There are so many phrases in common language that have their origin in the scriptures. Annie Lennox of the Eurhythmics years ago even wrote a song titled, ‘Thorn in my side’ – the root of which is found in this morning’s passage by Paul. But what did this passage mean, originally? Take a look.
2 Corinthians 12: Paul's Visions and His Thorn
1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven---whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.
3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise---whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows---
4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.
5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses.
6 Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 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.
Concern for the Corinthian Church
11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing.
12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
13 For in what were you less favoured than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16 But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit.
17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?
18 I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your building-up, beloved.
20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish---that perhaps there may be quarrelling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.
21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
Things to think about…
1. Want to know why Paul was so driven to preach the gospel? He had been to heaven, 2Cor 12:2-4. Paul had what we may call an ‘out of body experience’ or a ‘near death experience’, though he is not sure whether he was out of the body or not. The point is that he saw the abode of God. He says he heard things that cannot be told. Things too wonderful no doubt. People who have these experiences are considered mentality unsound in our day. There are many who have had such experiences however and they all come back with a desire to tell people about the afterlife. Many wanted to speak about Jesus and His salvation. Though not everyone. There is currently a series on a streaming service called “Near death Experiences”. Some of these experiences are no doubt under demonic delusion as well.
2. Paul says pride was a potential problem as a result of his trip to heaven, so God afflicted him with a demon, 2Cor 12:7. That’s the reality. This says that our pride is far worse condition than demonic affliction. God uses the evil of Satan as an instrument that can either keep us humble or bring us back to Christ. Paul knows this and hence he later says “among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme” 1Tim1:20. He says Alexander the coppersmith did him much harm. We know some people claim to be Christians. Sometimes they come into the church and cause havoc. Let’s be aware and discerning. God knows the best way to shut them down is by giving them a season with Satan.
3. Paul has got it straight. God’s grace is sufficient and power is perfected in weakness. This is so contrary to our day and our way in this generation. We exalt worldly strength. Paul says no “When I am weak, then I am strong” 2Cor 12:10. This is true because all the glory goes to the Lord and not us.
4. Paul gave to the Corinthians, even when they did not give to him. Though they could have and probably should have because they were a wealthy port city church. Paul says that they still needed some adjustment. He fears that when he returns to Corinth he may not find them as he wishes and vice versa, 2Cor 12:20. He fears that the church is still quite worldly 2Cor 12:20, 21. Even though the young man referred to in his first letter repented, many in the church clearly had not repented of their self-focused lifestyle. We are called to conform to the image of Christ and not to rest in our current level of spirituality. Let’s grow in maturity and holiness by continuing to turn away from sin.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Cell groups on break.
Prayer Points
1. Planning for this year’s preaching topics and roster.
2. Those returning from holidays.
3. Victorian parliament discussing gay conversion therapy, antichristian bill next month.
3. America. Pray for truth, grace and peace. Especially the next 2 weeks.
4. Church finances to meet our expenses and to put a roof over our café.
5. Our City and Country – Pray for revival over our city and the leadership of our country even through these challenging times.
6. The 2 positions:- Youth and Young Adults Coordinator and Children’s Coordinator we are recruiting for in 2021.
Praise Points.
1. Able to stream with the lockdown. Thanks Rin
2. First Café roof drawings have been completed.
3. All those who served in 2020 – Especially Dan Anderson, Helen and Steve Hawkins , Angelo, Rod and muso’s, Murray Aitchison, Yuki and many, many others. Thankyou. The elders and their families have been a great support to me this last year.
4. Unity, peace and grace at CBC.
5. Visitors over the holiday period.
Announcements
1. Must wear a mask to church and during church service this Sunday morning.
2. Please consider signing the petition to continue prayer in Qld parliament so that we stem the tide of influences that are currently overtaking the Victorian Parliament. Petition link here - https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/.../petition-details...
3. Seeking Youth and Young Adults Coordinator – 2 days per week as well as a Children’s ministry Coordinator – 1 day per week.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
