Strength through Weakness (2 Corinthians 12)

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul’s Thorn

There was a letter between 1 and 2 Corinthians; it must have been healthy confrontation.

In the midst of the unseen battle, don’t forget that when we are weak, then we are strong.

God allowed Satan to torment Paul, like He did with Job.

Don’t forget:

1) Satan’s purpose for thorns is to weaponize weakness.

How: self-accusation - doubt - self-reliance - despair - isolation - victimization

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

John Piper “Satan’s main aim is to destroy our joy in God.”

Question What truth do I need to believe? What lies do I need to reject?

2) God’s purpose for our thorns is to meet us in our weakness.

How: sufficient grace - perfect power

A divided heart doesn’t stop believing, but stops depending.

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,”

Joni Earickson Tada “Sometimes God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves.”

Charles Spurgeon “If you are weak, you have a special claim upon the strength of God.”

Question How has God met me in weakness?

3) We get to live strong out of our weakness with glad boasting and contentment.

Galatians 6:14 “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

James 1:2 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,”

Question Where is my gladness and contentment?