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Paul concludes this letter with an emotional response to attacks on his character and authority. To demonstrate that he's not "inferior" to his "super apostle" critics in Corinth, he lists the trials he's endured as an apostle and refers to a special vision God gave him. But then he goes on to admit that, in order to offset this elation, he was dealt an affliction.

1. What was Paul's initial reaction to his "thorn" (some chronic, debilitating physical problem that hindered his work)?



2. What did Paul conclude was the reason he contracted this affliction (v. 7)?



3. Instead of offering to remove the "thorn," what did God promise (v. 9a) to inject into Paul's situation?



4. What do you make of Paul's list (v. 10) of deficits that he's content with?



5. What turned them into assets?



6. What was Paul's eventual response (v. 9b) to his "thorn"?

Ask God to help you accept and profit from whatever He sends into your life to build your character and demonstrate His power.

⁷But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. ⁸Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.

⁹Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.

¹⁰Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Prayer for the Week

I realize, Lord, that You don't let trials through on a whim. So help me gain the benefits You intend from them.

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