The Thorn. We all have something we are constantly tempted or struggling with 1 Peter 5:8 Be of...
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Transcript of The Thorn. We all have something we are constantly tempted or struggling with 1 Peter 5:8 Be of...
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.”