THE SUFFICIENCY OF GOD’S GRACE

Text- 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Introduction


This morning I am going to continue with the study we have been doing in the book of Second Corinthians.

One of the reasons why the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians was to encourage them to become more involved in the ministry of the Lord.

During this time there were some who were trying to lead the church in Corinth away from Jesus and trying to persuade them not to listen to Paul.

As a result it was necessary for Paul to talk about the things he had done in the ministry of the Lord in order to convince the Corinthians that he was a true Apostle.

Nothing was more distasteful to Paul than to have to boast about himself.  The word "boast" is found 13 times in chapters 11 and 12.  Eight times in chapter 11 and five times in chapter 12.

A man named Bob was very tired of his friend Ken, who was always bragging about the famous people he knew.  "If you're such a big shot," said bob, "why don't you go over to the phone, call the white house, and get the President on the line? "Okay," said ken.  He dialed in a number and in a few seconds someone answered the phone.  Ken handed the phone to Bob. "Hello, this is the President," said the familiar voice on the other end.  Bob thought it was a trick.  "Okay, that was impressive," said Bob.  "But if you are really such a hotshot, why don't you call Buckingham Palace and let me talk with the Queen?" Ken went back to the phone and dialed in a number and handed the receiver to Bob. "Hello," came a distinctive voice.  "This is the Queen of England speaking."  Bob was very impressed, but still very suspicious. "All right, you happen to know the President and the Queen.  But if you're really a big deal, you'll get the pope on the phone." "I'll do better than that," said Ken.  The two of them went to the airport and got onto a plane to the Vatican.  When they arrived, Ken disappeared, leaving Bob with the crowd of people in St. Peter's square.  Suddenly the crowd become silent.  Everyone's eyes turned to the balcony, where Ken and the Pope stood side by side. As Bob stood there in amazement looking at them, a stranger next to him asked, "Who's that up there on the balcony with Ken?"

As Paul continues to speak to us about the ways he suffered in his ministry he goes on to explain how he accomplished the things he did.

This morning our text is found in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 and the title of my message is, "The Sufficiency Of God’s Grace".

As we examine these verses I would like us to notice three things God’s grace is about to do for your life.