nature of the thorn; but rather draw attention to its intent. To keep Paul from becoming conceited or lifted up.

NOTE: God sovereignly gives this thorn to Paul. We know that God ordains evil for his special purposes. He ordained the worst evil in human history; the murder of the innocent Son of God (Ac. 4:27-28); why would we not think He would ordain lesser evils? This does not mean that God is morally culpable for the evil nor does it suggest that He gets pleasure from it. He does it in such a way in which is free from all taint; and His holiness is maintained; and free agents are still responsible.

Notice that Paul “pleaded” three times for Christ to remove this thorn (Gk. parakaleō, urge; implore; exhort). He implored or begged Christ to take it away. Christ responds with, “my grace is sufficient; for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

CHRIST GRACE IS ENOUGH

Grace usually refers to God’s unmerrited favor. Here it is referring to Christ power to enable Paul to endure hardships, be stregnthened when struggling (physically, mentally, or spiritually).

Christ Grace is sufficient (Gk. arkeōbe, ar-keh´-o; satisfied; be content; be sufficient). Key words: satisfied; content. Christ Grace is enough to satisfy us, therefore, we should be content.

Grace here means his presence is sufficent to sustain, empower and comfort us. HE IS ENOUGH! (Isa. 43:2: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you).

the word Grace shows that we do not have to earn Christ presence.

God’s grace is sufficient for us anywhere his providence places us.

Anonymous

Thou shalt never find a bundle of affliction which has not bound up in the midst of it sufficient grace.

Charles Spurgeon

HIS POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS

“weakness” (Gk. astheneia, as-then-i-ah, feebleness of body or mind; by impl. frailty; disease, infirmity or sickness).

made “perfect” (Gk. teleo, tel-eh-o, to end, complete, execute, conclude, discharge, accomplish, make an end, finish, perform. It means to complete; finish; accomplish).

God is able to accomplish His purposes without taking the thorn away. That’s because He is able to accomplish His purposes despite our frailtys and weaknesses.

Notice it is Christ strength not ours.

Gods power and presence will strengthen and sustain us.

our contribution is weakness; His is power and strength

our weaknesses don’t attracts, not repels God’s power. *see. Isa. 40:29-31; Ph. 4:13).

Paul will boast in his weaknesses.

Paul builds his identity upon his weaknesses not his strength

frailty is where God’s presence dwells.

power of Christ may “rest” (Gk.ĕpiskēnŏō, ep-ee-skay-nŏ´-o); tent upon; abide with; rest upon. I raise a tent over. It is built on the root word for “tabernacle” the portable temple in which alone God’s presence dwelt in times of old.

God’s power was once cordoned off from all weak and defiled sinners, now it is precisely the weakness of sinners that draws in the power of God.

A new age has dawn in Christ. In this new age, God’s power does not operated the way we expect.

WHEN I AM WEAK THEN I AM STRONG

“content” (Gk.eudokeō be well pleased; take delight). Same word used in (Mt. 12:18), “this is my beloved Son with whom my soul is well plesed.”

Paul takes pleasure and delight in his weaknesses because he knows they will attract the power of God.

(1) Weaknesses: the general, summaraizing category, denoting all fallen human incapacities; sicknesses, diseases, both mental and physical. (2) Insults: mistreatment by others, whether with words or actions. (3) Hardships: experiences that squeeze Paul, forcing him to uncomfortable limits. (4) Persecutions: afflictions at the hands of hostle enemies. (5) Calamities: truly overwhelming experiences, devestating circumstances.

He did not take pleasure in of themselves. This is clear by the statement, “for the sake of Christ.” His weaknesses open up heavens door to pour out strength and blessings.

He embraces them not with resignation but with eagerness.

“when I am weak then I am strong.” Paul saw that his weakness was not an obstacle to but the gateway for God’s strength.

CONCLUSION

God sovereignly gives his people difficulties so that they will depend on his power and strength for sustaining them. Our weaknesses do not repel God’s power, but rather attracts it. Christ grace is more than enough satisfy us. He promises to be with us through our difficulties.