don mcclainwest 65th st church of christ 1 the thorn that will not go away... 2 corinthians 12:7-10

Don McClain West 65th St church of Christ

1The The

Thorn Thorn That That

Will Not Will Not Go Go

Away . . Away . . . .

2 Corinthians 12:7-10


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The Thorn That Will The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . 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


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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,


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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.


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The Thorn That Will The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . .Not Go Away . . .

DoddridgeDoddridge - A paralytic disorder?

Latin FathersLatin Fathers - An unruly desire??

Chrysostom and JeromeChrysostom 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


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Whatever it was – Whatever it was – Paul wanted relief!Paul wanted relief!

2 Cor. 12:8 (NKJV) Concerning this

thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart

from me.


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•Physical Physical Hindrance Hindrance or Pain?or Pain?

•Illicit Illicit Desire?Desire?

•RelationsRelationship in hip in Distress?Distress?

Age / IllnessInjury / Disability

Chem. AddictionImmoral ThoughtsSelfishness / Greed

Job Conditions Spouse / Parents

/children / Brethren


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What Is My What Is My Response To The Response To The

Thorn?Thorn? Why Me?Why Me? Where is God?Where is God? How Can This Be?How Can This Be? Does God Care?Does God Care?

Why Me?Why Me? Where is God?Where is God? How Can This Be?How Can This Be? Does God Care?Does God Care?


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The Battle Is The Battle Is NOT EXTERNAL NOT EXTERNAL BUT INTERNAL!BUT INTERNAL! 2 Cor. 11:24-28; Job

14:1; How Does One How Does One

Retain His Faith?Retain His Faith? Phili 4:11-13


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Can’t Blame Can’t Blame God!God!

His thorn was “a messenger of Satan to

buffet, (hit or slap), him. (7)

Do we Do we understandunderstand

?? Job 1; Eph. 6:10-18

God’s Purpose?God’s Care?God’s Love?


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Gladly Accepted Gladly Accepted His Thorn!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)


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Gladly Accepted Gladly Accepted His Thorn!His Thorn!

Col 1:24; James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6,7; 4:13


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The Value Of The Value Of The Thorn!The Thorn!

For when I am weak, then I am strong. (10)


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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.


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James 1:1-6,12; 1 Peter 5:7-19; Heb 2:17-3:1;

12:1-3True strength comes by

facing resistance!The Battle can be WON! -


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Do Not Judge God – Job 9:32Do Not Judge God – Job 9:32 Look To The Cross – Rom. 5:8Look To The Cross – Rom. 5:8 Keep Your Perspective – Rom. 8:18Keep Your Perspective – Rom. 8:18 Be Of Help To Others – 2 Cor. 1:4Be Of Help To Others – 2 Cor. 1:4 Ask God For Help – James 1:5; Ask God For Help – James 1:5; Pray For Deliverance From Temptation Pray For Deliverance From Temptation

– Mat 6:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Tim. 4:17-– Mat 6:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Tim. 4:17-18 18

Accept The Challenge – James 1:12; Accept The Challenge – James 1:12; Rev 2:10Rev 2:10

Do Not Judge God – Job 9:32Do Not Judge God – Job 9:32 Look To The Cross – Rom. 5:8Look To The Cross – Rom. 5:8 Keep Your Perspective – Rom. 8:18Keep Your Perspective – Rom. 8:18 Be Of Help To Others – 2 Cor. 1:4Be Of Help To Others – 2 Cor. 1:4 Ask God For Help – James 1:5; Ask God For Help – James 1:5; Pray For Deliverance From Temptation Pray For Deliverance From Temptation

– Mat 6:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Tim. 4:17-– Mat 6:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Tim. 4:17-18 18

Accept The Challenge – James 1:12; Accept The Challenge – James 1:12; Rev 2:10Rev 2:10


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don mcclainwest 65th st church of christ 1 the thorn that will not go away... 2 corinthians 12:7-10

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