Why do Christians suffer?
An exposition on Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh (2 Cor. 12: 7-10)
2 Corinthians 12 : 7-10
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
10 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.
Why do Christians suffer?
1) Suffering promotes humility.
Verse 1 – Should I go on boasting? Although there is nothing to be gained…
Verse 7a – To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelation…
2) Some suffering are from Satanic origin
Verse 7b – there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan.
We need to be careful here:
Not ALL sufferings can be attributed to Satan. Ultimately, God is in control.
Many can be attributed to our sin and disobedience and their consequences
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
It could be:
His eyesight (medical problem)
His Past (consequences)
Judaizer (work-oriented)
His wife (family or love-life)
3) Suffering promotes a healthy prayer life.
Verse 8 (The prayer) – Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
Verse 9 (The implied NO) -- But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you”.
Sometimes, no amount of prayer can take it away
4) Suffering promotes God’s Grace and Power
(Verse 9a) My Grace is sufficient for you
(Verse 9b) For My Power is made perfect in weakness.
5) Suffering promotes the right attitude
(Verse 9c) God’s power may rest on me in weakness
(Verse 10) For when I am weak, then I am strong.
