Thorn in the Flesh 2
Thorn in the Flesh
Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (KJV)
7And 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.
8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9And 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.
10Therefore 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.
Introduction: Verse 7 in the New Living Translation says: “to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud.” Think the problems you have been facing are too rough? Maybe the sickness you are going through is it too harsh?
What about the other problems the ones nobody else is supposed to know about?
1. Thorn what was it and why didn’t God remove it?
a. what it was is not so important whether it was physical or spiritual or what. Some say it HAD to be _________ but that is just guessing Paul didn’t describe it because it describes your problem.
Ø It pricked and bothered him
Ø It distracted him for his labor
Ø It made him appear personally weak and sickly
The thorn is of special purpose.
Ø It kept him from being puffed up (Jack Hagar often saying he was never sick)
Ø It revealed God’s power in Paul
Ø The weaker the vessel, (that is us) the more God’s power is relied on, the stronger we are the less we need to rely on Him
1 Corinthians 1:27KJV
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
2#. Gods Grace is Sufficient for Me!
All of us at one time in our lives are burdened with some problem, pain, or sickness of some kind. When asked, God gives healing or deliverance to others, yet this one burden for some reason still lingers on. Why? Are we weak in faith? Have we done something wrong? No, for he says “My grace is all you need.” (Remember Job)
Isaiah 40:31KJV
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
3. Glory in my infirmities!
Ø When I am sick, hated of men, in need, persecuted by family or by friends, then I rely on God! And when I am weak then I am strong
Isaiah 41:10KJV
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.