The Thorn

The ThornWe all have something we are constantly

tempted or struggling with

1 Peter 5:8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking

someone to devour.

7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Lesson’s From The Thorn

1. Why This Thorn

2. Paul’s Reaction to the Thorn

3. Paul’s Reaction to God’s

Response

Why This ThornVs. 7

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself.

Why This ThornVs. 7

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself.

Paul had been blessed from many revelations from God:

Paul had been blessed from many revelations from God:

Why This ThornTo Keep Paul Humble

-could have easily been filled with pride

-church could have easily exalted him

Paul’s ReactionVs. 8

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.

Paul’s ReactionVs. 8

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.

Paul prayed, prayed again, and prayed again.

Similarities with Jesus’ and Paul’s circumstances

Sometimes we don’t receive the answer that

we want….but it’s enough.

Reaction to God’s Response

Vs. 9-10Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Reaction to God’s Response

Vs. 9-10Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul is the epitome of POSITIVE THINKING

Paul was able to be made stronger because he put more emphasis

on Christ.

Jesus….Perfect Man

Betrayed By His Friends

Physically & Mentally Abused

Was killed

Forgave

Our ThornsOur Youth and College Age:

Peers (bad influence)Media (TV, Music, Internet, Phone)Bad LanguageLack of Self-Confidence

(feelings of being worthless)AngerRandom Distractions from GodAlcoholSelfishnessMaterialismLust and SexSleeping In

Our ReactionGive Into Temptation and/or PrayPrayGive Into TemptationJust Avoid ItStudy the BibleAsk Someone for Help

Blessing of the Thorn

Recognized His WeaknessKept Paul HumbleGod Was Exalted MorePrayer Life was StrengthenedPaul was Made GladPaul’s Faith GrewPaul Leaned on God MorePaul Became More Content

All Because…

God said,

“No.”