Paul’s Vision Paul’s Vision Paul’s Vision Paul’s Vision 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Dec 27, 2015
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionOn September 21, 1823, Joseph Smith had a
“vision.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionOn September 21, 1823, Joseph Smith had a
“vision.”◦ “A personage appeared at my bedside,
standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor . . . . Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorified beyond description . . . . [He] said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionOn September 21, 1823, Joseph Smith had a
“vision.”◦ “A personage appeared at my bedside,
standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor . . . . Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorified beyond description . . . . [He] said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do.”
◦Obviously, we cannot believe Smith’s claims.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionOn September 21, 1823, Joseph Smith had a
“vision.”◦ “A personage appeared at my bedside,
standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor . . . . Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorified beyond description . . . . [He] said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do.”
◦Obviously, we cannot believe Smith’s claims. Such visions have ended.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionOn September 21, 1823, Joseph Smith had a
“vision.”◦ “A personage appeared at my bedside,
standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor . . . . Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorified beyond description . . . . [He] said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do.”
◦Obviously, we cannot believe Smith’s claims. Such visions have ended. The message of Smith’s “visions” contracts the
message of Jesus’ apostles.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBut, in Paul’s day, many did receive
revelations from God.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBut, in Paul’s day, many did receive
revelations from God.◦It seems that many well-meaning Christians had
trouble separating the claims of true visions & the claims of visions like Joseph Smith’s.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBut, in Paul’s day, many did receive
revelations from God.◦It seems that many well-meaning Christians had
trouble separating the claims of true visions & the claims of visions like Joseph Smith’s.
◦ In Corinth, some false prophets were upsetting the faith of some.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBut, in Paul’s day, many did receive
revelations from God.◦It seems that many well-meaning Christians had
trouble separating the claims of true visions & the claims of visions like Joseph Smith’s.
◦ In Corinth, some false prophets were upsetting the faith of some: “If someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough” (2 Cor 11:4, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThese false prophets apparently wanted to
discredit Paul.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThese false prophets apparently wanted to
discredit Paul.◦In the final four chapters of 2 Corinthians, Paul
defends himself against the claims of these “super-apostles.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThese false prophets apparently wanted to
discredit Paul.◦In the final four chapters of 2 Corinthians, Paul
defends himself against the claims of these “super-apostles.”
◦“I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works” (2 Cor 12:11-12, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
2 CORINTHIANS 12:2-2 CORINTHIANS 12:2-2020
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThese false prophets were apparently boasting
about receiving so-called “revelations” from God.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThese false prophets were apparently boasting
about receiving so-called “revelations” from God.
Paul basically says, “They boast about revelations. Let me tell you about a real revelation I had from God.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThese false prophets were apparently boasting
about receiving so-called “revelations” from God.
Paul basically says, “They boast about revelations. Let me tell you about a real revelation I had from God.
Paul writes in the third, rather than the first, person.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThese false prophets were apparently boasting
about receiving so-called “revelations” from God.
Paul basically says, “They boast about revelations. Let me tell you about a real revelation I had from God.
Paul writes in the third, rather than the first, person.◦This was a common method among the rabbis in
order to avoid pride.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThese false prophets were apparently boasting
about receiving so-called “revelations” from God.
Paul basically says, “They boast about revelations. Let me tell you about a real revelation I had from God.
Paul writes in the third, rather than the first, person.◦This was a common method among the rabbis in
order to avoid pride.◦The context makes it clear that Paul speaks of
himself.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThese false prophets were apparently boasting
about receiving so-called “revelations” from God.
Paul basically says, “They boast about revelations. Let me tell you about a real revelation I had from God.
Paul writes in the third, rather than the first, person.◦This was a common method among the rabbis in
order to avoid pride.◦The context makes it clear that Paul speaks of
himself. Why else would God send a “messenger of Satan” to torment Paul unless he himself received the message?
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
GOD’S MINDGOD’S MINDvv 2-4
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision“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” (vv 2-4, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBoth of Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians are
laden with sarcasm.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBoth of Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians are
laden with sarcasm.◦As Paul defends his apostleship, it’s quite clear
that the “super-apostles” were boasting about their position.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBoth of Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians are
laden with sarcasm.◦As Paul defends his apostleship, it’s quite clear
that the “super-apostles” were boasting about their position. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (10:17,
ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBoth of Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians are
laden with sarcasm.◦As Paul defends his apostleship, it’s quite clear
that the “super-apostles” were boasting about their position. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (10:17,
ESV). “Whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am
speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that” (11:21, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBoth of Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians are
laden with sarcasm.◦As Paul defends his apostleship, it’s quite clear
that the “super-apostles” were boasting about their position.
◦Paul says, quite tongue-in-check, “I must go on boasting” (12:1, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBoth of Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians are
laden with sarcasm.◦As Paul defends his apostleship, it’s quite clear
that the “super-apostles” were boasting about their position.
◦Paul says, quite tongue-in-check, “I must go on boasting” (12:1, ESV). Paul then “boasts” about the vision he received.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionBoth of Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians are
laden with sarcasm.◦As Paul defends his apostleship, it’s quite clear
that the “super-apostles” were boasting about their position.
◦Paul says, quite tongue-in-check, “I must go on boasting” (12:1, ESV). Paul then “boasts” about the vision he received. But, in his boasting, Paul can’t say if the
experience was in or out of the body & he can’t repeat what he heard.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul’s point in his mock boasting is to say:
“There’s no point in boasting about what one can do or what one has seen, for it’s God who determines those things.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul’s point in his mock boasting is to say:
“There’s no point in boasting about what one can do or what one has seen, for it’s God who determines those things.”◦Paul had no idea whether he experienced “the
third heaven” “in the body or out of the body.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul’s point in his mock boasting is to say:
“There’s no point in boasting about what one can do or what one has seen, for it’s God who determines those things.”◦Paul had no idea whether he experienced “the
third heaven” “in the body or out of the body.” How could we know?
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul’s point in his mock boasting is to say:
“There’s no point in boasting about what one can do or what one has seen, for it’s God who determines those things.”◦Paul had no idea whether he experienced “the
third heaven” “in the body or out of the body.” How could we know?
◦What things did Paul hear?
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul’s point in his mock boasting is to say:
“There’s no point in boasting about what one can do or what one has seen, for it’s God who determines those things.”◦Paul had no idea whether he experienced “the
third heaven” “in the body or out of the body.” How could we know?
◦What things did Paul hear? Paul heard “things that cannot be told.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul’s point in his mock boasting is to say:
“There’s no point in boasting about what one can do or what one has seen, for it’s God who determines those things.”◦Paul had no idea whether he experienced “the
third heaven” “in the body or out of the body.” How could we know?
◦What things did Paul hear? Paul heard “things that cannot be told.”
KJV: Paul “heard unspeakable words.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul’s point in his mock boasting is to say:
“There’s no point in boasting about what one can do or what one has seen, for it’s God who determines those things.”◦Paul had no idea whether he experienced “the
third heaven” “in the body or out of the body.” How could we know?
◦What things did Paul hear? Paul heard “things that cannot be told.”
KJV: Paul “heard unspeakable words.” This simply means that Paul cannot tell what he heard, for
he heard things “which man may not utter.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul’s point in his mock boasting is to say:
“There’s no point in boasting about what one can do or what one has seen, for it’s God who determines those things.”◦Paul had no idea whether he experienced “the
third heaven” “in the body or out of the body.” How could we know?
◦What things did Paul hear? Paul heard “things that cannot be told.” God knows what Paul heard in “the third heaven,”
but we don’t.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul’s point in his mock boasting is to say:
“There’s no point in boasting about what one can do or what one has seen, for it’s God who determines those things.”◦Paul had no idea whether he experienced “the
third heaven” “in the body or out of the body.” How could we know?
◦What things did Paul hear? Paul heard “things that cannot be told.” God knows what Paul heard in “the third heaven,”
but we don’t. Paul knew what he heard in “the third heaven,” but the Corinthians didn’t.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
GOD KNOWS MUCH GOD KNOWS MUCH THAT WE DO NOT THAT WE DO NOT KNOW.KNOW.
The point:
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision“The secret things belong to the LORD our
God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deut 29:29, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision“The secret things belong to the LORD our
God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deut 29:29, ESV).
“The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor 1:25, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
DOES THAT NOT DOES THAT NOT REALLY PUT MAN IN REALLY PUT MAN IN HIS PLACE?HIS PLACE?
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
GOD IS THE ONE GOD IS THE ONE WHO KNOWS ALL.WHO KNOWS ALL.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
DIVINE MEEKNESSDIVINE MEEKNESSv 7
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision“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” (v 7, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThis verse demonstrates God’s control over
Satan.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThis verse demonstrates God’s control over
Satan.◦It’s God who sent the “messenger of Satan to
harass” Paul.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThis verse demonstrates God’s control over
Satan.◦It’s God who sent the “messenger of Satan to
harass” Paul. The purpose of this “messenger” was to keep Paul
from becoming too conceited.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThis verse demonstrates God’s control over
Satan.◦It’s God who sent the “messenger of Satan to
harass” Paul. The purpose of this “messenger” was to keep Paul
from becoming too conceited. Satan would have loved Paul’s becoming conceited,
wouldn’t he?
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThis verse demonstrates God’s control over
Satan.◦It’s God who sent the “messenger of Satan to
harass” Paul. The purpose of this “messenger” was to keep Paul
from becoming too conceited. Satan would have loved Paul’s becoming conceited,
wouldn’t he? Imagine the benefit to Satan’s kingdom if this “messenger”
hadn’t been sent & Paul became conceited!
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThis verse demonstrates God’s control over
Satan.◦It’s God who sent the “messenger of Satan to
harass” Paul. The purpose of this “messenger” was to keep Paul
from becoming too conceited. Satan would have loved Paul’s becoming conceited,
wouldn’t he? Imagine the benefit to Satan’s kingdom if this “messenger”
hadn’t been sent & Paul became conceited! This messenger’s purpose makes clear he was sent
by God.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThis verse demonstrates God’s control over
Satan.◦It’s God who sent the “messenger of Satan to
harass” Paul.◦God’s control of the universe even extends to
Satan.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThis verse demonstrates God’s control over
Satan.◦It’s God who sent the “messenger of Satan to
harass” Paul.◦God’s control of the universe even extends to
Satan. Satan can only do what the Lord allows!
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThis verse demonstrates God’s control over
Satan.◦It’s God who sent the “messenger of Satan to
harass” Paul.◦God’s control of the universe even extends to
Satan. Satan can only do what the Lord allows! Satan cannot tempt us beyond what we can handle
(1 Cor 10:13).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe word “thorn” can mean either “thorn” or
“stake.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe word “thorn” can mean either “thorn” or
“stake.”◦The word was used for stakes that were used for
torture.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe word “thorn” can mean either “thorn” or
“stake.”◦The word was used for stakes that were used for
torture.◦ It’s not clear if “thorn” or “stake” is intended,
but it doesn’t matter.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”◦The only hint from the text is that it was “in the
flesh.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”◦The only hint from the text is that it was “in the
flesh.”◦That likely rules out temptation or guilt or any
other psychological issue.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”◦Some have said that this refers to bad eyesight.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”◦Some have said that this refers to bad eyesight.
It’s quite obvious that Paul had poor eyesight.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”◦Some have said that this refers to bad eyesight.
It’s quite obvious that Paul had poor eyesight. Tertius wrote the Epistle to the Romans (Rom 16:21).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”◦Some have said that this refers to bad eyesight.
It’s quite obvious that Paul had poor eyesight. Tertius wrote the Epistle to the Romans (Rom 16:21); it’s
highly likely that most, if not all, of Paul’s epistles were dictated to someone who wrote them down.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”◦Some have said that this refers to bad eyesight.
It’s quite obvious that Paul had poor eyesight. Tertius wrote the Epistle to the Romans (Rom 16:21); it’s
highly likely that most, if not all, of Paul’s epistles were dictated to someone who wrote them down.
“See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand” (Gal 6:11, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”◦Some have said that this refers to bad eyesight.
It’s quite obvious that Paul had poor eyesight. Tertius wrote the Epistle to the Romans (Rom 16:21); it’s
highly likely that most, if not all, of Paul’s epistles were dictated to someone who wrote them down.
“See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand” (Gal 6:11, ESV).
Some have suggested that the reason Paul took others with him on his journeys was so that they could lead him around.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThrough the years, scholars have tried to
identify this “thorn.”◦Some have said that this refers to bad eyesight.
It’s quite obvious that Paul had poor eyesight. If, as some have suggested, the poor eyesight is a
result of the light on the road to Damascus, this cannot be the “thorn in the flesh,” for Paul’s thorn came after his conversion.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThere are clues that Paul had some sort of
physical deformity.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThere are clues that Paul had some sort of
physical deformity.◦“You know it was because of a bodily ailment
that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus” (Gal 4:13-14, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThere are clues that Paul had some sort of
physical deformity.◦Gal 4:13-14.
Granted, the next verse (15) says that the Galatians would have plucked out their eyes for Paul.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThere are clues that Paul had some sort of
physical deformity.◦Gal 4:13-14.
Granted, the next verse (15) says that the Galatians would have plucked out their eyes for Paul.
But, it’s difficult to imagine that a visual difficulty would have been a “trial” for the Galatians.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThere are clues that Paul had some sort of
physical deformity.◦Gal 4:13-14.◦“His letters are weighty and strong, but his
bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account” (1 Cor 10:10, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThere are clues that Paul had some sort of
physical deformity.◦Gal 4:13-14.◦“His letters are weighty and strong, but his
bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account” (1 Cor 10:10, ESV). “His bodily presence is weak” makes me think Paul
had more physical problems than poor eyesight.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThere are clues that Paul had some sort of
physical deformity.◦Gal 4:13-14.◦“His letters are weighty and strong, but his
bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account” (1 Cor 10:10, ESV). “His bodily presence is weak” makes me think Paul
had more physical problems than poor eyesight. His ailment could have been a neurological
condition or injury that affected both the way Paul saw & the way others saw him.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionEarly church tradition describes Paul’s
appearance in a less than aesthetic way.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionEarly church tradition describes Paul’s
appearance in a less than aesthetic way.◦A document from the late second century says
that Paul was “a man little of stature, thin haired upon the head, crooked in the legs, [and] a nose somewhat hooked.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionEarly church tradition describes Paul’s
appearance in a less than aesthetic way.◦A document from the late second century says
that Paul was “a man little of stature, thin haired upon the head, crooked in the legs, [and] a nose somewhat hooked.”
◦While it’s not certain, this tradition may contain a kernel of truth.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionIt doesn’t matter what Paul’s “thorn in the
flesh” may or may not have been.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionIt doesn’t matter what Paul’s “thorn in the
flesh” may or may not have been.The important thing is that this “messenger of
Satan” was sent to Paul to keep him meek.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionSuffering can have quite positive effects.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionSuffering can have quite positive effects.
◦“We do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead” (2 Cor 1:8-9, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionSuffering can have quite positive effects.
◦2 Cor 1:8-9. ◦“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet
trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Js 1:2-4, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionSuffering can have quite positive effects.
◦2 Cor 1:8-9. ◦ Js 1:2-4.
When we face suffering, we dare not forget that it can have quite positive effects on our lives.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
DIVINE MIGHTDIVINE MIGHTvv 8-10
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision“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” (vv 8-10, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul pleaded with the Lord three times that the
messenger of Satan would leave him.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul pleaded with the Lord three times that the
messenger of Satan would leave him.◦But, the Lord refused to send Satan’s messenger
away from Paul.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul pleaded with the Lord three times that the
messenger of Satan would leave him.◦But, the Lord refused to send Satan’s messenger
away from Paul.◦We dare not forget that the Lord’s refusal to
answer a prayer the way we want does not mean that he does not hear or that he does not care.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul pleaded with the Lord three times that the
messenger of Satan would leave him.◦But, the Lord refused to send Satan’s messenger
away from Paul.◦We dare not forget that the Lord’s refusal to
answer a prayer the way we want does not mean that he does not hear or that he does not care. Jesus prayed three times in the Garden for the
Father to remove the cross, but the Father did not do so.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionPaul pleaded with the Lord three times that the
messenger of Satan would leave him.◦But, the Lord refused to send Satan’s messenger
away from Paul.◦We dare not forget that the Lord’s refusal to
answer a prayer the way we want does not mean that he does not hear or that he does not care. Jesus prayed three times in the Garden for the Father
to remove the cross, but the Father did not do so. If the very Son of God did not have his prayer
answered the way he wanted, who are we to think that God will always answer our prayers the way we want?
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionGod did not refuse to answer Paul’s prayer.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionGod did not refuse to answer Paul’s prayer.Instead, the Lord says to him, “My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionGod’s grace is abundant regardless of what
trial we face.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionGod’s grace is abundant regardless of what
trial we face.◦Thus, we can put our confidence in God
regardless of what transpires in life.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionGod’s grace is abundant regardless of what
trial we face.◦Thus, we can put our confidence in God
regardless of what transpires in life.◦“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor
fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places” (Hab 3:17-20, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionGod’s grace is abundant regardless of what
trial we face.◦Thus, we can put our confidence in God
regardless of what transpires in life.◦Hab 3:17-20.
The Book of Habakkuk is a series of dialogues between the prophet & God.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionGod’s grace is abundant regardless of what
trial we face.◦Thus, we can put our confidence in God
regardless of what transpires in life.◦Hab 3:17-20.
The Book of Habakkuk is a series of dialogues between the prophet & God. Habakkuk simply cannot understand how God can be just,
for evil is all around him.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionGod’s grace is abundant regardless of what
trial we face.◦Thus, we can put our confidence in God
regardless of what transpires in life.◦Hab 3:17-20.
The Book of Habakkuk is a series of dialogues between the prophet & God. Habakkuk simply cannot understand how God can be just,
for evil is all around him. God responds that he is sovereign & he acts according to
his will, not Habakkuk’s.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionGod’s grace is abundant regardless of what
trial we face.◦Thus, we can put our confidence in God
regardless of what transpires in life.◦Hab 3:17-20.
The Book of Habakkuk is a series of dialogues between the prophet & God.
By the end of the Book, Habakkuk trusts God & says that regardless of what transpires, he will place confidence in God.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe Lord also tells Paul that his power is made
perfect in weakness.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe Lord also tells Paul that his power is made
perfect in weakness.◦If Paul had an illness obvious to others, think
about the ironic power God displayed through him.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe Lord also tells Paul that his power is made
perfect in weakness.◦If Paul had an illness obvious to others, think
about the ironic power God displayed through him.
◦Paul could heal others, but he could not heal himself.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe Lord also tells Paul that his power is made
perfect in weakness.◦If Paul had an illness obvious to others, think
about the ironic power God displayed through him.
◦Paul could heal others, but he could not heal himself. At Lystra, Paul healed a man who was lame from
birth (Acts 14:8-10).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe Lord also tells Paul that his power is made
perfect in weakness.◦If Paul had an illness obvious to others, think
about the ironic power God displayed through him.
◦Paul could heal others, but he could not heal himself. At Lystra, Paul healed a man who was lame from
birth (Acts 14:8-10). In Philippi, Paul healed a girl possessed by a
demon (Acts 16:16-18).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe Lord also tells Paul that his power is made
perfect in weakness.◦ If Paul had an illness obvious to others, think about
the ironic power God displayed through him.◦Paul could heal others, but he could not heal
himself. At Lystra, Paul healed a man who was lame from birth
(Acts 14:8-10). In Philippi, Paul healed a girl possessed by a demon
(Acts 16:16-18). “God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands
of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them” (Acts 19:11-12, ESV).
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe Lord also tells Paul that his power is made
perfect in weakness.◦If Paul had an illness obvious to others, think
about the ironic power God displayed through him.
◦Paul could heal others, but he could not heal himself. It had to be obvious that Paul wasn’t healing
through his own power.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe Lord also tells Paul that his power is made
perfect in weakness.◦If Paul had an illness obvious to others, think
about the ironic power God displayed through him.
◦Paul could heal others, but he could not heal himself. It had to be obvious that Paul wasn’t healing
through his own power. The power Paul used to heal had to be the power
of God.
Paul’s VisionPaul’s VisionThe Lord also tells Paul that his power is made
perfect in weakness.◦If Paul had an illness obvious to others, think
about the ironic power God displayed through him.
◦Paul could heal others, but he could not heal himself. It had to be obvious that Paul wasn’t healing
through his own power. The power Paul used to heal had to be the power
of God. Nothing else made any sense at all!
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
IS IT IMPOSSIBLE IS IT IMPOSSIBLE THAT GOD CAN THAT GOD CAN DISPLAY GREAT DISPLAY GREAT POWER THROUGH POWER THROUGH OUR WEAKNESSES?OUR WEAKNESSES?
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
IS IT IMPOSSIBLE IS IT IMPOSSIBLE THAT GOD CAN THAT GOD CAN DISPLAY GREAT DISPLAY GREAT POWER THROUGH POWER THROUGH OUR WEAKNESSES?OUR WEAKNESSES?
How much might be accomplished for the cause of Christ through our sufferings?
Paul’s VisionPaul’s Vision
ARE YOU READY TO ARE YOU READY TO DISPLAY GOD’S DISPLAY GOD’S POWER THROUGH POWER THROUGH YOUR SUFFERING?YOUR SUFFERING?