THE DEDICATED CHRISTIAN

March 17, 2020 (1 Tim. 2:1-6)

Reading to the hearer: 2 Corinthians 12:1-21

 

Paul’s Vision of Paradise

“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.

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

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 Value of Affection

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 Defends his Apostleship

      11     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.

12     Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

13     For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

Unselfish Service

14     Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15     And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

16     But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

17     Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

18     I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

19     Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

20     For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

Ministerial Solicitude

21     And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.”

  1. THE PERSON—vv. 1–10

Paul’s Vision of Paradise

  1. Revelation—vv. 1–3. Paul had a vision of heaven.
  2. Reality—v. 4. So great was heaven, that words could not explain the glory and beauty.
  3. Results—vv. 5–10
  4. Praise—v. 5. Paul boasted in his weakness.
  5. Purpose—v. 6. He wanted to reveal Christ.

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

  1. Problems—v. 7. The thorn was perhaps sickness.

           The Value of Affection

  1. Patience—vv. 8–9. God didn’t remove the thorn.
  2. Pleasure—v. 10. Taking pleasure in his sufferings.
  3. THE PREACHING—vv. 11–13

Paul Defends his Apostleship

  1. Writing—v. 11. Tells of sufferings for God’s glory.
  2. Work—v. 12. Many signs and wonders were performed by Paul, through the power of God.
  3. Wrong—v. 13. Paul preached for nothing. He didn’t make the people responsible for his support.

III.   THE PLAN—vv. 14–18

Unselfish Service

  1. Purpose—v. 18. The visit was to help people. Though not interested in money, Christians should support the Christian pastor.
  2. Passion—v. 15. So dedicated, that his time and life was given to help man find God.
  3. Problem—vv. 16–18. Paul corrects the people, who thought his work was for personal profit.
  4. THE PROBLEM—vv. 19–21
  5. Speaking—v. 19. Paul speaking to “build up” the Christian people.
  6. Shame—v. 20. Paul fearful there would be arguing, fighting, etc. among the Christians.

Ministerial Solicitude

  1. Sin—v. 21. The Christians had gone back into sin, yet still called themselves Christians.

 

    V.    Three Amen from Romans chapter 16:

                          

16:20 – Paul predicts victory for believers when the God of peace soon will crush Satan.

16:24 – Paul makes a prayerful pronouncement.  He summons “the grace of our Lord Jesus to be with you.

16:27 – Glory in God’s ability.