Paul’s, Thorn
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. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 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, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
Paul’s Thorn
Therefore, to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast even more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
• But he said to me, “My grace (power) (Ability) is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
• He answered me, “I am all you need. I give you My loving-favor. My power works best in weak people.” I am happy to be weak and have troubles so I can have Christ’s power in me.
Introduction
Some believe that Paul’s thorn was given by God to keep Paul humble. This is not the case. Father God told Paul that His grace (ability) in his life, was sufficient to handle this attack from Satan. The redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary was and is more than sufficient to overcome evil of any kind. Including Paul’s thorn that was given to him by Satan.
There are misconceptions regarding the scripture, 2 Cor. 12:7-9. Therefore, I need to indicate that we should look at other scriptures to also understand what was said here. In 2 Peter 1: 2-4 says that God’s grace (ability) (power) and peace is multiplied to the knowledge of Him. Grace is God’s ability working through us and peace our trust in Him. God will not use anything from Satan towards his children. It’s like saying, God gives cancer to a person to bless them. This is a lie from the pit of hell. We have a loving father who takes pleasure in blessing His children. All the Lord was saying to Paul was that he was being attacked by Satan, but God ‘s ability given it to Paul in the new birth, was more than enough to overcome any of the attack delivered by the evil one. This, we must understand God will never use Satan or any of his demons towards his children. This is not the character of God. God stated in His name we will command demons to leave people. God was telling Paul that His ability through using the name of Jesus was more than sufficient for his life and ministry as it is for us as believers today.
Definitions Examined
Grace (χάρις (charis)- a gracious provision, gracious scheme, grace, Rom. 6:14, 15; Heb. 2:9; 12:28; 13:9.
In the objective sense of the word grace means that which has been given to us by God through Jesus Christ.
In the subjective sense of the word proceeds from the divine redemptive work of Christ on Calvary.
(Power ) δύναμις (dynamis)- power; strength, ability, Mt. 25:15; Heb. 11:11; efficacy, 1 Cor. 4:19, 20; Phil. 3:10; 1 Thess. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:5; energy, Col. 1:29; 2 Tim. 1:7; meaning, purport of language, 1 Cor. 14:11; authority, Lk. 4:36; 9:1; might, power, majesty, Mt. 22:29; 24:30; Acts 3:12; Rom. 9:17; 2 Thess. 1:7; 2 Pet. 1:16; in NT a manifestation or instance of power, mighty means, Acts 8:10; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18, 24;
Origin of Sickness and Sin
We must understand that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Heb 13:8.
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts: 10:38
Blessed is the man who endures temptation (trials), for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone. But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
Do not err, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures. James 1:12-19.
Our Rights!
His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence, 4 by which He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that through these things you might become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:2-4.
Stand Strong!
Let the weak say, ‘I am strong. Joel 3:10
Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals
through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14
Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded
that He is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.
2 Timothy1:12
What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Listen to how people speak. Words are locaters either of faith or doubt. How you
think is how you will speak. And how you speak is how you will live!