with Elder Elico Manenji
✝️In this chapter the Apostle Paul continues to appeal to the Corinthians about his Apostolic calling and office of which non of his accusers had gone through. He relates a vision in which he was permitted to behold the glories of the heavenly world and shown the glories which no man had ever seen. He says by unknown means he was taken up into Paradise, where he heard and saw things that God does not normally allow people to know. As they had
compelled him to boast, he mentioned this revelation which he had of the Lord some fourteen years ago, the details of which were but however, that aside he boasts of his trial and afflictions. He had a thorn in the flesh which he always presented to the Lord to take it away, yet the Lord said His grace is sufficient for him and His power is made perfect in weakness. As an Apostle, Paul had never bothered the Corinthians even when other Churches supported him financially. Not even had he sent some.of his colleagues, such as Titus to make a collection for their own welfare but had laboured amongst the Corinthians as a father his children. He also mentions that when he come, he will.make straight the weaknesses amongst the church, which needed correction and discipline.
*1️⃣2 Corinthians 12:1-10:Lessons from Paul's life experiences, though highly favoured in visions and revelations, he chose rather to glory in weaknesses and infirmities.*
⏹️As Christians we are dead to sin and trespasses, we are risen to newness of life with Christ, and we seek those things that are above, where Christ is sitteth at the right hand of God. The Apostle says, *"Who is he that comdemns? It is Christ that died, yes rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us"(Romans 8:34).*
⏭️So we set our affections on things above and not on things earthly and so need to exercise our affections on the glorious things above in order to love them heartily. The Apostle counsels saying, *"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another"(Galatians 5:24-26).*
⏹️The Apostle says, lest he may be exalted above measure, by visions and revelations, though he was caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words which normally God does not give to men, he was given a thorn in the flesh was given to him. The Apostle James says, *"My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing"(James 1:2-4).*
⏭️The Apostle here visions two experiences, the beatific heavenly things that are anticipated and will be experienced by those who will be saved and the earthly experiences by which the messenger of Satan always buffets us, which are actual things we face now as tests and trials before we can enjoy the heavenly things. The Apostle Peter says, *"Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ"(1 Peter 1:6-7).*
⏫ In all these things, whether a thorn in the flesh, a trial or temptation, we too need to know that God's grace is sufficient for us for His strength is made perfect in weakness. As we struggle in our weaknesses, most assuredly, God works His glory in our weak bodies by the power of the risen Christ. The prophet Isaiah says of God's promises, *"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle on you"(Isaiah 43:2).*
*2️⃣2 Corinthians 12:11-21:As the Apostle showed the Corinthians all signs of his Apostolic calling and designed to visit them with the same fatherly affections, so should we treat one another so that no notorious disorders may be found amongst us.*
⏹️ A thorn is a small, invisible object in theh flesh that causes suffering, it can be that secret sin or trouble. A thorn causes unvarying, incessant pain, to ignore or forget about it is impossible. A thorn is a messenger of Satan to causes pain and discomfort unless removed it will be a burden in all our lives. The prophet Isaiah said concerning Christ our example, *" I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting"(Isaiah 50:6).*
⏫Trials are allowed to come to us by God, but the messenger of those is of Satan to buffet us. It is in this situation that God's strength is made perfect in weaknesses. The Apostle says, *"There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it"(1 Corinthians 10:13).*
⏹️As the Apostle’s conduct under his trial, he was not fretfulness or become sullen and dejected, neither did he quarrel with God or charge Him foolishly. Neither did he murmur at His dealings with him or insinuated that the same end might have been attained by less severe means. Jesus said, *"For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist"(Luke 21:15).*
⏫But the Apostle presented his case, he prayed that his affliction might be removed, he was patient and submissive under afflictive dispensations and actively in his duty. Prayer for the removal of our trials is not inconsistent with submission under them. The Apostle James says, *"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him"(James 5:15).*
⏹️ The greatest thing amongst believers is the removal of sin, sin should be dreaded, it is the greatest abominable thing that should not be found amongst those that are waiting to be translated into immortality. The Apostle James says, *"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much"(James 5:16).*
*🅰️Appeal*
Faithful gospel ministers are resolved in reproving sin without fear or favour. The apostle here mentions several sins that are too commonly found among professors of religion and are very reprovable such as unprofitable debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults. Those who are guilty of these sins should also resolve to put them away and faithful ministers must not fear offending the guilty by sharp reproofs, as they are needful, in public and in private. The Apostle says, *"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine"(2 Timothy 4:2).* Amen!!!
Elico Manenji
(+263712952704)
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