Introduction : The testimony of Paul about a thorn and glory


1. A thorn breaking self-worship
    1) The original sin of humankind was caused by self-worship
        - Self-idolization that Adam wanted to be like God (Ge 3:5, Ro 5:19)
    2) The descendents of Noah and the Tower of Babel
        (1) A tower that reaches to the heavens - to be equal with God (Isa 14:14)
        (2) That we may make a name for ourselves - Idolization of humankind
        (3) To not be scattered over the face of the whole earth - rebellion
    3) All people are idolizing themselves consciously and unconsciously (Pr 15:25)
        - A thorn of hardship breaks the ego and stops self-idolization (2Co 12:10, Pr 18:12)

2. A thorn making us seek God
    1) Paul offered special prayer three times to overcome a thorn in his flesh (2Co 12:8)
    2) Look for God during a time of weakness (2Co 12:9)
        - The story of Watchman Nee (Ps 50:15, Jer 29:13)
    3) A hungry person looks for food

3. A thorn preventing us from boasting about the fruit of success
    1) A thorn of hardship always makes us perceive our helplessness (1Pe 1:24, Jas 4:14)
    2) A thorn of hardship always makes us gaze upon the hand of God (Ps 123:2, 121:1-2)
    3) A thorn of hardship always makes us confess that we are the branches of the vine
        only (Jn 15:5) - Fruit is the grace of a farmer and a tree

4. A thorn preventing us from sticking to the vainglory of the world
    1) A thorn of hardship makes humankind perceive that they can surrender at any
        moment by reminding them of their weakness (1Co 15:10, 2Ti 6:7)
    2) A thorn of hardship makes humankind not rely on earthly things by showing that
        their whole life could collapse in a moment (Ps 90:5, Ps 127:1)
    3) A thorn of hardship makes humankind gaze upon the heaven of perfect salvation
        (Ro 8:18, 2Co 4:17, Php 3:20)


Conclusion : A thorn of hardship is very uncomfortable and painful. However, we can give thanks and rejoice just like Paul, if we understand the real meaning of a thorn of hardship.