Thorn
Navigating Life Seas • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
It was not known what this Thorn was, but we know it affected him.
This “thorn” mentioned communicates an idea of pain, trouble, suffering, humiliation, physical issue or as some scholars think a demonic person/persons who stalked him and placed wedges in the church.
When it comes to ministry, we can be safe and list them all as thorns to be overcame.
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
Have you ever asked the Lord of something and it just doesn’t seem to go how you want?
Paul took it to God and even gave a good resolution to the problem.
But God didn’t answer how he wanted
Do you ever do that to God?
Jesus gave us a proper example in the garden… “but your will be done”
How did Jesus answer Paul?
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Grace: Giving one something that is unearned or deserved.
Mercy: Withholding punishment or a reaction that is due and deserved.
The Lord said HIS grace is sufficient
But what does that mean?
We have the definition of it just given…
Little lady at work who was jumping to get the top shelf… didn’t want any help. She was stuck until she acknowledged her need…
Doing over-haul and JL was jumping with a 3’ NY Hook to reach the ceiling that we were pulling…
What God was saying to Paul and what He is saying to us is “I don’t need you to be strong, I want you to rely on ME.
Many times man wants to say “Look at what I built” instead of look at what God has done.
To totally rely on God is a calling to obedient faith, to trust that He will provide and be your strength while you trust and obey His calling.
4 years ago I was led to do a mission in Greenville at the highland games… I had enough cash to get gas and a sandwich…
I stayed in a nice hotel and got to share the gospel with a member of the Highland regiment.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul understood that no matter what happened in this life, eternity with Jesus would make it pale and be forgotten
One of my favorite verses is
1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
Take Home?
Where Is Your Strength Found?
