The Power of Sufficiency

Statement: We can only endure suffering through God’s grace.

God:

1. It is Paul (2 Corinthians 12:1-6)

   1. Paul is talking about himself (describing Heaven) Paul was in the presence of God. The most boast worthy experience . . . but Paul would not boast about it.
   2. What do you brag about? (Your conversation)
   3. Do you serve God’s purposes?

2. It is God (2 Corinthians 12:7-8)

   1. God is ok with Paul's suffering (thorn)
   2. God does not take away his suffering (just so he would not become conceited)
   3. Look at Job and Joseph (Genesis 50:20) 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people[a] should be kept alive, as they are today.

3. It is Grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

1. Sufficiency of God in 2 Corinthians
   1. 2:16 “Who is sufficient for these things?
   2. 3:5 “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves. . .”
   3. 3:5 “. . . But our sufficiency is from God.”
   4. 12:10 “My grace is sufficient for you”
2. Gods’ Grace (define grace)
3. Is sufficient (define sufficiency)
4. Only in embracing our emptiness are we filled with God’s power.

Conclusion:

1. When is the last time you were in the presence of God?
2. Do you trust in your suffering?
3. Are you living in Gods’ grace?