Thorn in the Flesh
Thorn in the Flesh
2 Corinthians 12:7-10,
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
I. Paul had a thorn in the Flesh.
A. We think of the Apostle Paul as a great Christian.
1. As good as he was God saw fit that he got a thorn in the flesh.
B. How much more do we need a thorn in the flesh to help us stay straight?
1. God lets problems into our lives just to keep us straight as well.
2. We need to be reminded all the time that we are weak and God can take care of us.
C. Hebrews 12:3-5,3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
II. Paul prays three times to Christ.
A. God permitted this to happen and Paul still prays for it to go.
B. We in turn can pray for everything that comes into our lives.
1. But it does not mean that God will answer the way we want to.
2. God may want us to suffer.
III. Christ said my strength is made perfect in weakness.
A. When we can’t do for our selves, we go to God.
B. Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
C. Christ must be the one who get the glory for what gets done.
1. This is one reason why God wait so long to help us and answer prayers.
IV. We need to learn to rejoice when we have problems.
A. Because it gives God a chance to help us.
B. Romans 5:1-5,1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
C. We don’t rejoice because we are in a problem, but because Christ can help us with the problem.
Conclusion:
In verse 10 we now see a list of things not just his thorn in the flesh.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Paul realizes now that everything can be use to show Christ’s power in his life.
Now we can say that same thing Paul said.
2 Timothy 4:6-8,
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.