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The Thorn That Will Not Go Away

The Thorn That Will Not Go Away. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . 2 Corinthians 12:7,8

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The Thorn That Will Not Go Away

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  1. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

  2. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . 2 Corinthians 12:7,8 “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…”

  3. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . 2 Corinthians 12:8,9 “. . . 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…”

  4. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 “. . . 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.”

  5. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away… Doddridge— a paralytic disorder? Latin Fathers— An unruly desire? Jerome— a headache? Tertullian— an earache? What was the thorn?

  6. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away… What was the thorn? Persecution?2 Corinthians 11:23-30 A physical infirmity?Galatians 4:13 Eye disorder?Galatians 4:15

  7. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away… What was the thorn? Whatever it was, Paul wanted relief! “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8

  8. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . • Physical hindrance or pain? • Illicit desire? • Relationship in distress? Who is free from thorns? Age/Illness Injury/Disability Chem. Addiction Immoral Thoughts Selfishness/Greed Job Conditions/Spouse Parents/Children Brethren

  9. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . The Issue Is My Response to the Thorn? The Thorn Is NOT the Issue! • Why Me? • Where is God? • How can this be? • Does God care?

  10. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . From Paul's Perspective The Battle Is Internal - NOT External! 2 Corinthians 11:24-28; Job 14:1 How Does One Retain His Faith? Philippians 4:11-13 #1 2 Timothy 4:6-8

  11. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . You Can’t Blame God! Paul’s thorn was “a messenger of Satan to buffet (hit or slap) him.” From Paul's Perspective #2 Do we understand? Job 1:6-12 Ephesians 6:10-18 God’s Purpose? God’s Care? God’s Love?

  12. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . He Gladly Accepted the Thorn! “I will most gladly therefore boast in my infirmities”. . . . I take pleasure in my infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, and distresses for Christ’s sake.” 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 From Paul's Perspective #3

  13. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . He Gladly Accepted the Thorn! From Paul's Perspective #3 Colossians 1:24; James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6,7; 4:13 2 Corinthians 4:8-17

  14. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . From Paul's Perspective The Value of the Thorn! #4 “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”(2 Cor. 12:10)

  15. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . The Value of the Thorn! #4 From Paul's Perspective 2 Corinthians 13:4 “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.”

  16. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . The Value of the Thorn! From Paul's Perspective #4 James 1:1-6,12; 1 Peter 5:7-19; Hebrews 2:17-3:1;12:1-3 True strength comes by facing resistance! The battle can be WON!

  17. The Thorn That Will Not Go Away . . . Conclusion • Do not judge God –Job 9:32 • Look to the cross – Romans 5:8 • Keep your perspective – Romans 8:18 • Be of help to others – 2 Corinthians 1:4 • Ask God for help – James 1:5 • Pray For deliverance from temptation – Matthew 6:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Timothy 4:17-18 • Accept the challenge – James 1:12; Revelation 2:10

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