1. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 It’s all about Jesus (His power and our weakness)

2. Overview Paul’s defence so far Paul’s visions and revelations Paul’s thorn in the flesh So what?

3. Paul’s defence so far A Spiritual battle and Spiritual weapons The need to look below the surface Service to please God rather than men The gospel made available free of charge Discerning true spirituality His pedigree as a Jew His faithfulness in service His sufferings for the gospel

4. Supernatural visions and revelations Paul now moves to another proof of his apostolic authority It is likely that the false apostles were claiming these for themselves Certainly, some of the 12 (and others) experiences these –Peter (Acts 10) –Stephen (Acts 7) –John (Revelation) Also Old Testament prophets

5. Visions and revelations (Verse 1) The pointlessness of boasting about them –By definition, they are given by God We can claim no credit –In the OT, God spoke to ungodly people in this way as well as holy people Pharaoh (Genesis 41) Cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40) Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2) Do we take pride in a gift of God?

6. Visions an revelations Verse 2-3 Paul is speaking about himself “the third heaven” simply means heaven Paul accepts that he doesn’t know exactly what the nature of these was –Likely that the Corinthians would get bogged down in this question Maybe even ranking in order of impotence Paul says that there are things that only God knows

7. Visions and revelations Verses 4-6 God revealed things to Paul that he was not to pass on –See also Revelation 10:4 –Seem strange – probably to teach, strengthen and encourage his ministry –These were early in his Christian life Paul will boast about a man like that but not about himself Paul is telling the truth –He does not want any personal credit for a God given gift

8. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” Verses 7-10 We don’t know what it was The purpose was to stop him being proud –The thorn was “given” (gift from God) –“Messenger of Satan” brought blessing Paul prayed for its removal 3 times God’s grace is sufficient God displays his power in our weakness Paul took the lesson on board When I am weak, then I am strong

9. So what? Are we thrown by people who tell us “The Lord has told me to tell you…? Are we ever tempted to take personal credit for or feel proud of a gift given by God. Do we rest peacefully in what God has revealed or do we get bogged down in biblically unanswerable questions? Do we keep “mystical” experiences in their proper context? Do we keep things that are for our personal benefit to ourselves? Do we accept and embrace God’s methods of dealing with us? Do we trust in the power of God to make perfect our weakness? Do we put into practice the things that God reveals to us?

10. Questions or comments?