A. One of the most puzzling statements of the Apostle Paul is found in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 about a " Thorn in the Flesh- A Messenger from Satan."

  1. This statement, though puzzling, teaches a great lesson for suffering Christians, then and now.

  2. As this is relevant to this time of pandemic, let us learn the truth about this " messenger of Satan" as Jesus said, " the truth shall make you free," John 8:32.

  B. Our approach in this study shall be as follows:

  1. Why was Paul given a " thorn in the flesh- a messenger from Satan?"

  2. What is the meaning of the " thorn in the flesh?" Who gave it to him?

  3. Valuable lessons for Christians today in this time of pandemic

Discussion

 A. Why was Paul given a " thorn in the flesh?"

  1. In 2 Cor. 12: 7, Paul said that the " thorn" was given to him " to torment him and to keep him humble" because of many visions and revelations he received from God.

  2. Thorn came from the Greek " skolops" which means a " stake."

  3.Paul said that he received the visions and revelations when he was " caught up to the third heaven ( Paradise)."

  4. Clearly, he said that the " thorn in the flesh" was to torment him and to keep him humble.

  5.David in Psalm 119:71 wrote " It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees," ( NIV)

 B.1 What was Paul's thorn in the flesh? Several suggestions are as follows:

  1. Eye problem or defect in vision, Galatians 6:11

  2. Physical tremor or epilepsy, I Cor. 2:3

  3. Emotional Problem or Depression, 2 Cor. 1:8

  4. A person named Alexander, I Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14

  5. Temptation to commit sin, Romans 7:21-23

  6. Speech defect, 2 Corinthians 11:6

 B.2 Who gave Paul the thorn in the flesh? Was it God or Satan? 

  1. As the purpose was to make him humble, it is clear " God gave it to him" for in 2 Cor. 12:8, Paul wrote, " three times, I prayed to the Lord to take it away from me!"

  2.Thus, it can be said that " the messenger ( Greek " angelos")  from Satan was used by God to torment Paul and keep him humble.

  3. Paul in I Corinthians 10:13 explained this concept. God will not allow Christians to be " tempted" beyond what they can bear.

  4. Two similar cases in the Old Testament were those of Job and King Saul which can be discussed in separate lessons.

 C. Valuable Lessons for Christians today in this time of pandemic

  1. Sufferings, sicknesses or calamities are sent by God and He uses Satan and his demons to fulfill these, e.g.

   a. Egypt was used by God to enslave the Israelites for 430 years

   b. Babylon was used by God to captivate the Jews and enslave them for 70 years

   c. Medo-Persia was used by God to free the Jews from the Babylonian captivity

  2. Sufferings whether physical, emotional or psychological arr used by God to humble His servants

  3. Christ suffered at the cross as a supreme example of sacrifice, humility and obedience for the " glory of God and the salvation of men," Philippians 2:5-11. 

  4.Old Testament examples of people who were humbled by God through sufferings were Job, King Saul and David.

  5. As Paul himself wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, the Lord uses sufferings to humble His servants for He said " My power is made perfect in weakness!"

Conclusion

  A. Summary of the Main Points

  B. Invitation to listeners/ viewers to accept Christ as Jesus Himself said in Matthew 11:28-30 " Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest...."