Paul's experiences of being highly favoured by a sight of heaven had its down side. Following the favour came the buffeting, verse 7. Notice that Paul refers twice to the danger he faced. And lest I should be exalted above measure . . . . . . lest I should be exalted above measure.
I. EVEN SUCH A MAN AS PAUL WAS IN DANGER OF BEING UNDULY EXALTED
1. All his privileges did not deliver him from this danger. The word translated by this phrase appears in one other place only. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God, 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Our old natures would pervert the favour of God into a sin.
2. The flesh can never be eradicated. Solomon, David, Peter and Paul show us that this is so.
3. The flesh must ever be resisted. The flesh was never more a threat than after the experiences of Paul in heaven.
II. THE PLACE THAT TROUBLE PLAYS IN OUR SANCTIFICATION
1. This troublesome affliction was given of God. The given refers to a kindly and welcome gift.
2. It is called a thorn in the flesh. A sharp stake that afflicted his body.
3. It was given to counteract Paul's evil heart. How serious is the matter of our propensity to sin when such measures are necessary.
4. The buffeting Paul received was from the devil. Even Satan is made to serve the end of the believer's good.
III. PAUL'S TROUBLE DRIVES HIM TO THE LORD.
1. Here is the outcome of trouble. Here is what it works in Paul.
2. Notice how Paul prayed. I besought the Lord thrice. Here is urgency and determination.
3. What Paul prayed for. The Lord would have us seek His help in trouble. In the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies Nehemiah 9:27. O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, Jeremiah 14:8.
IV. THE ANSWER PAUL RECEIVED
1. The Lord speaks to His saints. And he said unto me,
2. The Lord's answer was not that requested. The thorn would not be removed. Not all the prayers of great men are answered as they desired. Deut 3:23-27; 2 Sam 12:16-20
3. Christ explains His answer. My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Christ can keep us in our trials and show His strength thereby. The trial with the grace is better than the absence of the trial and the undertaking grace.
Paul's reaction. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong, verses 9-10. The Christian never loses by trouble but rather ever gains. Therefore we should respond with joy since the power of Christ will be displayed. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience, James 1:2-3. Here is how sorrows are turned into joys.