Focus Scripture: 2 Cor 12:1-10
Paul was one of the greatest Apostles to ever live. God used him in mighty ways as he labored by the grace of God in establishing of the early church throughout Asia Minor to Rome. He was also is responsible for two-thirds of our New Testament writings that establishes doctrine of Christian faith where most of our orthodoxy through church history is derived from. He was an expert in Old Testament Law as he was trained as a Pharisee at the feet of well respected teacher of the law named Gamaliel (Acts 5:34, 22:3). Through the special revelation and instruction from God (Gal 1:12), his writings clearly revealed that what is written in the Old Testament is about and identifies Jesus Christ as the focal point of all scripture. He is the hero of Creation.
In our focus scripture, Paul acknowledges the great revelations and visions he had received from God. Paul exhibited appears great human skill and talent would undoubtedly have made him a super celebrity pastor in today’s American church. Notice, Paul does not boast in self-sufficiency. Instead, he highlights the following for our learning:
Understand our Estate through the Eyes of God
Paul did not want prestige of the world. He endeavored to have sober judgment (self-assessment) of himself by always being mindful of the radiant light of the Gospel and Glory of God (Rom 12:3). By continually studying and reflecting on God’s word, we are reminded of who we are in reference to who God is. We are sinful, earthly, and fallen creation. God is Holy, Creator of All, Perfect, and Eternal. Further, it is by God’s goodness and grace we exist. He is the giver of gifts, talents, and abilities we have in this life. What boasting can we actually do when we can’t even take credit for the air we breathe?
Understand the Biblical View of Trial and Suffering
Paul experienced many trials and setbacks in his endeavor to spread the Gospel, while suffering through his own shortcomings. This is the experience of all Christians in varying degrees if we are to live a life in service of Christ (Acts 9:15-16, 2 Tim 3:12). This biblical truth can be difficult to accept. It is also the antithesis of the Prosperity Gospel and Word of Faith movements whose messages teach an “transactional” works based relationship with God. In error they boast, “If I do this for God………… in this prescribed way…….God owes me security, health and wealth in this temporal world.”
Paul understood the purpose of his trials (i.e. physical and external……..cf. 2 Cor 1:8-10, 11:23-29). They were given to him by God that he may not become conceited, and thus fall into a narcissistic, self-perceived notion of excellency of human strength. The trials helped him recognize by whose power the works of God was accomplished through him (cf. 1 Cor 3:5-7). It was not by human power and ingenuity that he accomplished his mission, but by faith in the strength that God supplied which is by grace.
Understand that God is Glorified in our Weaknesses
Paul understood despite human weaknesses, God’s grace attains His purposes through us in fallen world that is hostile to the message of the Cross of Christ.
Understand How to Rejoice in Sufferings
Paul expresses contentment in his trials and weaknesses because he could see his sufferings as reason to rejoice. Why? Because he knew that in all of them Christ Power was at work.
What is Paul teaching us here? As Christians, we are not immune to sickness, financial troubles, physical infirmities, and persecution for the cause of Christ. God allows adversity (like thorns) in our lives as instruments to sanctify and humble us. Like Paul, we will learn to rejoice in our weaknesses because through them we receive the great gift. When we have done all that God has allowed us to do, we can continually trust that his power is magnified as it accomplishes his Sovereign will in our lives.
When we boast in ourselves (i.e. possessions, accolades/titles, positions) in this life, we enthrone ourselves (like the Pharisees did) to attain our own glory. We must remember, God does not share his glory (Isa 42:8). We can rejoice as Paul did in suffering when we realize that we were not created to be glorified, but instead to MAGNIFY the glory of God in Christ with our lives.
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com