Sermon Series - Renewal In Christ

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Sermon Text - 2 Corinthians 12:1–10 ESV

I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

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Sermon Summary:

Whenever I get a few minutes to daydream, my mind often drifts to visualizing an amazing vacation. How long will it be? How far away? Will I go to the mountains, beach or a quiet cabin? Getaways are important. Even Jesus took the disciples to remote places in hopes of finding solitude for worship. We must change our surroundings sometimes. In chapter 11, Paul gives us the account of his escape of trouble in a basket. In chapter 12, Paul is also taken away. However, this time, Paul is taken away to a place beyond anyone’s imagination. Paul is taken to heaven. He has an indescribable experience while there, so wonderful that the experience becomes a danger to him. This begs the question; can we be given too much of a good thing? In today’s message, we will learn how God keeps us humble amid great blessings.