2 Corinthians 12:1-10

1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 

3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 

4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 

5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 

6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 

7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 

8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 

10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Message Notes

The issue is their continued lack of discernment.

Suffering embodies Christ’s crucifixion.

God reveals His glory through our suffering.

The cross and resurrection of Christ must be replayed in some significant form in a disciples’ life.

Spiritual experiences are not a witness.

Your weakness is your witness.

Whatever Satan sends you, God can give it redeeming value.

Vision is not given for boasting.

Vision is given for blessing.

Your strength comes from a weak position.