According to I Timothy 1:16 the apostle Paul was set forth by God to be an example to all Christians in generations following the apostolic age. To the Corinthian Christians he said, “Be ye followers of me-, even as I also am of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1). In II Corinthians 12:5-12 Paul is seen as he faces his greatest spiritual weakness, his thorn in the flesh. In the beginning of his trial when recognizing he had a problem he did not recognize the reason it was permanent nor the purpose for which God allowed him to have it. He was in a state of confusion. On one occasion he wrote in his epistle to the Philippians under the direction of the Holy Spirit that they were to rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4), but with reference to his thorn he was not rejoicing. He penned the words, “Be careful (anxious) for nothing” (Philippians 4:6), but when facing his thorn he was anxious for something. In view of the fact that he managed to gain control of the situation and dispel the confusion, there are many lessons to be gleaned from Paul’s struggle with his thorn in the flesh.
1. THE CHRISTIAN TODAY CAN IMITATE PAUL IN OVERCOMING TEMPTATION.
Although Paul had many problems, he had one bigger than the others in living the Christian life, i.e., his thorn in the flesh (II Corinthians 12:7). Nowhere in the New Testament does Paul suffer so much with a problem. In the context of the above mentioned scripture he has already made reference to his physical persecutions which had caused physical pain (II Corinthians 11:16-33), but his thorn had caused him confusion. The Christian today MAY have one particular area of weakness in living the Christian life. Thus, he should follow Paul’s example in overcoming temptations. The threefold solution in overcoming temptation is to do as Paul:
1) Recognize the problem.
2) Admit that you cannot overcome it of your own strength.
3) Then lean on God in prayer and a study of his will, the New Testament.
II. A SECOND LESSON — SOME THINGS ARE PRIVATE, BETWEEN THE CHRISTIAN AND GOD.
Paul’s thorn in the flesh was between him and God alone, i.e. it was private. Notice that he did not identify his thorn to them. It would have been so easy to have done so. Likewise, your greatest weakness is private between you and God (unless of course it becomes public). A cult’s “prayer partner” concept would have one confess EVERYTHING to one’s “senior prayer partner.” But Paul serves as an example that some things are between the individual Christian and his God. This prayer partner concept has been rightfully labeled “A Mini-Priesthood.” It is nothing but a cultish tactic designed by wicked men to control the lives of unsuspecting victims.
3. A THIRD LESSON — IN ORDER TO DRAW STRENGTH ONE MAY DESIRE TO INFORM HIS FELLOW CHRISTIANS ABOUT HIS CERTAIN WEAKNESSES.
Paul shared his burden with his fellow Christians. Likewise, we should at times tell others of our problems, being open, realizing that we enjoy a close relationship with our brethren. “Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). James, the inspired writer instructed, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
4. THE CHRISTIAN CAN LEARN TO APPRECIATE THE PURPOSE OUR LOVING FATHER HAS IN OUR TRIALS AND TESTS.
The apostle realized the purpose of his thorn and did not become bitter at God. The intent of the problem was to keep him humble in his work and life. Likewise, we can follow Paul’s example of humility and realize the purpose God has for allowing us to be tried and tested. Romans 8:28 still says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Remember, God allows us to be the victim of tragedies and various events to keep our perspective clear. Thus, we will always have a healthy appreciation of Him and of our need of Him.
5. PERSISTENCE IS NECESSARY TO SALVATION.
Paul was persistent in living the Christian life. When he faced an obstacle in the way, he looked to God for an answer. He prayed to God “thrice” that the obstacle might be removed (II Corinthians 12:8). Likewise, we should possess this persistent spirit in living for Christ! The exhortative words of our Lord are definitely applicable here, “Ask, and it shall be given you” (read Matthew 7:7-8).
6. THE CHRISTIAN CAN GLORY IN HIS INFIRMITIES.
Notice II Corinthians 12:9-10 where Paul said concerning his thorn in the flesh and other problems, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecution, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” These statements remind us of Paul’s uncanny faith in God to be content in whatever state he found himself. He gloried in anything that drew him closer to his heavenly Father. He was in prison for Christ’s sake when he wrote, “Not that I speak in respect of want: For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).
Likewise, in doing the will of Christ from the heart we should also learn to be content in all that God allows to happen to us, the good and the “bad.” Philippians 2:14 says it this way, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.”
7. THE CHILD OF GOD SHOULD NOT RESIST THE FATHER’S CHASTENING ROD.
The definition of the word “buffet” in II Corinthians 12:7 means, “to smite in the face.” Paul allowed himself to be buffeted by God and thus figuratively to be slapped in the face. He actually appreciated God chastening him for the purpose of keeping him sober-minded and contrite in living for the Master. Should we then resist the Father’s chastening of us that we might be humbled and safe from the pseudo elevation of pride? Paul had many talents and abilities and so may you, but the chastening rod that kept him humble and useful in the work of Christ can do the same for you (read Hebrews 12:5ff).
8. IN THE ACCOUNT OF PAUL’S THORN IN THE FLESH WE LEARN THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBMISSION.
Paul is to be admired because he accepted God’s will, that the thorn would be with him for the rest of his earthly life. Imagine absorbing a literal thorn in your hand while picking blackberries. After pulling on the thorn for hours you finally face the fact that you must live with that brier for the rest of your life! This was the nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh. God said, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9). Paul had the submissive attitude of Jesus, the supreme example, as Jesus poured out his heart to God in prayer: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). Likewise, as the song the church sings says we should truly mean: “have thine own way, Lord.”
9. WE SHOULD BE WILLING TO SUFFER ON CHRIST’S BEHALF.
Paul was “troubled on every side” (read II Corinthians 4:8-11). Earlier he had written, “We are fools for Christ’s sake” (I Corinthians 4:10). May we be willing to live godly and suffer on His behalf. The New Testament Christian is to be like Epaphroditus, who “for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life” (Philippians 2:30). May we confess Christ with obedient lives (Matthew 10:32-33).
10. THE CHRISTIAN’S STRENGTH IS FROM GOD.
Paul learned that when he was “weak” he could be made “strong” (II Corinthians 12:10). We also when weak should engage in prayer to God as did Paul and find our strength in Him.
11. WE SHOULD GLORY IN ANYTHING THAT FORCES US TO WALK CLOSER TO GOD AND CHRIST.
The great apostle gloried in anything that forced him to walk closer to God and Christ. Notice II Corinthians 12:9 where he exclaimed, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Likewise, brethren, if we wish to have a closer walk with God we are destined to learn the lesson that Paul learned, i.e., that problems, necessities and persecutions are to drive us to our knees in prayer to God! This type of prayer will travel far beyond the top of our heads, our roofs and the clouds. Thus, may we grow up spiritually on our knees.
12. SAINTS SHOULD COVET THE “POWER OF CHRIST” (II CORINTHIANS 12:9).
Paul sought to be Christ-powered instead of self-powered. Even though it was through the avenue of his painful thorn, i.e. the anxiety caused by it, he was glad to reach the “power of Christ.”
Should not the follower of Jesus Christ today covet and desire greatly the power of Christ, i.e., His word, the truth (John 8:32), to propel him through this life which is filled with traps and snares on every side? Then follow the example of the great apostle Paul and seek the power which is found in the gospel and through the struggles of living for King Jesus. Acts 14:22 pictures Paul’s preaching to the churches he had established: “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” — garygrizzell@yahoo.com
