PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY - MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT.
Nov. 4th, 2025
"THE THORN IN THE FLESH."
A thorn in the flesh is now commonly used to describe any persistent source of irritation, trouble, or a continuous problem for an individual or group. Apostle Paul throws more light into this when he wrote; "....or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." (2 Cor.12.7.NIV). (A spiritual problem).
Why did God allow his thorn? Because he, Paul, was shown a vision when he "was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. (2 Cor.12.4-5.NIV). God understood that such knowledge had the potential to make Paul proud, and conceited. God wanted Paul to be Christ-like in humility and to guarantee this, God gave him a thorn in the flesh. Something to keep him grounded and totally dependent on God.
Any persistent problem is a thorn in the flesh. It could be spiritual or the obvious. We now know that for those in Christ, it is to keep us in check.
God gives vision; Satan gives thorn
God lifts up; Satan pulls down.
The thorn is a check to keep us in check.
Grace is favour of God that is available and keeps us safe from any vices of the enemies, hence His grace is sufficient for us. And we have assurance that whatever God has given us, the devil cannot take from us.
There are three lessons for us to learn.
1. Humility is enormously important if we must serve God.
2. God is willing to allow Satan a limited level of power to create helpful weakness in His children - for dependency and even protection.
3. Spiritual strength is no guarantee of health, wealth, or prosperity (2 Cor. 12:8-9)
In all these, Paul's advice is "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...... Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phip.4.4-6.NIV)
THE WORD: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (Isa.26.3.NIV)
KBA Tracts
Follow KBA Tracts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/19kNSm3rt7/
www.kbatracts.com.ng
"THE THORN IN THE FLESH."
A thorn in the flesh is now commonly used to describe any persistent source of irritation, trouble, or a continuous problem for an individual or group. Apostle Paul throws more light into this when he wrote; "....or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." (2 Cor.12.7.NIV). (A spiritual problem).
Why did God allow his thorn? Because he, Paul, was shown a vision when he "was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. (2 Cor.12.4-5.NIV). God understood that such knowledge had the potential to make Paul proud, and conceited. God wanted Paul to be Christ-like in humility and to guarantee this, God gave him a thorn in the flesh. Something to keep him grounded and totally dependent on God.
Any persistent problem is a thorn in the flesh. It could be spiritual or the obvious. We now know that for those in Christ, it is to keep us in check.
God gives vision; Satan gives thorn
God lifts up; Satan pulls down.
The thorn is a check to keep us in check.
Grace is favour of God that is available and keeps us safe from any vices of the enemies, hence His grace is sufficient for us. And we have assurance that whatever God has given us, the devil cannot take from us.
There are three lessons for us to learn.
1. Humility is enormously important if we must serve God.
2. God is willing to allow Satan a limited level of power to create helpful weakness in His children - for dependency and even protection.
3. Spiritual strength is no guarantee of health, wealth, or prosperity (2 Cor. 12:8-9)
In all these, Paul's advice is "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...... Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phip.4.4-6.NIV)
THE WORD: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (Isa.26.3.NIV)
KBA Tracts
Follow KBA Tracts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/19kNSm3rt7/
www.kbatracts.com.ng
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