The Thorn in the Flesh

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (KJV) ⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. ⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. ⁹ 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. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations: Paul had so many spiritual experiences that if he went about talking about them, he would be exalted above measure.

2 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJV) ⁴ Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

This was in reference to the Antichrist. A minister of the gospel must be careful not to allow himself to be worshipped or exalted above measure. He needs humility!

Given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me.

• Thorn: Only time used in the NT: pointed stake. Splinter
• Buffet: hit with closed fist.

So What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?

Some physical problem that gave him daily and constant pain? The messenger of Satan some (Luther, Calvin) have thought may have been a demon that constantly was bombarding Paul with temptations, and evil suggestions.

⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. ⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

I besought the Lord thrice: God knows what is best. It was best for Paul to have this messenger of Satan, this thorn in the flesh.

Have you ever prayed and prayed and prayed for God to take something out of your life? For God to remove the temptation, to remove the evil suggestions (thoughts) and it just doesn’t happen?

Maybe it is because God wants it in your life!

Every time you are faced with that evil suggestion or temptation it is a defining moment. Will you trust the Lord, will you turn to the Lord?

B. God’s Promises to the Those with Thorns: 

1. My grace is sufficient:

What God is going to do for you (grace) is enough! It is enough!

2. for my strength is made perfect in weakness:

Perfect= made complete, to accomplish a specific purpose, to reach a goal.

It (temptation, the messenger of Satan) is coming! You will be brought back to your “thorn in the flesh”. Be prepared to turn to God and not to sin. Be prepared for his sufficient grace, his power.

How? Daily Med produced from a Daily Walk!

C. Paul’s Perspective of Thorns

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV) ⁹ 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. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Gladly; Take Pleasure: