Sunday, August 17, 2008

Handling the Hard Times

As Pastor Witherspoon so eloquently reminded me of tonight, I forgot to post the outline for my message today on II. Corinthians 12:7-9. Here is the outline:

Thesis: once you change your perception of hard times, you will be able to experience all of the benefits that hard times will bring

I. Hard Times Make You Humble

-verse 7

a. creator of the thorn
1. there was given to me a thorn in the flesh
2. God gave Paul the gift of this thorn

b. carrier of the thorn
1. a messenger of Satan to buffet me
2. God gives the gift and allows Satan to bring the gift

c. cause of the thorn
1. lest I become exalted above measure
2. thorn not meant to destroy us rather meant to develop us

II. Hard Times Keep You Hopeful

-verse 8
-the word buffet in the Greek means to strike with an fist...in the imperfect tense which suggests a continuous action
-how does Paul deal with his thorn that is always everyday striking and bringing him great pain
-he talks to the Lord three times, with the hope that one of these times, God will answer his prayer

III. Hard Times Keep You Whole

-verse 9
-there are times when we ask God for something and God tells us no
-because we don't need him to change our circumstances; we need him to change us in our circumstances
-he does this by telling us that in times of hardship, his grace is all that we need

5 comments:

Pastor A. A. McGhee said...

This is good stuff Revun! I thank Spoon for not letting you off the hook. "Preach On"

Pastor Kevin Lanier Pullam said...

Another proof of the authenticity of your ministry and call. Thank you for sharing with us. Even more, commendation to your commitment to "Preach the Word..."

Pastor Kraig L. Pullam said...

Mann. I am so thankful for your posting of your sermon outlines. This is again a powerful exposition. Thanks for your stewardship of God's Word and ability to put together a clear and concise message of God's Word. Phenomenal!!!

Keith D. Witherspoon said...

Thank you Reverent!!

Pastor W.L. Pullam said...

Brother pastor, this is a powerful sermonic presentation. Thank you for you faithful and studious handling of the Word. It blessed me real good. Awesome!