Hope in Christ

In Week 3, we will examine one of the most mysterious passages in the New Testament. The mystery is not the greater lessons and conclusions that can be derived from the text, but rather the mystery lies in the exact nature of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” To this day, scholars have proposed several explanations of Paul’s condition, ranging from spiritual oppression to physical disease and ailment. But regardless of the exact nature of Paul’s struggle, the two-fold lesson is undeniable – Satan was determined to attack Paul through his infirmity, and yet Paul’s hope for the future was not found in the relief of this pain, but in the sufficiency of grace that gave him great contentment. That contentment drove Paul to confidently boast in his weakness, for it was at that point that the power of God could be on its greatest display. Paul’s ultimate hope was not found in his condition, but in Christ, and we pray the same for you this Advent!

“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.”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV)