Sermons on 2 Corinthians 12:7-9:

Trials Of Suffering

Contributed by Alexandria Jimenez on Jun 30, 2018

We aren't promised to never experience suffering, but how do we react and handle it, when our lives become the target to suffering?

Can you imagine the emotional state, along with the nerve wrecking distress that Jesus Christ himself felt the day before he was nailed to the cross? Can you imagine the hours, down to the minutes, and then the seconds, that our Father counted till his ultimate sacrifice, and our ultimate ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:35-36, Luke 22:42-43, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Mark 14:22-24

When God Says No

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jul 8, 2018

Like Paul, we all have a "thorn in the flesh." We can learn from Paul that God allows it, Satan sends it, and we can accept it. Because when we are weak, then we are strong, with God's strength on display through our weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 When God Says No Have you ever received a “no” answer from God? It hurts, right? You think you know best, you really do. And then God says, “I don’t think so.” Well, it particularly hurts when you’ve been suffering, and not only does God not remove the suffering, but maybe ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Power In The Thorns Of Life

Contributed by Randy Shepard on Jul 9, 2018

If we are humble enough to ask, Christ will let His power rest on us to help us dear with the thorns we encounter in life.

The year 1527 was the most trying year of Martin Luther’s life. On April 22 he was preaching in Wittenberg when he became dizzy and fainted. Over the next several months he dealt with debilitating depression and sickness. It had been 10 years since he had published his 95 theses. He had battled ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Denomination: United Methodist

Strength In Weakness

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Jul 15, 2018

This statement of the Apostle Paul, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” is confusing and difficult for many to accept. Paul was not anti-power or wanted us to be weak. He was a very strong man in many aspects of his life. What did he really mean?

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This statement of the Apostle Paul is confusing and difficult for many to accept. Many people want to be strong, whether physically (by doing weights and endurance training in fitness centers or if necessary, taking strong herbal or energy drinks), ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When God Says 'no'

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Jul 22, 2018

Sometimes God says no. When you are weakened by His answer, He will strengthen you by His grace.

The late Chuck Colson of Watergate fame shared his experience when God said NO. The great paradox [of my life] is that every time I walk into a prison and see the faces of men or women who have been transformed by the power of the living God, I realize that the thing God has chosen to use in my ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Denomination: Other

Sermon On The Twists & Turns Of Life

Contributed by William Meakin on Mar 10, 2023

Twists and turns have been defined as complicated dealings or circumstances.

Mandy Ingber, an American yoga instructor and former actress once remarked: “No matter what twists and turns your life offers you, your ability to be adaptable and flexible will help you to stay open to all of the hidden gifts that difficulty may offer.” Matthew 6:34 confirms: “Therefore do not be ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 138:3, Romans 8:31, Psalm 23:4

A Treasure In Earthen Vessels Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Mar 19, 2023

As faithful carriers of the Gospel, we know the treasure we carry, we endure the afflictions we face, and we hold fast to the hope we have.

2 Cor 4:7-15 A Treasure in Earthen Vessels 2 Cor 4:7-15 ESV 7But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Psalm 116:10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon On Grace Not Guilt

Contributed by William Meakin on Apr 1, 2023

One of the pertinent definitions of grace which is available to all humans, at the pleasure of God, is the renewal of our mind and heart.

Max Lucado, an American author once remarked: “Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.” Romans 11:6 confirms: “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” One of the pertinent definitions of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9, James 4:6, Hebrews 4:16, Isaiah 6:7

Mental Health In The Psalms: 69 Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Apr 26, 2023

God can completely heal mental illness, but even if He does not He still is steadfast in His love and a firm saving grace to us. He gives power to us in our weaknesses and struggles.

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE PSALMS: 69 PSALM 69:1-36 #mentalhealth INTRODUCTION 1 … POOR BISHOP HOOPER PSALM 69 (EVERY PSALM) youtube.com/watch?v=BRE6-mBWkc8 [3:50] INTRODUCTION 2… Tremper Longman III, How to Read the Psalms. IVP Academic; Inter-Varsity Press, 1988, 76–85. [adapted] We are in a series ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 69:1-36, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

Contributed by Paul Davidson on Feb 4, 2021

Where’s your fruit, Church? Maybe the world doesn’t see much fruit from us because we’re hiding out like Moses and making excuses instead of jumping into action. God sometimes asks us to do difficult things. Will we trust Him? Do we respond in faith or with excuses when God calls?

Last week, we heard a powerful message on the topic of faith and works... about how faith without works is dead. The pastor said, “Focus on God, and then He through you will produce the fruit... You can’t do anything for God... but God through you can do amazing, amazing, amazing things!” He ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-22, Exodus 4:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 2 Corinthians 12:9

Denomination: Baptist

Delighting In Our Weaknesses

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Feb 7, 2021

'Delighting in our weaknesses, really?' Yes, really. Last week we looked at how Paul learned the secret to contentment. As we needed to learn the secret to contentment, we also need to learn the secret to delighting in our weaknesses.

DELIGHTING IN OUR WEAKNESSES 2nd Cor. 12:7-10 Last week I mentioned that my sermon title, Being Content During Covid, probably caused you to think, 'he can't be serious'. Well, you might have the same reaction to today's sermon title. 'Delighting in our weaknesses, really?' ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, 2 Corinthians 11:30, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Hebrews 4:14-16, Psalm 82:4, Isaiah 40:29-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Blessing Of Brokenness Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 10, 2021

If you want to be truly blessed and be a blessing to others, let God break you of your self-sufficiency and sin.

Recently, I came across an interesting set of statistics on sanity. According to the study, one out of every four Americans is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Now, think of your three best friends. If they’re okay, then it’s probably you. (Rita Mae Brown, Church Champions Update, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32, Psalm 51:17, Matthew 5:3, 1 John 1:8-9, Isaiah 6:5, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Mark 14:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Jesus' Authority Over Demons (Parts 1 & 2) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Feb 12, 2021

This is a two-part sermon of the exposition of Luke 4:31:-37.

Grace Community Church Winchester, VA www.gracecommunity.com Watch these messages on our YouTube Channel: Part 1: https://youtu.be/pa9EOmyGiUU Part 2: https://youtu.be/B1nSk9KLkCs Introduction One of the greatest deceptions of our day is that Satan and his minions are not actively working in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:31-37, 2 Corinthians 11:14, 1 Timothy 4:1, Romans 1:6, James 3:13-16, Luke 8:28, 1 Corinthians 6:17, 2 Corinthians 12:7, Mark 9:22, Acts 19:15, Matthew 10:1, Mark 16:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

Paul's Thorny Trial - Was It Sickness Or?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Feb 16, 2021

The issue of the Apostle Paul's thorn-in-the-flesh has been hotly debated for centuries.

"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" (2 Cor 12:7 NKJV) Some have held that this "thorn" was an eye disease that God ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, James 4:10, Acts 19:11-12, 2 Corinthians 12:8, 2 Timothy 3:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Praying With Good King Hezekiah

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Feb 22, 2021

Looking back on the last few months, do you feel like you’ve been praying more, or is it less? Is this a practice that has been strengthened with you, or has it struggled? Has the seeking become less diligent, or the knocking not so confident? A praying Christian is a living Christian!

In Luke 11:9 Jesus says these words to us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Simple commands, yet astonishing. For his words reveal the great privilege that we have when we pray. This is the heavenly power that we access whenever we ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, 2 Kings 20:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed