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The Third Heaven
2 Corinthians 12:1-6


1. What is the "Third Heaven"?

1. First heaven - Sky, clouds, where birds fly.
   
2. Second heaven - Outer space, stars, planets.
   
3. Third heaven - The presence of God.
   
   1. "Paradise" (4)
      
   2. "Third heaven" (2)
      

2. When did this happen?

1. 14 years earlier - about 43 AD.
   
2. During Paul's first missionary journey.
   
   1. Lystra - (Acts 14:19) stoned and left for dead.
      
   2. OR: While in Arabia. (Gal. 1:17)
      
   
   

3. What took place?

1. Not sure if in or out of a body.
   
2. Heard unspeakable words.
   
3. Sent him back to earth again.
   

4. Why did this happen to Paul?

1. God gave him visions and revelations. (7)
   
2. God permitted him to hear divine secrets. (4)
   
3. God exalted him. (7)
   

Thorn In The Flesh
2 Corinthians 12:7-10

1. Humility.

1. He had many visions and revelations.
   
2. He was allowed to see heaven.
   
3. He was permitted to hear divine secrets.
   
4. THEREFORE: Pride and arrogance was a danger.
   

2. Suffering comes (sometimes):

1. Because we are human.
   
2. Because we are foolish and disobedient.
   
3. C. Builds godly character.
   
4. To keep us from sinning.
   
5. Satan is allowed to buffet us.
   

3. What was the "thorn in the flesh"?

1. NO ONE KNOWS.
   
2. Several guesses with some biblical support:
   
   1. Eyesight.
      
   2. Limp.
      
   3. Epilepsy.
      
   4. Speech impediment.
      
3. IT DOES NOT MATTER.
   
   

4. What "message" should we get from suffering?

THE SUFFERING OF PAUL WAS A MESSAGE OF:

1. Grace.
   
2. Sufficient grace.
   
3. Strengthening grace.
   
4. Transformation, not substitution.
   
5. Gifts from God.
   
6. Promises, not explanations.
   
7. Rising above, not just endurance.
   

5. What are some practical lesson for us to learn?

1. The spiritual is far more important to the dedicated believer than the physical.
   
2. God knows how to balance burdens and blessings, suffering and glory.
   
3. Not all sickness is caused by sin.
   
4. There is something worse than sickness, and that is sin; and the worst sin of all is pride.
   
5. Physical affliction need not be a barrier to effective Christian service.
   
6. We can always rest in God's Word.
   

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