1. The Thorn in the Flesh 1 Cor. 12

2. Background 2 Cor. 12:1 “Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 11:22-23 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. [23] Are they servants of Christ?

3. Paul’s Boasting 2 Cor. 12:2-6 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. [3] And I know how such a man— whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows— [4] was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. [5] On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. [6] For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. 2 Cor. 5:8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

4. Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh 2 Cor. 12:7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Galatians 4:13-15 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. [14] Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn…I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

5. Paul’s Reaction 2 Cor. 12:8-10 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. [9] And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.“ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. [10] Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

6. A Theology of Suffering “Don’t look forward to the day you stop suffering, because when it comes you’ll know you’re dead.” - Tennesee Williams Quoted in: Observer (London, 26 Jan. 1958) “Most people get a fair amount of fun out of their lives, but on balance life is suffering, and only the very young or the very foolish imagine otherwise.” – –George Orwell (1903–50), British author. Shooting an Elephant,“Lear, Tolstoy and the Fool” (1950).

7. A Theology of Suffering 1. God does not cause most of our suffering Hebrews 2:14…That through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil… 1 Cor. 15:26,56 The last enemy that will be abolished is death…The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;

8. A Theology of Suffering 1. God does not cause most of our suffering 2. We should draw near to God. 2 Cor. 12:8-10 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me… James 4:2 …You do not have because you do not ask. James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

9. A Theology of Suffering 1. God does not cause most of our suffering 2. We should draw near to God. 3. Be Prepared: He may say “No”. –2 Cor. 12:7b …to keep me from exalting myself –2 Cor. 12:9b …so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Hosea 13:6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.

10. A Theology of Suffering 1. God does not cause most of our suffering 2. We should draw near to God. 3. Be Prepared: He may say “No”. 4. God promises to sustain us. –2 Cor. 12:10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. If we maintain a thankful attitude with Him: 1 Thes. 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. If we abide in His Power: 2 Cor. 12:9-10 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me…for when I am weak, then I am strong

11. Which View is Right? It is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering, for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive. – –W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965), British author. The Moon and Sixpence, ch. 17 (1919). And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. –Paul in 2 Cor. 12:9