Overview:
Selections from 2 Corinthians
Have you ever “despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8 NIV)? Perhaps you’ve felt crushed by suffering or perplexed by persecution (2 Corinthians 4:8–10). If so, you’ll find good company with the apostle Paul.
In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the affliction Paul faced in his ministry and the apostle’s responses to his weaknesses and pain.
As you face trials, learn to trust God, focus on the unseen, and rest in Christ’s power.
Message Summary:
In “Responding as Paul Responded,” Chuck Swindoll explores the deep waters of human suffering through the lens of the Apostle Paul’s personal afflictions. Drawing from 2 Corinthians, Swindoll identifies moments where Paul “despaired even of life,” feeling crushed and perplexed by his circumstances. However, instead of collapsing under the weight of his trials, Paul responded by shifting his reliance from his own strength to God’s power. This message provides a profound look at the “theology of the thorn,” teaching believers that our weaknesses are not obstacles to God’s work, but are often the very canvases upon which His perfect strength is most clearly displayed.
Message Key Facts:
- The Sentence of Death: Paul describes his affliction in Asia as so great that he felt he had received a “sentence of death,” a phrase used to show that he had reached the end of all human resources.
- Jars of Clay: Swindoll explains the metaphor of “treasure in earthen vessels,” emphasizing that we are fragile, ordinary containers designed to showcase the “surpassing greatness” of the power of God, not our own.
- The Thorn in the Flesh: The sermon addresses Paul’s mysterious “thorn,” highlighting that God’s refusal to remove it was not a lack of love, but a provision of grace to protect Paul from pride.
- The Secret of Contentment: Paul’s response—”When I am weak, then I am strong”—serves as the ultimate paradox of the Christian life, where surrender to God’s will leads to spiritual invincibility.
Message References:
- Despairing of Life Itself
- Paul’s transparency about the crushing weight of his ministry in Asia and the purpose of his suffering.
- Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8–11 (We were burdened excessively… so that we would not trust in ourselves).
- Treasure in Earthen Vessels
- The contrast between our human fragility and the indestructible life of Christ within us.
- Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7–11 (We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing).
- The Messenger of Satan and the Thorn
- Paul’s repeated prayers for relief and the divine answer that transformed his perspective on pain.
- Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (There was given me a thorn in the flesh… “My grace is sufficient for you”).
- Boasting in Weakness
- The radical shift from seeking comfort to finding satisfaction in Christ’s power resting upon him.
- Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 (Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses).
