Pride is an insidious thing that stifles the influence of the gospel in the believer. The Lord knew that Paul’s spiritual experiences made him vulnerable to pride and so the Lord had a failsafe mechanism to keep it in check.
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 upbuilding, 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. Most want to speak about Jesus and His salvation. Regardless of our spiritual experiences, knowing Christ from the heart means we are driven to share his gospel.
2. Paul says pride was a potential problem as a result of his trip to heaven, so God afflicted him with a demon. This was a bitter reality for Paul. This says that our pride is far worse 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. Our calling is to display the grace of Christ.
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 ourselves.
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 repented of his sexual immorality, many in the church clearly had not. We are called to conform to the image of Christ and not to rest in our current level or spirituality. Let’s encourage one another grow in maturity and continue to turn away from sin.
Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
1. Jay asked about your freedom or other wise around Christians/non Christians. What has been your experience with Christian Pharisaism. Have you experienced situations where someone has exalted law over grace in the past?
2. Paul spoke about the fading glory of Moses’ face. Why did Moses’ face fade over time and what has this to do with the New Covenant in Christ?
3. Paul says we go from ‘glory to glory’. What does he mean. Stephen’s face shone as he was being killed in Acts 7. How is the glory of God reflected in our lives.
4. Explain your understanding of “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life”.
Prayer Points
1. Continue to pray for Brett, Zac, Elyssa, Gina, Melinda and others with this virus as they recover.
2. Ministries as they start back this week.
3. That we see Christ even as Covid goes through the community.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. And families who have recovered from Covid.
2. People encouraged by Sunday’s message.
3. Joy in our service, great times in the cafe.
4. Worship and technical team. Thanks everyone.
Announcements
1. Cell groups back up this week – see Helen for more details. A new cell group will start at the church for residents around Karalee. This will start next week.
2. Kidz@Church back on Sunday
3. Members Meeting after the service 27th Feb
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for February...
Q. 16. Who should partake of the Lord's Supper? A. Only those who repent of their sins, believe in Christ for salvation and live according to his word.
