24 June - 2 Corinthians 12

We’re reading 2 Corinthians chapter 12 today. Let’s take a look at what is going on:

1. In the beginning of this chapter Paul talks about a guy who had an interesting experience. However, Paul didn’t ever say what it was or if he really understood it and so we can’t know anything more than was written. It makes you wonder why he would include it then. The only option is that it applied to the people he was writing to but not to us.
2. Paul also talks about having a “thorn in the flesh.” This has been a topic of debate for scholars for many years. Some think it was a spiritual frustration of sorts, like not being able to go preach in certain areas of the world, others speculate that it was a physical ailment, such as a limp, stutter or disease, and still other scholars believe Paul's “thorn” was an emotional issue, like a lack of self confidence or depression. Paul never fully articulates what the hinderance was and so we can’t know for certain. All Paul says it that it was something that kept him humble.
3. Paul closes the chapter by expressing his great concern that when he arrives in Corinth he will still find sins that they’re allowing in their church that bring dishonor to God and other Christians. The reason Paul is so concerned about this is because he really wants to have a pleasant visit with them and not have to correct people.

Paul was concerned about the spiritual health of his audience. How is your spiritual health today? If you had to rate yourself from a 1 to 10 (1 being no passion for God and 10 being the greatest amount you’ve ever had) where would you be? Is this a higher number than you would have had 6 months ago? 3 months? Last week? We should be striving to grow closer to God every day. If you’re reading along and still not sure you believe this Jesus stuff then I’m glad you’re reading along with us and this is a safe place for you. In fact, I probably understand and agree on some level with whatever your reasons are for not jumping in. However, this question still applies to you; rate yourself on a scale 1-10 on your spiritual temperature. One of the things we firmly believe here is that everyone’s spiritual journey is unique. We want to help all people grow closer to the Divine.