Topic: Entangled By Sin
Text: II Corinthians 12:7-9

There are hidden faults in the lives of many people. These hidden weaknesses usually thrive in the secret gardens of people’s hearts. These weaknesses are oftentimes unnoticed. It is very easy to hide your faults when certain aspects of your character and comportment are appreciated by those who are close to you.

Do you know that it is possible for a man’s ego to be blown out of proportion? Won’t you be surprised to discover that a man like Paul the Apostle had a hidden fault? I shall give you some scriptures to reiterate this point. It was not easy to detect pride in Paul’s life. For example, In II Corinthians 12:11, Paul said, “I am become a fool in glorifying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commanded of you: for in nothing am I behind they very chiefest Apostles, though I be nothing.” He was complaining here of not being commended by the people. This shows that, though he said he was nothing, he indeed, craved after glorification.

In Philippians 3:4-6, Apostle Paul also said: Though I might also have confidence in the flesh, if any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more. Circumcised the eight day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee, concerning zeal, persecuting the Church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” Obviously, he was conscious of certain things he could take pride in. God however had mercy on Paul. Let us also look at II Corinthians 12:7-9: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelation, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Here Paul the Apostle owned up to the fact that he was battling with the urge to become exalted above measure. Do you know that it is possible to become proud of your spiritual gifts? If Paul could fall into that trap, who are you to think yourself infallible? God allowed the messenger of Satan to buffet Paul. This was to save him from destruction. God later told him that His grace was sufficient for him. If not for the grace of God, Satan would have entangled Paul. Even Paul did not notice this flaw in himself. The Lord detests the proud. Are you proud? Do you raise your shoulders high? Repent today, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Memory Verse: I Peter 5:5 - “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”