His Grace Is Sufficient
Sermon Notes
Grace is God's unmerited favor: sufficient means, as much as needed.
2 Corinthians 12:7 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.
Paul does not say what the thorn in his flesh was. Some have suggested that it was malaria, epilepsy, or a disease of the eyes. But whatever it was, it was a chronic and debilitating physical problem. We all have thorns in our flesh that we are wrestling with, from temptations to pains in our flesh, or our vision we wrestle with something. But I have good news for you today, just as surely as we believe that Jesus Christ got up from His grave on the third day and we do celebrate His resurrection. Then I want you to know this, that His grace is still this day sufficient for you and me.
2 Corinthians 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
At times it kept Paul from working, this thorn was a hindrance to his ministry. He prayed for its removal, but God refused.
2 Corinthians 12:9 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
Although God did not remove Paul’s physical affliction. He promised to demonstrate His power in him. In my weakness, God always shows His strength through me. I'm reminded of a song that we sang as children. Yes, Jesus loves Me for the Bible tells me so I am weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me.
2 Corinthians 12:10 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.
So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in sickness, infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, and distresses. For when I am weak in human strength then I am truly strong and able, powerful in divine strength. Sometimes we have to see it as a spiritual thing and not a physical.
Conclusion: We need to think of Jesus just as He is and not who we want him to be. But most of all, he is the one that was hung on the cross and laid in a tomb for three days and got up with all power in his hands.