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May 11, 2008 – Mark 12.30d (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
1. How are powerful people treated in our society?
2. Why are we typically afraid to disclose our weaknesses to
each other?
3. Who was the man in Christ whom Paul described? (12:2)
4. Why did Paul tell the Corinthians about his vision, despite
his misgivings? (12:2-4)
5. Why
was Paul reluctant to speak about his vision? (12:3-6)
6. What
happened during the revelation Paul described? (12:4)
7. Why
did Paul refrain from boasting? (12:6)
8. For
what reason might Paul have become conceited? (12:7)
9. What
prevented Paul from developing a proud spirit? (12:7)
10. Why
did Paul have a "thorn"? (12:7)
11. Who
was responsible for giving Paul a "thorn in the flesh"? (12:7)
12. What
was Paul's response to his "thorn"? (12:8, 10)
13. What
purpose can suffering serve? (12:9)
14. What
are some weaknesses or afflictions that you find difficult to live with?
15. What
can we learn from Paul's example about dealing with physical discomfort or
hardship?
16. How
can you allow the Lord's power to take over where you are weak?
17. How
does the Christian perspective on power and weakness differ from that of the
world?
18. What
weaknesses, handicaps, or problems in your life is God able to use?
19. What
does this passage teach us about the problem of evil and God's sovereign will?
20. Why
does God choose to heal some people of their sickness or disability and not
others?
21. How
should you respond if God chooses not to heal you?
22. What
difference should it make knowing God has promised you an all-sufficient grace?
23. What
weakness can you turn over to the Lord through prayer this week?
24. In
what area of your life do you want to rely more on God's strength and power,
rather than your own?
2 Corinthians 12:2-3: Paul continued his "boasting" by telling about visions
and revelations he had received from the Lord. "I know a man in
Christ" means that he was speaking about himself. He explained that he
didn't know if he was taken up in his body or in his spirit, but he was in
paradise ("the third heaven"). This incident cannot be positively
identified with a recorded event in Paul's career, although some think this may
have been when he was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19-20). Paul told about
this incident to show that he had been uniquely touched by God.
2 Corinthians 12:7-8: We don't know what Paul's thorn in the flesh was, because he
doesn't tell us. Some have suggested that it was malaria, epilepsy, or a
disease of the eyes (see Galatians 4:13-15). Whatever the case, it was a
chronic and debilitating problem, which at times kept him from working. This
thorn was a hindrance to his ministry, and he prayed for its removal; but God
refused. Paul was a very self-sufficient person, so this thorn must have been
difficult for him. It kept Paul humble, reminded him of his need for constant
contact with God, and benefited those around him as they saw God at work in his
life.
2 Corinthians 12:9: Although God did not remove Paul's physical affliction, he
promised to demonstrate his power in Paul. The fact that God's power is
displayed in weak people should give us courage. Though we recognize our
limitations, we will not congratulate ourselves and rest at that. Instead, we
will turn to God to seek pathways for effectiveness. We must rely on God for
our effectiveness rather than simply on our own energy, effort, or talent. Our
weakness not only helps develop Christian character; it also deepens our
worship, because in admitting our weakness, we affirm God's strength.
2 Corinthians 12:10: When we are strong in abilities or resources, we are tempted to
do God's work on our own, and that can lead to pride. When we are weak, allowing
God to fill us with his power,
then we are stronger than we could ever be on our own. God does not intend for
us to seek to be weak, passive, or ineffective-life provides enough hindrances
and setbacks without us creating them. When those obstacles come, we must
depend on God. Only his power will make us effective for him and will help us
do work that has lasting value.