These small group study notes on the book of 2nd Corinthians contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, lessons to learn, and applications. Feel free to print them, copy them, or share them. I only ask that you remember these are are personal study notes and are only meant as a supplement to your own study, not a replacement. May God be glorified! Visit our inductive Bible study main page for more studies on this and other books of the Bible. See the bottom of the page for the rest of the study on 2 Corinthians 12.
2 Corinthians 12:7-13 Inductive Bible Study - Outline, Key Words, Cross References, and Discussion Questions
2 Co 12:7-12
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me — to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
11 I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.
12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.
13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
Key Words
· weak/weakness 4
· apostle 2
· exalt 2
· myself 3
· power 2
· with 6
· you/yourself 7
· I 10
Titles
Thorn in the flesh
Messenger of Satan
By the grace of God
Strong when weak
Indwelling power of Christ
Outline
I. The thorn in the flesh 7-10
A. It’s purpose
B. Paul’s petition to remove it
C. The Lord’s response
D. Paul’s reaction
1. Contentment
2. Strength in Christ
II. Paul’s apostleship not inferior 11-13
A. Performed signs of true apostle
B. Treatment of the Corinthians
Cross References, Questions, Observations
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me — to keep me from exalting myself!
Dt 8:14
14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
Dt 17:20
20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel.
2 Ch 26:16
16 But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.
2 Ch 32:25-26
25 But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud; therefore wrath came on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.
26 However, Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come on them in the days of Hezekiah.
Da 5:20
20 "But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him.
Mt 27:29
29 And after twisting together a crown of thorns , they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, " Hail, King of the Jews!"
Job 2:6-7
6 So the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life."
7 Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
1 Co 5:5
5 I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Da 4:30-31
30 "The king reflected and said, 'Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?'
31 "While the word was in the king's mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you,
a) What indications are there that Paul would have a problem with exalting himself?
b) What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?
· NT:4647 skolops (skol'-ops); perhaps from the base of NT:4628 and NT:3700; withered at the front, i.e. a point or prickle (figuratively, a bodily annoyance or disability):
c) What was Paul’s response to his thorn in the flesh?
d) What can we learn from Paul’s experience with the thorn in the flesh?
e) How does this help us to see Satan’s involvement in our lives?
1)
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
Dt 3:25-26
25 'Let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land that is beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.'
26 "But the LORD was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me; and the LORD said to me, ' Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter.
2 Sa 12:16-18
16 David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground.
17 The elders of his household stood beside him in order to raise him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat food with them.
18 Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, "Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!"
Mt 26:39, 42, 44
39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will."
42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done."
44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.
Lk 18:4-5
4 "For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man,
5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'"
Ex 3:11-12
11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?"
12 And He said, "Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain."
Dt 33:26
26 " There is none like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to your help, And through the skies in His majesty.
Jos 1:9
9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Isa 43:2
2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
Jer 1:7-9
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.
8 " Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
1 Co 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
1 Co 15:10
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
2 Co 3:5
5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,
Col 1:29
29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.
Heb 4:16
16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
a) Why didn’t the Lord grant Paul his request?
1) Even Moses, Jesus’ and Paul’s prayers sometime get answered, “No”.
9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Mt 5:11-12
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
2 Co 11:30
30 If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.
2 Ki 2:16
16 Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho opposite him saw him, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." And they came to meet him and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
Isa 11:2
2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
Mt 28:18
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
1 Pe 4:13-14
13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
a) Are weaknesses good or bad?
b) How should we look upon our own weaknesses?
1)
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Ac 5:41
41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Ro 5:3
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
2 Co 4:17
17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
2 Co 7:4
4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.
Php 1:29
29 For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
Php 2:17-18
17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
Col 1:24
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions.
Jas 1:2
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
1 Pe 1:6
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
1 Pe 4:13-14
13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Lk 6:22
22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.
1 Co 4:10
10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor.
2 Co 4:5
5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake.
2 Co 4:11
11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
2 Co 13:4
4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.
Eph 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
a) Discuss how weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake differ from others.
b) What does he mean by, “when I am weak, then I am strong.”
c) What do you think was Paul’s secret to contentment with these hardships?
1)
11 I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.
2 Co 11:17
17 What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
2 Co 11:5
5 For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles.
Gal 2:7-8
7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised
8(for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles),
Gal 2:11
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Gal 2:13-14
13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.
4 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?
Lk 17:10
10 "So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'"
1 Co 3:7
7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.
1 Co 15:9
9 For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Eph 3:8
8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,
1 Ti 1:15
15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.
a) How did the Corinthians compel Paul to act foolishly?
b) Who were the most eminent apostles?
c) Why would Paul state that he was a nobody?
1)
12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.
Ro 15:18-19
18 For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed,
19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Ac 19:11-12
11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,
12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.
Mk 16:17-18
17 "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
Jn 14:12
12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
Ac 5:12
12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico.
Ac 14:3
3 Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.
Ac 15:12
12 All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
a) What is a true apostle?
· NT:652 apostolos (ap-os'-tol-os); from NT:649; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ["apostle"] (with miraculous powers):
1)
13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
1 Co 9:6
6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working?
1 Co 9:12
12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
1 Co 9:15-18
15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.
16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.
17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.
18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
2 Co 11:8-9
8 I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you;
9 and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so.
2 Co 12:14
14 Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
a) How did Paul treat the Corinthians in an inferior way to the other churches?
b) Why was Paul seeking the Corinthian’s forgiveness?
1)
Key Verse
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Central Teaching
The purpose of the weakness of my flesh is to showcase His power.
Application - Make Your Own!
Don’t depend on my own knowledge and insights when preparing messages. Devote more time to prayer during their preparation.
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