Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Other readings: Jeremiah 17:5-8, Luke 6:17-26

 

  1. What are some explanations you’ve heard for Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (v. 7)? Why might the Holy Spirit not have lead Paul to identify that thorn in the flesh for us?
     
  2. Paul called that thorn “a messenger of Satan” (v. 7). What message did Satan possibly send Paul through this ordeal?
     
  3. What connection do you see between verse 10 and Jesus’ words in our Gospel reading, particularly Luke 6:22,23?
     
  4. Plenty of times Paul experienced insults, hardships, and persecutions during his ministry. Read Acts 14:1-20 to see what he encountered already on his very first mission journey.
     
  5. Paul said that the thorn in the flesh was given by God in order to keep him from “becoming conceited” (v. 7). Talk about a time when God used something in your life to humble you. Explain why times like that are truly blessings from God (confer v. 9).

 

 

 

 

  1. Some say it was poor eyesight (Galatians 6:11). Others think maybe he had a stutter when he spoke  or had a weak voice (1 Corinthians 2:1). Still others think it was a recurring illness (Galatians 4:13). By not stating exactly what the thorn was, it is easier for us identify with Paul; we all have different things that God gives us to be our own thorns in the flesh.
     
  2. It was probably a message to despair and doubt: “Give up! God has turned on you. You’re not a good enough Christian and apostle. He is punishing you for all your sins.”
     
  3. Paul suffered those things for Christ’s sake, that is, because he believed in and proclaimed the Son of Man. Those sufferings were proof of Paul’s saving faith which would eventually receive his reward in heaven.
     
  4. Pretty intense first trip, right?!
     
  5. Answers will vary for the first part. There are blessings from God because they teach us to rely on God’s grace and power found in the cross and the Word. In these moments of weakness, we see the full power of God to strengthen us and help us endure.