1. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 1 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

2. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 2 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... 2 Cor. 12:7-10 (NKJV) And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. [8] Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times

3. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 3 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... 2 Cor. 12:7-10 (NKJV)... that it might depart from me. [9] And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,

4. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 4 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... 2 Cor. 12:7-10 (NKJV)... that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

5. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 5 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... Doddridge Doddridge - A paralytic disorder? Latin Fathers Latin Fathers - An unruly desire?? Chrysostom and Jerome Chrysostom and Jerome - A headache? Tertullian, Tertullian, - an earache Persecution? Persecution? – 2 Cor. 11:23-30 A Physical infirmity? A Physical infirmity? - Gal 4:13 Eye disorder? Eye disorder? – Gal 4:15

6. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 6 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... Whatever it was – Paul wanted relief! 2 Cor. 12:8 (NKJV) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

7. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 7 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... Physical Hindrance or Pain?Physical Hindrance or Pain? Illicit Desire?Illicit Desire? Relationshi p in Distress?Relationshi p in Distress? Age / Illness Injury / Disability Chem. Addiction Immoral Thoughts Selfishness / Greed Job Conditions Spouse / Parents /children / Brethren

8. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 8 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... What Is My Response To The Thorn?  Why Me?  Where is God?  How Can This Be?  Does God Care?

9. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 9 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... The Battle Is NOT EXTERNAL BUT INTERNAL! 2 Cor. 11:24-28; Job 14:1; How Does One Retain His Faith? Phili 4:11-13

10. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 10 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... Can’t Blame God! His thorn was “a messenger of Satan to buffet, ( hit or slap ), him. (7) Do we understand? Job 1; Eph. 6:10-18 God’s Purpose? God’s Care? God’s Love?

11. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 11 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... Gladly Accepted His Thorn! “I will most gladly therefore boast in my infirmities” (9).... I take pleasure in my infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, and distresses for Christ’s sake.” (10)

12. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 12 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... Gladly Accepted His Thorn! Col 1:24; James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6,7; 4:13

13. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 13 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... The Value Of The Thorn! For when I am weak, then I am strong. (10)

14. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 14 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... The Value Of The Thorn! 2 Cor. 13:4 (NKJV) For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.

15. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 15 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away... The Value Of The Thorn! James 1:1-6,12; 1 Peter 5:7- 19; Heb 2:17-3:1; 12:1-3 True strength comes by facing resistance! The Battle can be WON! -

16. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 16 The Thorn That Will Not Go Away...  Do Not Judge God – Job 9:32  Look To The Cross – Rom. 5:8  Keep Your Perspective – Rom. 8:18  Be Of Help To Others – 2 Cor. 1:4  Ask God For Help – James 1:5;  Pray For Deliverance From Temptation – Mat 6:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Tim. 4:17-18  Accept The Challenge – James 1:12; Rev 2:10

17. Don McClainWest 65th St church of Christ 17