Lesson 2068

(Lesson 2068)(08-01-17) 2 Corinthians 12:1-11
    “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.”

    In today’s quote Paul spoke of the visions and revelations he had seen and how they strengthened him to continue in the Lord’s work, even through the pain of his unspoken “infirmity”. He asserted that the more he was challenged, the more devout he became. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Lord’s preachers and teachers of today would have the same drive and love for Jesus Christ that the apostle Paul had? Praise God for Paul and all those like him who fought through all the trials to make sure that we could have the unvarnished word of God and a means by which we can achieve eternal life through faith on Jesus Christ crucified.~