The Throne of Grace

2 Corinthians 12:1–10 NKJV

It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 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. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 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. 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. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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.

Thorny Situations

Paul found himself in a thorny situation. Thorny situations are painful and uncomfortable.

It was a messenger of Satan sent to “buffet” him.

Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away.

God did not take it away.

Sometimes God chooses not to let problems go away.

Why? The problem has a purpose.

James 1:2–4 NKJV

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The Throne of Grace

Hebrews 4:14–16 NKJV

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The throne of a king was deemed unapproachable without an invitation. To come uninvited could lead to execution (Esther 4:11).

We are encouraged “to come”. We have an open invitation to “the throne of grace”.

We are to come “boldly”. We can come with faith and confidence.

Why can we come boldly? We have a High Priest who is pleading our case.

When came we come? In our “time of need”.

Why are we to come? That we may obtain...help”.

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

What help will we receive? “Mercy” and “Grace”

How much grace will we receive? Sufficient grace to overcome.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NKJV

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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.

What should be our attitude in thorny situations?

“Be glad”

“Boast” in our weakness.

Why? In this way, the power of God will rest upon us.

“Take pleasure” in our weaknesses.

“Count it all joy” when we encounter various trials.

Why?

Patience and perseverance are being produced in us.

When we are weak, we are strong in God’s grace.

Response to the Word