Humility Found In 2 Corinthains 12
Humility is what we need to keep in mind as we read the verses today, let me explain something upfront. Paul has been criticized and he is having to defend himself. This is something that Paul hates to do. He clearly does not want to “boast” of himself, but direct all to Christ. Let us begin by reading verses one through ten. Paul the apostle writes,
(1)“It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. (2) 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. (3) And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) (4) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
(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.
(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. (10) 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.”
Paul’s Explanation on Grace
In verse 9 Paul gives all believers a foundational statement from our Savior, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” Let us take a moment to remember what Jesus stated in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Jesus clearly teaches us all as believers that we would face trouble in this life.
There has always been trouble in the world as we are reminded in the book of Job. We live in a fallen creation. Ever since the first sin, the trouble of the world has gripped us all as we live in this fallen world. Even those who are believers in Christ from time to time have to be reminded that we will face trouble in this life. Paul writes in another epistle that we ourselves do not do good, even when we want to. To put it plainly “ trouble defines life.”
Let us begin talking about humility by first looking at grace. Grace is found in The New Testament 155 times. The root word of grace in Greek is charis (ka-rus). It means a favor bestowed on a person who did not earn it. This is important when we are discussing Paul, his humility, and his writing in 2 Corinthians 12. Grace is the divine favor for those who deserve wrath. Therefore grace from God points us all towards humility.
We receive this generosity from God, not found in ourselves. Grace is more than a word, but it is a power that transforms us all from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Jesus Christ. This is a divine force that grants us all that we need in His will. John 1:14 even describes Jesus as being “full of grace.” We being in Christ, therefore are full of Grace. His grace meets every need we have and should remind us that we did not do it ourselves. Humility is a product of knowing that Christ did this for us, not ourselves.
We should all understand as believers that nothing that we can accomplish will come from within ourselves. Paul gives us all a good example by stating that if he is going to give a defense of himself, it must be done in weakness. This weakness and humility are what we should strive for as Christians. Only through humility can we start to explain to other believers our success.
Paul’s Testimony on Persecution and Humility
Many today in the social media world we live in want to be “liked.” People have begun this process of mentally thinking they are strong when they have more likes from other people. As a Christian, it is important to remember that world strength is the opposite of what we are working towards. What the world sees as a weakness in our faith is the strength that humility brings about. Paul gives an example of what I am talking about in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.
“(23) Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
(26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”
Many Christians and especially the world will ask why does such a faithful man has so much trouble? If God loves this man, and he is really working for God, why does he have so many bad things happen to him? We do not expect the world to understand why, but as believers, we often think “why do bad things happen to the faithful?” As we read Paul’s writing again, let us remember two words, pride, and humility.
The lesson that we see in Paul’s experience is God uses suffering to bring us to humility. 2 Corinthians 12:7 states: “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.” Paul recognized that the trouble had come into his life to keep him from having pride. If anyone had a reason to have pride it was Paul. He had four personal encounters with the risen Christ and a trip to heaven.
The Thorn in the Flesh
To further understand the situation that Paul was in let us look at the “thorn in the flesh.” We think of thorns are something that pricks us on a rose bush. However, the Greek word used by Paul is more like the term “stake.” This was a painful experience in Pauls’s life. It was not a minor scratch, but more of a deep wound that was a long-lasting, sharp painful experience. And where did this come from?
Paul writes that the “thorn” that creates humility in him is from the “messenger of Satan” The Greek word used is aggelos (ag-go-las). It means a satanic angel, in other words, a demon. This does not mean that Paul was demon-possessed, but was under attack by these demons, most likely those who encompass the false teachers. I would venture to say these were persons, not an eye disease like many scholars believe.
So why would God allow a messenger from Satan to torment Paul? We know that Paul asked for this to be removed from his, however, it was not. This trial brings us to the subject of this podcast, it’s all about Humility. Out of our trials comes proven character. God even allows “messengers of Satan” to humble us. If you do not think this happens please read the book of Job. Satan was the instrument, Job gained humility.
We as believers find ourselves as being way too proud. Remember what James 4:6 says: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Humility is no doubt one of the 7 Ironclad Christian Characteristics that we should show to the world of lost people. Please be sure to write a review for our podcast, and join us for a new week to continue this study in God’s word.
More episodes from 7 Ironclad Christian Characteristics
- Reverent: 7 Ironclad Christian Characteristics | Episode 26
- Strength: 7 Ironclad Christian Characteristics | Episode 25
- Servant: 7 Ironclad Christian Characteristics | Episode 24
- Repentance: 7 Ironclad Christian Characteristics | Episode 23
- Love: 7 Ironclad Christian Characteristics | Episode 22
