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Part 6: Paul and the Thorn

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

PART 6

 
Message Notes
 
Reading Plan
 
 
 
 
 

2 Corinthians 11:24-30; 12:7-10

1. YOUR SCARS TELL YOUR STORY.  

“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.  2 Corinthians 11:24-27 (NIV)

Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” 2 Corinthians 11:28-30 (NIV)

  • God can take your greatest test and make it your greatest testimony.  

2. IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE, STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS GO TOGETHER. 

“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.” 2 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (ESV)

  • What was Paul’s thorn?

“...When I am weak, then I am strong.”   2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV) oso

  • Spiritual power doesn’t flow from your strength, it flows from the weak places where you’ve learned to depend on God. 

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS: 

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This Week’s Reading Plan:

  • YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan: “Thorn as a Gift” (3 Days)

Close EncountersDr. John Gerlach