“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a
thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming
conceited.” 2 Cor 12:7
So here’s Paul, with the revelations of “surpassing greatness” given to him by God and on right the back
of that, here’s God giving Paul a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble.
Why even give Paul these revelations only to punish him preemptively for future conceit?
If you gave Paul a “messenger of Satan” for doing your will, is that the type of treatment I can expect?
And if Paul is “your guy” – the guy spreading the Gospel all over the world – why aren’t you listening to
his prayers?
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.” 2 Cor 12:8
Were you busy in Jerusalem? Is Paul just an ant under a cosmic magnifying lens slowly being tormented
to death? Are you only concerned with the proclamation of your Word but not interested in the people
proclaiming it?
Why bring calamity, pain, depression, anxiety, sickness, job loss, marital troubles and rebellion upon your
people? We are, after all, YOUR people!
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor
12:9a
Oh.
So, you use your considerable and inexhaustible power to afflict me so that I know your grace is enough?
You afflict me so I can see your power in my weakness?
“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest
upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,
persecutions, and calamities.” 2 Cor 12:9b-10
Wait, not only do you want me to accept that You can and will afflict me as part of your plan for my life
BUT you also want me to boast in these afflictions AND be content with these afflictions?
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Oh. Ok. Your power and grace seen in my afflictions.
What is conceit and why would Paul be prone to it?
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What is your reaction to the phrase “a thorn was given me in the flesh”?
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What are some reasons God is preemptively addressing Paul’s proneness to conceit?
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Are there any conflicts with Paul’s actions in verse eight and his admonition in 1 Thess 5:17?
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How is the idea of “sufficiency” related to the idea or definition of conceit in verse 7?
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How does boasting in weakness relate to the idea of conceit?
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What is the result of boasting in weakness?
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Group Discussion Questions:
How do you feel about the idea that God could give you a “thorn in the flesh” as part of his plan for your
life?
What does it look like to see God’s power made perfect in weakness? Have any of you seen this or
experienced this?
How does being “content” with “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities” actually
work itself out? Are we to celebrate unexpected death or revel in rebellious kids? What does
contentment look like?
What does it look like to plead with God to change something yet to be content with your situation?
Are there any situations we can plead with God to change but also for your contentment?