1. The Thorn

2. We all have something we are constantly tempted or struggling with 1 Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

3. 7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

4. Lesson’s From The Thorn 1. Why This Thorn 2. Paul’s Reaction to the Thorn 3. Paul’s Reaction to God’s Response

5. Why This Thorn Vs. 7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself.

6. Why This Thorn Vs. 7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself.

7. Paul had been blessed from many revelations from God:

9. Why This Thorn To Keep Paul Humble -could have easily been filled with pride -church could have easily exalted him

10. Paul’s Reaction Vs. 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.

11. Paul’s Reaction Vs. 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.

12. Paul prayed, prayed again, and prayed again.

13. Similarities with Jesus’ and Paul’s circumstances

14. Sometimes we don’t receive the answer that we want….but it’s enough.

15. Reaction to God’s Response Vs. 9-10 Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

16. Reaction to God’s Response Vs. 9-10 Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

17. Paul is the epitome of POSITIVE THINKING Used his circumstances to GLORIFY GOD Vs 9 (so that the power of Christ may dwell in me) Turned his weaknesses into STRENGTH Vs 10 (for when I am weak, then I am strong)

18. Paul was able to be made stronger because he put more emphasis on Christ.

19. Jesus…. Perfect Man Betrayed By His Friends Physically & Mentally Abused Was killed Forgave

20. Our Thorns Our Youth and College Age: Peers (bad influence) Media (TV, Music, Internet, Phone) Bad Language Lack of Self-Confidence (feelings of being worthless) Anger Random Distractions from God Alcohol Selfishness Materialism Lust and Sex Sleeping In

21. Our Reaction Give Into Temptation and/or Pray Pray Give Into Temptation Just Avoid It Study the Bible Ask Someone for Help

22. Blessing of the Thorn Recognized His Weakness Kept Paul Humble God Was Exalted More Prayer Life was Strengthened Paul was Made Glad Paul’s Faith Grew Paul Leaned on God More Paul Became More Content

23. All Because… God said, “No.”