2 Corinthians 12:1-10 † Boasting in God's Strength (Part 2)

2 Corinthians 12:1–10 ESV

1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

EXPOSITIONAL SUMMARRY

In 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, the Apostle Paul continues to “boast.” Rather than pointing to his own accolades or abilities, though, he continues to boast in the strength of God displayed in his weaknesses. In 12:1-6, he tells of an amazing spiritual revelation and vision from God. In 12:7-8, he talks about God sending a “thorn in his flesh” that God uses to keep him from pride. Verses 8-10 are the climax where we see Paul’s purpose: to show God’s sufficiency and to remind the Corinthians that though the world may see us as weak, we are actually empowered by God.

INTRODUCTION

GOD’S SUFFICIENT MERCY

God’s mercy in Paul’s heavenly experience gives him strength to press on but tempts him toward conceit.

God’s mercy in Paul’s difficulty reveals to him God’s strength to sustain.

Do we see God’s hand both in victory and defeat?

OUR SUBMISSIVE RESPONSE

Grow in embracing your weaknesses.

Grow in observing God’s power.

The gospel of Jesus reveals God’s glory and power displayed in human weakness. How will we “boast” in our weaknesses so that people will see God’s strength?

CONCLUSION