Lecture Notes on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Opening Scripture

• 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
  • "...there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me..."

The Thorn in the Flesh

• Speculation among scholars:
  • Some suggest it was Paul's nearsightedness.
  • Others believe it may refer to physical ailments from beatings.
• Context:
  • Paul faced significant physical suffering, including beatings, and possible ailments.
  • The thorn could be a metaphor for a person (possibly a Judaizer) opposing him in Corinth.

Grace in Weakness

• Key Passage:
  • "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (v. 9)
  • Paul takes pleasure in weaknesses and hardships for the sake of Christ.
  • Main takeaway: "For when I am weak, then am I strong."

Supplementary Scriptures

• Hebrews 11:32-34
  • References to heroes of faith who were made strong out of weakness.
• Joel 3:9-10
  • "Let the weak say I am strong."

Overcoming Weakness

• Encouragement against excuses for inaction:
  • Common excuses: Sickness, age, lack of education, etc.
  • Call to action: Strength comes from God, not personal ability.

God's Sovereignty and Intervention

• Psalm 2
  • The power of God over the nations and their rulers.
• Historical Examples:
  • Gideon: 300 men.
  • Samson: One man who turned the tide.
  • David: A teenager who overcame a giant.
  • Moses: A stick was all he had.

Our Weakness and God's Strength

• 2 Corinthians 4:7: We are fragile vessels carrying the treasure of the gospel.
• Christ's Example:
  • In His weakness as a man, Christ defeated sin and death.
  • Importance: Salvation is through Christ alone, not through our works or additions.

Supernatural Intervention in History

• George Washington's Escape:
  • Divine intervention during the American Revolution.
  • The fog that allowed the escape of troops.
• Cornwallis's Defeat at Yorktown:
  • Attempted retreat thwarted by a freak storm.

Conclusion

• Main Point: Our strength comes from reliance on God's power, not our own.
• Trust in God’s power to defeat spiritual and physical enemies.
• Final Encouragement: "When we are weak, we are strong."

Closing Prayer

• A call to action to trust in God’s strength in our personal battles.