The Point of the Thorn (2 Co.12:1-10)

I. Paul’s Pride, 1-7 From heavenly delight to earthly desolation

“I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it” – ESV ► How many are converted because we brag on ourselves? False teachers probably claimed direct revelation 2 Co.11:21-23 False teachers probably claimed direct revelation 2 Co.11:21-23 Visions, Ac.26:19 Visions, Ac.26:19 Revelations, (general term) Revelations, (general term)

2-5, third person 7-10, switches to first person  If not referring to himself, how endangered by pride? Caught up (2, 4) – 1 Th.4:17  Paul did not exploit his privileges

Third heaven (2) – Paradise (4) Lk.23:43; Rv.2:7 Inexpressible No words to describe it. Cannot utter Inexpressible No words to describe it. Cannot utter Illegal Not allowed to utter. Jn.12 May not utter Illegal Not allowed to utter. Jn.12 May not utter

Journey to Paradise (3) His journey’s reality is certain His body’s role is uncertain (2, 3) Perception is possible for a disembodied spirit. Cf. Lk.16

Paul in two states (5) Exalted Paul 12:1-5 Exalted Paul 12:1-5 Earthly Paul 4:7 Earthly Paul 4:7 Paul’s appeal to sight of resurrected Lord is not ego but evidence –1 Co.15:8

No brag, just fact (6-7) Paul could match his opponents in every area... but... I forbear (refrain) (not good for others) I forbear (refrain) (not good for others) Lest... exalted (not good for himself) Lest... exalted (not good for himself)

I. Paul’s Pride, 1-7 II. Paul’s Pain, 8-10

8: ‘health & wealth’ “gospel”?? Did Paul lack faith? 9: God responds with something better than relief Grace to endure 10: Paul’s conclusion Take pleasure in (pain) for Christ’s sake Lit., not strong, weakness. 4x (5, 9, 10). Infirmities. 1 Co.2:3

I. Paul’s Pride, 1-7 III. Paul’s Principles II. Paul’s Pain, 8-10

1. Even Paul was endangered by pride, 7 Mentioned twice (v.7) In spite of his – 1. Vices? 1 Tim.1:13 2. Visions? 2 Co.12:1-7 Satan can gain foothold in strange places Paradise is heady!

1. The danger of pride, 7 2. Christians may suffer for doing what is right, 7  “I must have done something horrible”  Paul (7-9): did not view thorn as gift  Paul (2): fourteen years later… Job Luke 13 John 9 Buffet: harass, torment, cause harm Painful and persistent

1. The danger of pride, 7 2. Christians may suffer for doing right, 7 3. God can overrule satan’s work for good, 7-9  Job 1-2  Christ, 2 Co.13:4 – weak?? Not physically, morally, or spiritually Servitude – 2 Co.8:9; Ph.2:8; Hb.5:8 Now lives by power of God (Ro.1:4) Not physically, morally, or spiritually Servitude – 2 Co.8:9; Ph.2:8; Hb.5:8 Now lives by power of God (Ro.1:4)

1. The danger of pride, 7 2. Christians may suffer for doing right, 7 3. God can overrule satan’s work for good, 7-9  Job 1-2  Christ, 2 Co.13:4  Paul: satan’s pain God’s gain Job 2:6 1 Co.5:5 1 T.1:20 Paul did not stay in paradise… Christ’s power dwelled on him Stronger than messenger of satan Paul did not stay in paradise… Christ’s power dwelled on him Stronger than messenger of satan

1. The danger of pride, 7 2. Christians may suffer for doing right, 7 3. God can overrule satan’s work for good, 7-9  Job 1-2  Christ, 2 Co.13:4  Paul: satan’s pain  You and me: v.9 God’s gain “…All sufficient grace for even me...”

1. The danger of pride, 7 2. Christians may suffer for doing right, 7 3. God can overrule satan’s work for good, Human weakness gives Lord an opportunity to display power, 9-10  Gideon, Jg.6-7  Samson, Jg.16 Past success blinds to weakness, 3, 9, 14… Present worldliness blinds to danger Future regrets based on self- confidence

1. The danger of pride, 7 2. Christians may suffer for doing right, 7 3. God can overrule satan’s work for good, Human weakness gives Lord an opportunity to display power, 9-10  Gideon, Jg.6-7  Samson, Jg.16  Peter, Mt.26:31-33… Self-confidence contradicted Lord, exalted the sinner. Jer.17:9

1. The danger of pride, 7 2. Christians may suffer for doing right, 7 3. God can overrule satan’s work for good, Human weakness gives Lord an opportunity to display power, 9-10  Gideon, Jg.6-7  Samson, Jg.16  Peter, Mt.26:31-33…  Paul, 2 Co.4:7. A jar of clay cannot boast of beauty or strength Ph.4:13 2 Co.12:10 Ph.4:13 2 Co.12:10

We are weak when we think we are strong We are strong when we know we are weak “I’m a nobody; I can’t do anything” God doesn’t need the brilliant; He wants the believing