Grace That Makes Us Glad

Title: GRACE THAT MAKES US GLAD

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (RSV), "And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, ’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

Truth: "b. Visions and revelation – whether they are of angels, Jesus, heaven, or other things - are more common in the New Testament than we might think.

i. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, had a vision of an angel (Luke 1:8-23).

ii. Jesus’ transfiguration is described as a vision for the disciples (Matthew 17:9).

iii. The women who came to visit Jesus’ tomb had a vision of angels (Luke 24:22-24).

iv. Stephen saw a vision of Jesus at his death (Acts 7:55-56).

v. Ananias experienced a vision telling him to go to Saul (Acts 9:10).

vi. Peter had a vision of the clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:17-19 and 11:5).

vii. Peter had a vision of an angel at his release from prison (Acts 12:9).

viii. John had many visions on Patmos (Revelation 1:1).

ix. Paul had a revelation of Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:6-11 and 26:12-20).

x. Paul had vision of a man from Macedonia, asking him to come to that region to help (Acts 16:9-10).

xi. Paul had an encouraging vision while in Corinth (Acts 18:9-11).

xii. Paul had a vision of an angel on the ship that was about to be wrecked (Acts 27:23-25).

xiii. So, we should not be surprised if God should speak to us through some type of visions and revelations of the Lord. But we do understand that such experiences are subjective, and prone to misunderstanding and misapplication. In addition, whatever real benefit there are to visions and revelations of the Lord, they are almost always limited to the one receiving the visions and revelations. We should be rather cautious when someone reports a vision or revelation they have regarding us.

xiv. ’How often people have wanted to tell me about their visions! I am always suspicious. I want to know what they had for supper the night before! If people have visions of this sort they are silent about them.’ (Morgan)"

­Guzik, David. "Study Guide for 2 Corinthians 12." Enduring Word. Blue Letter Bible. 7 Jul 2006. 2010. 22 Jul 2010.

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God’s sufficiency and supply is available to truly born again Christians.

Our text speaks of some most uncomfortable things that assailed God’s servant

Paul the Apostle. He is attempting to convey the thought that his sufferings were

for Christ’s good. Paul noted that when he was weak, then he was strong. This was a

heavenly principle at work in this man’s sufferings and weaknesses. Can we imagine this

duress with contentment? A bad hair day throws some modern day folk out of kilter.

There is a tendency, a proclivity, to think or say: "I’m just suffering for Jesus."

In actuality, one may be hurt or suffering. The manner in which pain or suffering

is handled (attitude toward or reaction to) is what brings glory or shame to

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Please, let us consider, in the context of the passage of Scripture before us, some

truths that are available. One may ask, "available to whom?" It is vital to note

that, in the following discussion, truly born again disciples of Jesus Christ

are in view.

Please observe: The Grace Giver, The Promise, and The Result.

As we cogitate on the Grace Giver, this One who promises help and direction, we

quickly discover that it is none other than the Almighty God of the universe

who spoke to Paul; and, today, speaks to us the words "My grace is

sufficient." The God-man who cannot lie will give us grace and glory--His

grace for our endurance and His glory to emanate from us the marvelous,

wonder working power implicit in God’s love. One’s good and active interaction

with his Savior and Healer can be a channel of benefit to others. The unbeliever,

for example, taking note, can be exposed to the love from heaven

that can redeem from sin and can heal all diseases.

Not only is Jesus the Christ dispensing His unmerited favor and His divine

healing to believers, but also He is making intercession between sin-tainted