Thursday, March 6, 2025

         2 Corinthians 12 is perhaps best known for Paul’s words about his “thorn in the flesh” that he suffered.  We do not really know what that thorn was.  Much speculation and conjecture have been advanced through the centuries of Christianity.  Yet, no definitive conclusion has been reached about what the thorn was.  Some suggest physical problems while others suggest practical or spiritual challenges that seemed to dog Paul throughout his life and work on behalf of the gospel.  Our purpose is not to seek an answer to the lingering questions about Paul’s thorn.  Such a pursuit is beyond our grasp or reach anyway—just as it has always been for others who embarked on it.  Perhaps, God is glorified in even greater ways by keeping the nature and name of this thorn concealed.  We learn from Paul that God’s grace is always sufficient—and sufficient across a panoply of possibilities and places where we find ourselves in life.  His grace is neither limited nor specific to Paul’s unique situation in time and place. 
            Paul wrote, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).  Paul’s expression “for Christ’s sake” is worthy of our consideration.  In 2025, we are called to do many things for the sake or cause of Christ.  We die to sin.  We leave behind old habits and old ways of life.  For the sake of Christ, we often persevere through weaknesses, insults, hardships, difficulties and persecutions.  If we are committed to Christ and devoted to serving Him with all that we possess, we will face the headwinds of the enemy.  Satan will seek to be a roadblock, an obstacle and even an affliction—relentlessly and unfailingly so.  Paul certainly knew this to be true.  He alluded to this reality with his words about a thorn in his flesh.  But, even earlier, in 2 Corinthians 11, he wrote of an assortment of afflictions and hardships that he faced. 
            What do you face today “for the sake of Christ?”  Is it a physical issue that gives you a chance to testify about His grace and goodness?  Is it an emotional trial that allows you a chance to experience His power and presence in ways that you would not otherwise?  And because you have tasted and seen that the Lord is good you have this testimony to share.  Sadly today, many believers simply do not wish to be even inconvenienced for the sake of Christ.  We can often grumble and gripe for silly reasons when we could bear witness to the sufficiency and endlessness of His grace and goodness.  The Church of Jesus Christ today, at least in America, has never had more blessings and opportunities to advance the gospel.  We have resources and assets that the early church could not have even envisioned.  But often, we retreat when we should advance.  We grumble when we should speak boldly.  We despair when we could declare the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  The Church in America today is often impotent and weak when it could be a rocket for hope, forgiveness, reconciliation and kindness. 
            Paul reminds us that when we are weak then we are strong.  That seems like a confusing contradiction at first read.  So, let’s mine a bit deeper.  When we are weak in ourselves and our strength and choose to downplay ourselves, we have a chance to see God’s strength and power surge in and through us.  When we are wrestling with an assortment of things and trials “for Christ’s sake,” we have a chance to experience His strength and power.  When we come to the end of ourselves, we realize that we never exhaust God’s strength and power.  We never reach the end of His contentment and peace.  We never exhaust the power of God because it is without limits.  When we resolve to serve and live “for Christ’s sake,” we experience the power to do just that.
            How will you live out this Word from the Lord in your life?  What steps or risk will you take for the gospel?  We are not talking about crazy or crooked schemes to get rich quick or make a name for ourselves.  But what will you do “for Christ’s sake?”  Will you share the gospel and your faith in Christ with someone?  Will you invite someone to worship with you on Sunday?  Will you entrust some battle or trial to the Lord?  Will you say “yes” to whatever God has been leading or drawing you to do?  May we do all things “for Christ’s sake.”  Have a great Thursday!  Remember you can share our worship any time at YouTube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.  We’ll study God’s Word on Sunday at 9:45am and worship at 10:55am.