2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (NASB)
1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago — whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows — such a man was caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I know how such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows —
4 was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.
5 On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.
6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me — to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Introduction:
Review:
Theme: Three significant consequences of a legitimate boast so you will remain humble in it.
I. The characteristics of a legitimate boast vv.1-6
A. It is a unique and superior spiritual experience vv.1-5.
B. It is a true experience vs. 6a
C. It is properly incorporated into over all Christian experience vs.6
II. The three significant consequences of a legitimate boast vv.7-10
A. Divine ________ vs.7
B. Sustained ________ vs.8
C. Christ manifesting ________ vv.9-10
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