“His Grace is Sufficient – His Power is Perfected”
2 Corinthians 12:1–10
This section of the Bible is the summit of Paul’s defense of his apostleship and his love for the Christians at Corinth. Paul’s reluctance is expressed in the opening words of this chapter: I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it. Paul would rather write about Jesus, but the worldly thinking that made the Corinthian Christians think little of Paul also made them think little of Jesus. To avoid exalting himself, Paul described his experience in the third person rather than the first person. He shared with his readers three experiences from God.
God Honored Paul (12:1–6) God honored Paul by giving him visions and revelations. Paul saw the glorified Christ (Acts 9:3; 22:6). Along with these special visions that related to his call and ministry, spiritual revelations of divine truth were also communicated to Paul (see Eph. 3:1–6). God also honored Paul by taking him to heaven and then sending him back to the earth again.
God Humbled Paul (12:7–8) The Lord knows how to balance our lives. If we have only blessings, we may become proud; so He permits us to have burdens as well. Paul’s great experience in heaven could have ruined his ministry on earth; God, in His Goodness, permitted Satan to buffet Paul to keep him from becoming proud.
God Helped Paul (12:9–10) Two messages were involved in this painful experience. The thorn in the flesh was Satan’s message to Paul, but God had another message for him. It was a message of sufficient grace. It was a message of strengthening grace. God permits us to become weak so that we might receive His strength. God did not give Paul any explanations; instead, He gave him a promise:“My grace is sufficient for you.” We do not live on explanations; we live on promises. Our feelings change, but God’s promises never change. His promises generate faith, and faith strengthens hope.
Discussion Guide
2 Corinthians 12:8-9a – What does this verse teach us about unanswered prayer? How do you feel about God refusing to take away Paul’s thorn? Can you relate to Paul’s experience? If so, how? 2 Corinthians 12:9 – How can focusing on our weaknesses result in a manifestation of Christ’s power in our lives? 2 Corinthians 12:10a – Explain how someone can come to actually “delight” in their weaknesses. Where in your life do you need God’s grace to be sufficient? What would you consider your own weakness to be? Have you viewed them as something to hide or do you think they could be something that God can use to show His power to others? Finally, pray that God would help you to find His “grace” and “power” in the “thorns” that you face.