Easter | The Answer is Jesus | Thorn in the Flesh

Message Recap

[II Corinthians 12:7-10]

to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

It’s possible to know something, and to still have not fully learned it.

God comforts us when we are disturbed, and disturbs us when we are comfortable.

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[II Corinthians 12:7]

to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

It doesn’t matter what it it WAS, it matters what it DOES

Maximized perks & Minimized pain

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[II Corinthians 12:8-9]

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

Presents vs. Presence

You think the greatest thing that Jesus can do in your life is to remove your thorn, but the greatest thing He can do is give you His presence.

God is not seeking us to work FOR HIM. He desires us to walk WITH HIM.

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[II Corinthians 12:9-10]

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

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[II Corinthians 1:8-10]

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.

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[II Corinthians 1:20]

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

All of God’s promises are true because all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Jesus.

The ANSWER is JESUS


Discussion Questions

  • Where are you struggling with knowing/learning gap?

  • How has the illusion of control affected your journey with God at times?

  • What new understanding or perspective has been awakened in you during this season?

  • Where do you need to invite the presence of God into your life?

  • What has been your thorn in the flesh?

  • What promise of God do you need to remind yourself of right now?

  • Where have you been turning for answers other than Jesus?

Amanda Majors