TRADITIONS, LIES, and TRUTH – PART TWENTY-THREE
THORN IN THE FLESH – PART TWO
Saturday – June 22, 2019, Sivan 19, 5779
Greetings dear saints of God and welcome back to this study which seeks to divide the traditions of man, and the doctrine of demons from the Truth. The Truth is the unadulterated (pure) Word of God. If you are reading this on Facebook please take a moment and hit the “like” and “share” buttons to further the reach of this good news, the Truth. Today we will explore a passage of Scripture that will most likely be familiar with most but seemingly misunderstood by much of the Church, the Christian community. The misunderstanding seems to arise out of the false and perverse doctrine of our need to suffer various elements of the curse in order to show the goodness of God. Let’s start by reviewing our primary Bible text aloud.
2 Corinthians 12:5-7 (KJV)
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 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.
7 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.
The word ‘glory’ throughout the passage above has to do with boasting and not the glory of God, which is the goodness of God. The Apostle Paul starts to talk about boasting of his infirmities or weaknesses and not of the trip to Heaven or other revelations. He goes on to say that he is tempted boast of these things but that would be foolish. The Apostle wants people to know him as he is and not something he is not and he especially does not want to be exalted above what people hear or see of him. I think even the casual observer or one new to Christianity could conclude that although all the writers of the Bible had been given extraordinary insights to pass on to subsequent readers, the Apostle Paul was no exception. This brings us to the seventh verse of our text which we will examine as well as those which follow.
The Apostle tells us that he was given a thorn in the flesh lest he think more highly of himself than he should because of the abundance of revelation given him of God. He recognizes that this thorn or irritant in the flesh was a messenger or one sent by Satan himself. The purpose of this messenger is to hinder the God given work of the Apostle. We are not told what exactly this thorn in the flesh is by the text. As you may be aware there is much speculation like poor eyesight and so on. Just looking at the text itself one might conclude that it is a demonic spirit which is repeatedly bringing a temptation to the Apostle Paul, a temptation of his flesh (lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and pride of life). God tempts or tests us to do good. God never uses Satan or any of his minions to do His work. God does allow Satan to test or tempt the Christian but never beyond their capacity to respond successfully. Satan is self-employed. In addition, God does not use adversity to humble us. Being humble, being clothed with humility is a choice as are the subsequent actions that we take in obedience to the Word. So, this thorn in the flesh is not of God (but allowed by God). This messenger of Satan was not sent by God to cause the Apostle to be humble and not brag or boast about a trip to Heaven or the other revelations given him by God. This thorn in the flesh is an attack of Satan.
1 Peter 5:5-7 (KJV)
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Now let us move forward and see how the Apostle Paul handled it and get insight for ourselves from the instructions God gives to Paul.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (KJV)
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 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.
Lord willing, I will pick up right here next Saturday.
Until our next publication, as a Bible Teacher and Prophetic Voice I speak this blessing over each and every one of you, receive it by faith in Jesus name!
Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)
24 The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
26 The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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