July 20, 2025 Kept, Redeemed, and Directed By Jesus Part 2: “I Was Given It Anyway” Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:6-10; Christian Standard Bible (CSB) Supporting Scriptures: Hebrews 4:16; James 1:2-4 Context-Background: Last week, Paul found himself standing before the Sanhedrin to defend himself. A dispute arose that threatened his safety because Paul testified concerning the hope and resurrection. Although Paul was kept, redeemed, and directed by Jesus, he still ended up confined to the barracks and deeply troubled, uncertain about his life and future. But God said, “Be of good cheer” (see Acts 23:11). In today's text, God gives Paul a message that stayed with him. In the first six verses, Paul speaks of himself in the third person, boasting about how he was caught up in Paradise (vv. 2-4). The words Paul heard while in heaven, he was not allowed to share with us, but he did share the words God gave him on earth. However, after this amazing experience, Paul had a life-changing experience: a “thorn in his flesh was given to him (see v. 7). The word translated as “buffet,” as used in the NKJV, means “to strike with the fist, give one a blow with the fist.” The thorn was an affliction of some kind that brought pain and distress to Paul, humbling him. But God said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (v. 9). The word “perfected” means “to bring to an end, complete, fulfill.” Just as Paul’s encounter last week was a test of his faith, he never wavered from the ministry God called him to: Preaching Christ and Him crucified (see Romans 1:1-6; 1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul chose humility over pride, and finding joy in his weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties, all for the sake of Christ (see v. 10). Beloved, in our weakness, God gives us grace through the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s grace keeps us grounded and humble. Remember: TGBTG, His grace is enough! Key Points – Content The crucial conflict (vv. 6-8) Paul is “Kept!” (vv. 9-10) The Word – 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 (CSB) For if I want to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, 7 especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.