Spiritual Mountains and Valleys | Bob Wriedt | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
In every generation, people have looked for spiritual guides who claim special visions, hidden knowledge, or a unique message from God. But in 2 Corinthians 12, Paul presents a different picture of spiritual maturity and authority. Paul shares both his greatest spiritual experience and his deepest struggle: the “thorn in the flesh” that reminded him of his dependence on God. Rather than pointing to his visions as proof of his spiritual strength, Paul shows the Corinthians that his weakness was the place where God’s grace and power were most clearly displayed. Join us this Sunday as we explore how God works through our limitations, why humility matters in the spiritual life, and how Christ’s strength is revealed through our weaknesses.
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2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Paul's Visions and His Thorn
12 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. 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. 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— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 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. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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. 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.