Rev. Aaron Beaty

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A Thorn in the Flesh

2 Cor. 12:1-10

2Co 12:1 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.
2Co 12:2 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.
2Co 12:3 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—
2Co 12:4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.
2Co 12:5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses—
2Co 12:6 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.
2Co 12:7 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.
2Co 12:8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
2Co 12:9 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.
2Co 12:10 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. 

II Corinthians:

A Thorn in the Flesh

2 Cor. 12:1-10

Introduction: The Vision

(Acts 9; Acts 26:12-23)

I:  The Place of Visions

1. To _____________________________

2. To ____________________________

3. Boasting in visions is _________________________________________

II:  The Gift of a Thorn

1. The nature of the Thorn:

2. The purpose of the Thorn:

-1 Cor. 8:1

3. God said “__________________”

III:  God’s Grace is Sufficient

1. The Sufficiency of Christ:

2. The Perfection of Power:

3. The Honor of Weakness:  (A Doctrine of Suffering)

Conclusion: