The Reasons For Suffering

Paul’s Reliance on the Spirit ()

Paul tells the Corinthians up front that he claims no credit for the wisdom in what he was saying (v.1)

Philosophers and teachers, to which the city of Corinth had many, were dependent on the wisdom and speaking skills to gain followers. One commentary used referred tho them as “spellbinders”

It was imperative to Paul to let the Corinthians know that he himself relied neither on his own wisdom nor his own speech.

remember, Paul was highly educated

prior to his conversion, his learning, and his speech was what he did rely on

Paul simply preached the Gospel of the Cross

Paul Preaches nothing but the Gospel (v.2)

Paul determined (made a strong decision to claim nothing else other than Christ

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Two: Be Wise about … the Christian Message (1 Corinthians 2)

A certain church had a beautiful stained-glass window just behind the pulpit. It depicted Jesus Christ on the cross. One Sunday there was a guest minister who was much smaller than the regular pastor. A little girl listened to the guest for a time, then turned to her mother and asked, “Where is the man who usually stands there so we can’t see Jesus?”

Too many preachers of the Word so magnify themselves and their gifts that they fail to reveal the glory of Jesus Christ. Paul gloried in the cross of Christ (Gal. 6:14) and made it the center of his message.

Paul made sure this did not happen to him

Paul makes it clear that his message and his preaching was a demonstration of the Spirit. (v.4)

And that faith should not rest on the words of men but only in the power of God

So we get a pretty good picture of Paul’s assessment of both God and himself.

Paul was not someone who was lost about to receive God’s wrath, or was being punished, so why the thorn in the flesh

The Thorn in the Flesh

The message Paul was bringing was so great, in order for him not to fall into pride, the thorn was allowed by God.

The thorn was called a messenger from Satan.

Satan did not maintain the power to give Paul the thorn without the permission of God (Job)

Paul approaches God three times to remove the thorn

God said, “My grace is sufficient for you

God uses suffering to

Reveal our Spiritual condition

point out in us our weak points in times of trouble

helps us to understand what we need to work on to be a better Christian

Humble us to turn to God for our needs