Grace and power
2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Why He shares

- To expose the pride of his opponents

- To encourage us in what we go through
2Cor 1:3-4

- Being led by the Holy Spirit
2 Peter 1:21

Paul’s thorn in the Flesh vs 7

Job 1:12
And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

The Purpose for the thorn vs. 7

Proverbs 6:16-18
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Paul’s Prayer vs 8

Philippians 4:6-7
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God’s Answer vs 9a

1. No

2. Sufficient Grace

3. Strengthening Grace

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

2 Corinthians 3:5

Philippians 4:13

Paul’s Response vs 9b-10

Luke 9:34

Lessons We Learn

1. We need to understand the danger of pride

James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

2. We need to know God is Sovereign over Satan

3. God’s grace is always sufficient

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

4. God transforms our weakness into His strength

5. We are in desperate need of God’s grace.

1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

James 4:6
He gives more grace