Sunday School August 27th, 2006 2nd Corinthians 12(1-10)
2nd Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
Bragging
It was against the nature and desire of the Apostle Paul to boast about his experience in Christ. If there was ever a man who had the credentials to boast, it was Paul, but Paul realized boasting is unprofitable for a Christian. The word translated “expedient” means profitable or for the good of something. Consider his words given in Romans 3:27-28 “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Grace is the reason boasting is foolish. A Christian who is thinking correctly realizes that what he is, he received from God. How can I boast about my talent when that talent came from God? It is my job to maximize my talents, but the talent comes from God. The boasting Paul had to do here was to justify himself before the church at Corinth. He wanted them to recognize his Apostleship and authority. Chapter 11 started this conversation and chapter 12 continues the revelation.
12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Caught up into glory
The “man” Paul knew who was caught up into heaven 14 years before was Paul himself. God had given Paul a vision of Paradise. The word paradise literally means a garden place. It is a place where the souls of men dwell until the resurrection of the dead. In the Old Testament it was a compartment of the place which was called “Hades.” It was one place in which 2 compartments were present to contain the souls of those who died in faith and those who died in disobedience and faithlessness. In one compartment, the disobedient were tormented in the flames of judgment. In the other men and women who lived for the Lord and strove to observe the Law, were comforted. There was a great gulf or separation between the two places. The story of the rich man and Lazarus has the best explanation of this: Luke 16:22-26 “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” The word translated “hell” here is Hades. It is not the lake of fire of the Book of Revelation, but it does resemble it very closely. The other compartment here is called the “Bosom of Abraham.” Lazarus was there resting and being comforted. When Christ was resurrected from the dead, I believe, Paradise changed places. (Ephesians 4:8 “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”) Paradise is now in what Paul calls here “the third heaven.” The first heaven means the sky around us, the second heaven is what we call outer space, and the third heaven is where God dwells. Paul was caught up to this third heaven and saw things which were unlawful for him to reveal. I have been asked what Paul saw. There’s a simple answer to that: “how on earth would I know?” God has kept that from us, but one day we’ll find out! Paul was not sure whether he was there in the flesh or whether it was just a vision. Evidently the experience was so real he could not tell. This is the kind of thing some men boast in, but Paul realized this would not help his ministry, but would probably cause envy from others. They would think Paul was being boastful. They would also accuse Paul of trying to denigrate their experience. God wants us to be child like, but often we are childish!
12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
Glory
Paul could glory in the vision, but he would not boast on his accomplishments as though they were accomplished in his own power. He chose rather to glory in his infirmities. The word translated “infirmities” means frailty, feebleness, weakness, sickness, or troubles. How could Paul boast on these things which men look upon as being undesirable? The answer is because when Paul revealed his own weaknesses, people could realize that his great accomplishments were due to the power of God. God can take folks who are not perfect and accomplish great things with them. I think God gets glory, and He appreciates those who take limited God-given abilities and achieve despite their problems. I think He also smiles upon those who overcome handicaps and obstructions to bring Him glory. Witnesses can realize that God is in them and giving them the power to overcome. Let me show you one of my favorite verses in Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 8:12 “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” How great is that? If you are willing, then it is according to what you have and not what you lack. Some folks are blind, but they have other abilities of which they can maximize to bring God glory. Some are lame, but they do not allow their handicap prevent them from serving God. Some cannot speak, but they praise Him with sign language. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
12:6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
Realistic view of saints
Paul didn’t want people to worship him. In religious circles people often put men upon pedestals. Denominations revere and idolize them. They place them in rooms of authority and demand unchallenged obedience. They sometimes fall prostrate at the very presence of a supposed “saint.” This is not the Biblical way. Instead of demanding adulation, Paul went out of his way to point out that he was just a man. He was capable of foolish actions as are we all. Listen to how Paul honestly views himself: Romans 7:14-19 “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Paul confesses that the things he often wants to accomplish, he does not. He realizes the things he doesn’t want to do; often he does. He was no different from Christians today. He was given a special gift and calling to win the Gentiles to Christ, but he was a human being. He was subject to human frailties. All men are in the same situation. We should respect our elders in the Lord and prayerfully consider their guidance, but when it comes right down to it; we are responsible for our own self. No man has the right to judge others. No man has the power or authority to forgive sins in the place of Christ. Leaders must understand their great responsibility and carefully dispatch their charge. Followers must weigh everything taught them against the Word of God.
12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Whoa boy
Most people need something to motivate them. God knew Paul needed something to slow him down. Why did God choose to allow Paul to suffer with this “messenger of
Satan?” The Scripture says that it was done so that Paul would not be exalted above measure. In human weakness God reveals His strength. Even Paul the Apostle must rely on God. This disability was a daily reminder of his needed dependence on God. If Paul had been perfect, people wouldn’t have been able to see the power of God in him. With this problem to overcome, Paul was a living example that through God all things were possible. His listeners could understand that they too could achieve things for God despite their limitations. We all have them. Some are physical, some and spiritual, but we all struggle with something. In overcoming weaknesses we must rely on God and God gets the glory!
Thorn in the flesh
It is generally supposed by most Bible scholars that Paul suffered from a disease of his eyes. Let me give you the Scriptures they use to make such an assertion. Galatians 4:13-15 “Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. 14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.” It seems Paul is referring to a disorder of the eye of which he suffered greatly. It strikes me as a great irony that one of the great healers of the Bible could not heal himself. It is evidence of the will of God in healing. Paul sought God in prayer 3 times to have this hindrance removed, but God said no!
Thorn in the flesh (from Smith’s Bible Dictionary)
(2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Many interpretations have been given of this passage.
· Roman Catholic writers think that it denotes suggestions to impiety.
· Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers interpret the expression as denoting temptation to unbelief.
· Others suppose the expression refers to "a pain in the ear or head," epileptic fits, or, in general, to some severe physical infirmity, which was a hindrance to the apostle in his work (Compare 1 Corinthians 2:3; 2co 10:10; 11:30; Galatians 4:13,14; 6:17). With a great amount of probability, it has been alleged that his malady was defect of sight, consequent on the dazzling light which shone around him at his conversion, acute opthalmia. This would account for the statements in Galatians 4:14; 2co. 10:10; also Acts 23:5, and for his generally making use of the help of an amanuensis (Compare Romans 16:22, etc.).
· Another view which has been maintained is that this "thorn" consisted in an infirmity of temper, to which he occasionally gave way, and which interfered with his success (Compare Acts 15:39; 23:2-5). If we consider the fact, "which the experience of God's saints in all ages has conclusively established, of the difficulty of subduing an infirmity of temper, as well as the pain, remorse, and humiliation such an infirmity is wont to cause to those who groan under it, we may be inclined to believe that not the least probable hypothesis concerning the 'thorn' or 'stake' in the flesh is that the loving heart of the apostle bewailed as his sorest trial the misfortune that, by impatience in word, he had often wounded those for whom he would willingly have given his life" (Lias's Second Cor., Introd.).
12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Consistent
Each time Paul prayed for healing he received the same answer. “My grace is sufficient for thee.” Some folks teach that God must grant all of our requests, but that view is just not correct or realistic. God answers our prayers in one of three ways. He can say yes and grant our request. He can say no because the thing requested is neither good for us nor in His will. In that case the same thing applies that He said to Paul. His grace was sufficient for Paul and it is sufficient for you and me. He also can say yes, but not right now. Some things are good for us, but not at the present time. God will do the right thing at the right time!
12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
That Christ may get the glory
Because Paul realized these things work out to the glory of God, he could be thankful for some things most people are not thankful for. He took pleasure (to be favorably inclined, contented in or willing) in challenges because he knew God would be praised. He also knew that when he was weak, God would come on the scene and provide grace for his needs. In his weaknesses, God would show His strength. It is safer and better to rely on God than to rely on ourselves, no matter how strong we may be. I’d rather be weak and know it so that I can rely on God than to think I have no weaknesses and fall. I noticed the word reproaches in this list. The word means “insults.” We suffer a lot of things because we are Christians, but it seems insults seem to hurt modern Christians more than anything else. I just pointed this out because I wanted you to realize a very important point revealed to us by Jesus. Matthew 10:25 “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” The world crucified our Lord. Why should I think they will think fondly of me, His servant!
New Living Translation (recommended as a commentary only)
1 This boasting is all so foolish, but let me go on. Let me tell about the visions and revelations I received from the Lord. 2 I was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. 3 Whether my body was there or just my spirit, I don’t know; only God knows. 4 But I do know that I was caught up into paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be told. 5 That experience is something worth boasting about, but I am not going to do it. I am going to boast only about my weaknesses. 6 I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it. I don’t want anyone to think more highly of me than what they can actually see in my life and my message, 7 even though I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. 10 Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
