1. LESSON 684: SUFFICIENCY OF GOD’S GRACE
MEMORY VERSE:
” “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 12:9)
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 12:1-21

2. SUMMARY (1) From our last study, we learnt the following lessons:
Paul showed concern, commitment and dedication to his ministerial calling. Believers should likewise be committed to the work of the Lord.
Paul was humble despite his successes in ministry. Humility is virtue every believer must posses; serving the body of Christ is a great privilege.
Irrespective of the trials, believers are to remain steadfast, focused, and seek more of the grace of God.
The study of today touches on three points:
Paul’s gifts and temptation to glorify self
Sustaining grace for Paul's crushing experience
Authority and commitment of the triumphant apostle

3. SUMMARY (2)
Paul’s gifts and temptation to glorify self (2 Corinthians 12:1-5,7,11-13):
Paul clarified that the gospel he was preaching was by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Though he was inclined to fall into the temptation of self-exaltation, he did not glory in his achievements, but used the occasion to answer his detractors.
As believers, we must learn this attribute of lowliness.
Sustaining grace for Paul's crushing experience (2 Corinthians 12:8-10):
Paul was afflicted with a “thorn in the flesh” to keep him humble.
The affliction was painful and crushing, yet God granted him sufficient grace to bear it.
The grace of God is able to sustain every Christian in whatever challenges he faces.
Authority and commitment of the triumphant Apostle (Corinthians 12:11,14-21):
Paul demonstrated virtually all the gifts of the Spirit, yet he presented himself as “nothing”.
He was committed to spreading the gospel without being burdensome to the brethren.

4. DISCUSSION

5. QUESTION 1
What were the spiritual experiences of Paul that predisposed him to pride?
2 Corinthians 12:1-5,
Romans 15:18, 19.
Galatians 1:

6. QUESTION 2
State some reasons believers should not engage in self- glorification.
Jeremiah 48:29,30;
1 Corinthian 4:7 
2 Corinthian 4:7

7. QUESTION 3 What personal efforts did Paul make to remain humble?
1 Corinthians 9:27
Philippians 3:7, 12
1 Corinthians 11:1

8. QUESTION 4
What was the thorn in Paul’s flesh and the lesson believers can learn from it?
2 Corinthians 12: 7-9
James 4:6
Isaiah 40:29

9. QUESTION 5
What can believers learn from Paul’s attitude during this crushing experience?
2 Corinthians 12:9b
2 Corinthians 4:16

10. QUESTION 6
What challenge does Paul’s style of preaching have for ministers of the gospel today?
2 Corinthians 12:12
1 Corinthians 2:4,5.
Acts 14:22

11. CONCLUSION
Paul affirmed that his apostleship was by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
He was highly gifted, yet humble, even in his response to his detractors. Believers must possess this virtue of humility.
In a time of affliction, Paul went to God in prayer. We must always carry our troubles to the Lord in prayer. He is a loving Father and He cares!
God’s grace is sufficient to sustain the believer in whatever challenges he might be facing.
Paul did not use his authority to be burdensome, but he chose the path of consecration. However, the congregation must recognize, respect the authority of the leaders, and support them in the performance of their ministerial duties.