II Corinthians 12:1-12:10

God's Strength Through Our Weakness

In this passage, Paul warns of the danger of boasting and the temptation towards pride, even in spiritual experiences. Through Paul?s ?thorn in the flesh,? Pastor Lloyd highlights the importance of humility and teaches how God?s power is made perfect when we rely on Him in our weakness.

  1. It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
  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.
  3. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
  4. How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
  5. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
  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.
  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.
  8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
  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.
  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.