Sermon: Thorn in the Flesh and Grace of God
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
I. Background
1. Apostle Paul wrote this letter about AD 56 from Ephesus
2. 2 Corinthians 10–13 probably is the “painful letter” mentioned in 2 Cor 2:4—a letter written with many tears
3. Most likely, 2 Cor 10–13 came out of Apostle Paul’s one of the most vulnerable moments, when his ministry and apostolic call was questioned
4. A good portion of 2 Cor 10–13 about Apostle Paul’s call and ministry
5. He calls ch.10-13 a “foolish talk” in which he lists his apostolic credentials, which could potentially lead to boasting and self-elevation:
a. His heritage (11:22)
b. His accomplishments and sufferings for the Gospel (11:23-27)
c. Visions and revelations (12:1-6)
d. The miracles (12:11-13)
II. Though Apostle Paul has many points to boast about, he does not do so because:
1. There is a tendency in Paul and human being in general to become spiritually and morally arrogant
a. Verse 7b: “so that I would not exalt myself”
b. Becoming too elated
c. To have an undue sense of self-importance
2. God did not want Paul to become arrogant and self-elated because of the success of his ministry
a. God placed in him a “thorn in the flesh” (verse 7b)
b. Divine passive with God as the indirect agent
c. With this, God protected Paul from becoming too elated—check the word “torment”
d. So that, Paul ministry and success will not be about him, but about God
3. Instead of boasting about his successes, Paul began to boast about his weaknesses
a. 2 Cor 12:9-10: Therefore, rather I will boast most gladly in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may reside in me. 10 Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in calamities, in persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong
b. 2 Cor 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show my weakness
III. The expression “thorn in the flesh” (12:7b) is either literal or a metaphor
1. Paul does not explain what the “thorn” is, but he seems to tell its potential origin and purpose!
2. With the reference to Paul’s prayer for its removal and denial of his request (cf. verse 8), we can conclude that it is not a physical thorn, but something metaphorical!
3. It refers to something in him that caused continuous discomfort either physically or psychologically or both
4. Most likely, it was continuously puncturing his tendency to boast and elevate himself
5. He says that the “thorn in the flesh” is a “messenger of Satan”—the expression “messenger of Satan” is figurative to express the intensity of pain and discomfort
6. The word “torment” in verse 7 signifies an ongoing debilitating discomfort
a. It was God who gave it to him so that he would not become “arrogant”
b. Because of his heritage, accomplishments, and spiritual experiences, Paul might tend to “exalt himself” or become “arrogant”/“prideful”
c. It will also protect the Corinthians from placing Paul on a “high pedestal” (cf. 12:6 “But I refrain so no one will think more of me than is warranted”)
IV. Two conclusions about the “thorn in the flesh”
1. For Paul, living with the thorn was not a pleasurable experience
2. The thorn was used to buffet Paul and it was a constant cause of pain and embarrassment
3. However, there was a positive side to the thorn, i.e., it prevented Paul from becoming “arrogant” (verse 7)
4. In other words, it was a tool God used in Paul’s sanctification!
V. Paul’s take on the “thorn in the flesh” (vv.9-10)
1. Paul asked the Lord to remove it from his life (verse 8)
2. Instead of removing the thorn, God chose to let Paul live with it (verse 9)— “My grace is sufficient for you, because the power is perfected in weakness”
3. Paul began to view his thorn from the perspective of God’s grace
4. i.e., God not only allowed it, but also helps(ed) him in his pain (verse 9)
5. Paul’s painful, negative situation became a platform for God to demonstrate his power (verse 9)
6. The thorn humbled Paul (verse 9)
7. As much as Paul acknowledged his own pain, so much he acknowledged God’s grace (verse 9-10)
8. Despite the continued presence of the thorn, Paul could continue to carry on his work for the Lord (verse 9) [i.e., he learned to live with it]
9. In other words, the thorn ceased to be his focus, but God’s grace became his focus (verse 10)
VI. Observations
1. Admitting pain, weaknesses, and relying on God’s grace is essential for Christian living and service (not living in denial)
2. God’s grace is the only way a Christian becomes and remains Christian—check your tendency to brag, boast, and self-elevate!
3. Quality of our life is not in the absence of “thorn,” but it is our complete reliance on the grace of God
4. Perfection in Christian life is not moral behavior, but Christ’s power, which fills where there is a weakness [it is not the legalism, but grace of Christ]
5. The fulfillment of God’s power comes not necessarily in heavenly visions and ecstatic demonstrations, but in earthly weakness
6. We need to focus on God rather than focusing on the pain and embarrassment caused by the thorn!
Take Away:
Allow God to use your weaknesses as instruments to let you experience His grace