THE THORN
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 KJV)
I. A DEFINITE PROBLEM
“There was given to me a thorn in the flesh.”
A. THE “THORN” IN HIS LIFE WAS PAINFUL.
1. Troubled on every side.
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears. (2Co 7:5)
a. Without were fightings.
b. Within were fears.
2. Troubled from every source.
2Co 11:26 [In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren;
1. Life is a constant struggle.
2. Leaving you completely stunned.
II. A DESPERATE PRAYER
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart
from me.”
A. PAUL PRAYED FERVENTLY.
1. Notice the priority he was willing to give to prayer.
2. Notice the persistence he was willing to show in prayer.
B. PAUL’S PRAYING SEEMED FUTILE.
1. His prayer seemed unanswered.
2. His pain seemed unrelenting.
III. A DELIGHTFUL PROMISE
“My grace is sufficient for thee.”
A. THE ASSURANCE RECEIVED
1. He discovered God’s purpose.
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”
2. He could depend on God’s provision.
“My grace is sufficient for thee.”
B. THE ALLEGIANCE RENEWED
“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
1. His attitude is changed.
2. His acceptance is complete.
