Because of Christ Sake | 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Topic: Because of Christ Sake
Bible Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
On the 7th July, 2024 Message
Introduction
Because of Christ Sake | 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: Our theme for the month is Walking in God’s perfection.
God is requesting we walk perfectly in His presence in order for us to receive all what He has desired for us.
The Bible verse read to us 2 Corinthians 12: … Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. He wants us to know that every child of God should know that they can’t run away from challenges instead the challenges we encounter will take us to the level of perfection. Infact, anyone called a child of God without challenges means their stand is not sure enough before God.
This man Apostle Paul can be referred as a Teacher, Pastor, Evangelist infact he operates in the five offices in the Bible. However, this man has a problem, Satan was wedging war seriously against him. The bible made us understand that he has mantles that raises the dead and can open the eyes of the blind but this man that does lots of miracles has a particular problem but was not troubled about it because of Christ.
Daddy and Mummy, what are the challenges that wants to draw you away from God or make you decide that you will no longer pray?. Brother Paul has more problems yet he stood with Christ. Apostle Paul never allowed his problem to shake him. If you have not encounter problems, you will think you are the best and before you know it, pride comes in.
Paul was inflicted with a problem that his prayers is not enough to remove it but he never because of that abandon God, or stop going to church, or stop praying etc. Any problem we face today is from the devil , however most times God can permit it.
We will pass through a lot because of this Christ that we follow. The devil will test us with attacks but is not enough for us to be running around. Paul knew that what he was inflicted with was not ordinary and he prayed and fasted to God 3 times but God said, I will not remove it instead live with it. This was a huge test for him.
Note that everyone have their own problems even the Pastors too but they can’t share it because we all need to remain in faith with God.
Because of Christ Sake | 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
* If you want to move closer to Jesus with all what you are passing through
1. Dwell in His Grace:
If we dwell in His grace we will not be seeing those problems. If we receive this grace, when others are seeing negative things, you will be seeing the positive even if the problem is there. Alot of us do stay back at home because of the challenges they are facing instead of coming to church. Paul called God to remove the problem he was experiencing but God refuse just because He wants His grace to be sufficient for him.
If God’s grace is sufficient for us it means in all situations just give thanks to Him. He wants us to see Him in our challenges. Many only praise God when they are blessed and whenever they lack, they release insults or blame God for their problems.
2. Your challenges or situation will strengthen you because of Christ.
The challenges will teach one how to pray or wake up in the night to pray. Paul was rejoicing in his challenges and that it strengthen him. When we are attacked we should serve him with joy, when we don’t have money, we should serve him with joy, when we are down or sick, we should serve him with joy. No matter the position we find ourselves, we should serve him with joy.
We understand that the country is not ok, but is not enough to abandon God. Apostle Paul is saying even if the infirmity on him is more than that he will not forsake God, he will not miss Bible Studies, he will not miss Sunday School class or Church activities.
God knows when to take away any problem we are passing through but before then, continue to serve Him with joy. God told Paul that He won’t remove the infirmity and Paul knew it was not enough to abandon God.
The same Apostle Paul was captured, put in prison, was seriously beaten up till the point of death, yet he didn’t abandon God.
Hymn 732
Jesu, mo gb’agbelebu mi ….
History made us understand that a woman wrote the above song when she was in a deep problem with her family members instead she called on God to help her. So what’s the problem, that many are ready to forsake salvation because of the challenges facing them. Many are ready to go back to the world because of what they are experiencing.
Baba Obadare, Baba Akande in Ede, Baba Adio who is also a mighty prophet were all blind men, yet God used them to do lots of miracles and they never for once complain about their deficiency how much more
In conclusion
I advise you carry your cross so you can see Jesus in other to get to the place of glory.