Message Notes

(I) THE GRACE OF GOD TO BE APPRECIATED AFRESH

1. In salvation (Ephesians 1-2)

2. In life and ministry (Ephesians 3-4)

(II) THE DIFFICULT TIMES OF LIFE

1. A Thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7)

2. A messenger of Satan to buffet me (2 Corinthians 12:7)

3. These must have been painful moments for the apostle Paul

(III) CRYING OUT TO GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES

1. Prayer

2. Prayer for removal of the source of pain (2 Corinthians 12:8)

3. Assessment of this approach

a) Natural

b) Human

c) But limited!

(IV) A NEW VISTA OF GOD’S GRACE REVEALED

“…’My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’…” 2 Corinthians 12:9

1. God’s personal reply to prayer

2. A new vista revealed

a) God’s grace covers difficult times in life

b) God’s grace is sufficient (enough)

c) God’s grace results in perfect strength for the most difficult of times

(V) APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO GOD’S TEACHING ON GRACE

“…Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

1. A double “therefore”

a) As an expression of clear understanding

b) As an expression of a firm faith in the Lord’s promise of strength through grace

2. A definite commitment to trust in the power of Christ for strength to cope

a) In infirmities

b) In reproaches

c) In needs

d) In persecutions

e) In distresses