Pain Management 5

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 The Message

Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

Many of You Will be shocked to Know that most great men and women of God, have gone thru great trials to get to the level they are currently on, and in many cases still face challenges behind closed doors.

The Price for The Lords anointing isn’t cheap, so never covet someones anointing.. Unless You Can drink from that bitter cup that they had to drink from.

Most leaders if they the knew the extent of the pain and the suffering they would have to endure to obtain it, would probably opted out, & took a pass. As a matter of fact several folks in here would be farther In the anointing if they didn’t Punk out.. Wait did i say that..

Lets back Up In the Text to understand What Apostle Paul is teaching us

2 Corinthians 11:3–4 NLT

But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.

His concern is with how the followers run to listen, to anyone that they think has a word..(this is how many folks get corrupted)

Lets Keep Reading:

2 Corinthians 11:5–9 NLT

But I don’t consider myself inferior in any way to these “super apostles” who teach such things. I may be unskilled as a speaker, but I’m not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every possible way. Was I wrong when I humbled myself and honored you by preaching God’s Good News to you without expecting anything in return? I “robbed” other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost. And when I was with you and didn’t have enough to live on, I did not become a financial burden to anyone. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me all that I needed. I have never been a burden to you, and I never will be.

He never placed a demand on this Corinthian Church to support but robbed other ministries so he could serve them at no cost...

2 Corinthians 11:12–15 NLT

But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

Consistency is important.. It reveals who’s- who.

James 1:4–8 KJV 1900

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Deceitful workers are Unstable: prone to change, fail, or give way;

Have you ever been in an unstable relationship?

Have you ever been connected to an unstable family? I had a member that while growing up his mother had moved to every borough in NY. Because her reputation with not paying rent, This unstable behavior poured into other areas of his life..

Most women who want to trust the man they are with need to see consistency, in the relationship, in paying bills, in the interaction with his kids… Hold Up one minute.. Side bar.. If person has been consistently bad with managing relationships with his or her children outside of your relationship chances are he will never win the father or mother of the year award with yours.

The Double Minded Spirit is running ramped in the Church, the root of the unstable person lack of patience.. try tithing 3 months no change in my finances stop doing that, they will try this & try that.. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

2 Corinthians 11:13–15 NLT

These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

New Living Translation Chapter 11

16 Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. 17 Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. 18 And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too. 19 After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! 20 You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. 21 I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!

But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

Apostle Paul is trying to prove a point, and reveal how the Church of Corinth has been bam bozzled by false Apostles. He gives them his (Apostolic qual·i·fi·ca·tions)

New Living Translation Chapter 11

23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.* 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.

Apostle Paul suffered for the sake of the Church, which qualified him to lead, teach, serve..

Some folks that have never suffered for the sake of Christ may think those of us that have must have done something wrong. Trust me it’s only mandatory for NBM to get this news flash!!! Staying Connected will cause you Trouble…

Good Trouble & Bad Trouble.. and you have to take the good with the bad..

blessings, anointing & favor vs. troubles, afflictions & haters

But see i have learned that to some the bad is Blessings, anointing & favor the moment God showers them they stop coming, serving & seeking..

The pain of Trouble, Affliction & Haters are the indicators that your close to breakthrough.

Acts 28:3–6 NLT

As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god.

See What helps Manage the pain is Knowing that you survived the snake bit.. (please take a break and bless him)

See In-Mature people focus on the Bite & mature people focus on the fact that God has given them power to shake it offff. Please declare it i survived the snake bite.

Thats what qualifies you, your ability to withstand evil, being lied on laughed at, folk waiting for you to die from your incident..

So when we jump to Chapter 12 its the continuation of the conversation. But he switches to Visions and Revelations..

True Mark Of An Apostle is the

1. Ability to Suffer great trials while remaining consistant

2. Having Revelatory & Visionary gifts from the Lord..

lets look at

2 Corinthians 12:2–5 NLT

I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses.

2 Corinthians 12:6 GW

If I ever wanted to brag, I wouldn’t be a fool. Instead, I would be telling the truth. But I’m going to spare you so that no one may think more of me than what he sees or hears about me,

2 Corinthians 12:7 The Message

Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty!

New Living Translation Chapter 12

So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh,

The Word Thorn in greek is Skolops: something that causes irritation and annoyance when touched..

The Word Flesh in greek is SARX: the physical body

What areas in your life that seem to produce irritation.. often we want ovoid that. As a diabetic we must check body parts like our eyes and feet to make sure they haven’t been irritated. Ignoring irritation can cause blindness and loss of limbs..

We Must confront our irritation,

New Living Translation Chapter 12

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.

There are assigned afflictions we must carry, praying, fasting, pouring oil and its still there..

Thats why you shouldn’t envy someones anointing. My Anointing came fully loaded with blessings, favor & yea suffering..

I want my marriage like yours.. No you don’t.. You might not be able to put up with what i went thru and still stay saved..

Trust Me.. What you will deal with in your life has been tailored made for you, Every blessing & every messing..

New Living Translation Chapter 12

9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

So wait he asked God to remove it.. God said My Grace is all you need.

He asked him again.. God said My Grace is all you need

He asked him the 3rd time, My Grace is all you need..

Grace: (Charis) the resulting activity that is a necessary consequence of genuine, beneficent goodwill;

Grace: Is favor.. (outworking)

Grace must be respected… I Know I will always have God’s grace, because i respect it..

Luke 12:48 NLT

But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

If you don’t show & give grace don’t expect grace in return.. The More you get the more you give…

Is their someone that has done something wrong to you or did something your aware of it, and its changed your opinion, butttt when it comes to your character flaws (handicaps).

Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon 5483 χαρίζομαι

5483 χαρίζομαι [charizomai /khar·id·zom·ahee/] v. Middle voice from 5485; TDNT 9:372; TDNTA 1298; GK 5919; 23 occurrences; AV translates as “forgive” 11 times, “give” six times, “freely give” twice, “deliver” twice, “grant” once, and “frankly forgive” once. 1 to do something pleasant or agreeable (to one), to do a favour to, gratify. 1A to show one’s self gracious, kind, benevolent. 1B to grant forgiveness, to pardon. 1C to give graciously, give freely, bestow. 1C1 to forgive. 1C2 graciously to restore one to another. 1C3 to preserve for one a person in peril.

Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon 5485 χάρις

good will, loving-kindness, favour. 2A of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues. 3 what is due to grace. 3A the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace

Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon 5486 χάρισμα

5486 χάρισμα [charisma /khar·is·mah/] n n. From 5483; TDNT 9:402; TDNTA 1298; GK 5922; 17 occurrences; AV translates as “gift” 15 times, and “free gift” twice. 1 a favour with which one receives without any merit of his own. 2 the gift of divine grace. 3 the gift of faith, knowledge, holiness, virtue. 4 the economy of divine grace, by which the pardon of sin and eternal salvation is appointed to sinners in consideration of the merits of Christ laid hold of by faith. 5 grace or gifts denoting extraordinary powers, distinguishing certain Christians and enabling them to serve the church of Christ, the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating on their souls by the Holy Spirit.

King James Version Chapter 12

My grace is sufficient for thee: for umy strength is made perfect in weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9 The Message

and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.

The moment he heard that, he was glad to let the thorns happen....

He quit focusing on the handicap!!! It’s alway easy to put emphasis on wrong and fail to celebrate whats right (appreciate the gift)

i have noticed that when a person can’t appreciate their own gift its hard to celebrate others gifts… Do me a favor appreciate your gift.. all the hell you gone throw to get it..

Someone lied to us and told us that we must be superman and superwomen, but God’s strength is made perfect in our Clark Kent..

Strength is made perfect in weakness.. could that be my issue, I have been trying to be strong when I should be weak?

New Living Translation Chapter 12

My power works best in weakness

New Living Translation Chapter 12

So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

King James Version Chapter 12

10 Therefore lI wtake pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in xznecessities, in ypersecutions, in zdistresses for Christ’s sake: afor when I am weak, then am I strong.

The Message Chapter 12

Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

Get Weak Get Power...

See my storms are an indicator something great is going to happen, i stopped looking at the handicaps..

Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift,

Somebody in here owes their enemy a steak dinner.. It’s the ones that keep you praying, keep you in Gods Face

Its the thing that keeps you knowing you have to depend on God to survive.

People that pump you up is nice to have around to inflate your ego & make you feel good & we enjoy their company..

But that thorn in your side, is there to remind you that your not all that, your nothing without him, power belongs to God, and Gods Grace is sufficient for your pain..