The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Series: 10 Bible Stories that Build Outgoing Disciples
Paul - Thorn-in-the-Flesh Faith

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

TRACKING THE WORD
Paul speaks of a "thorn in my flesh" which God does not remove. But in bearing it, he discovers three great spiritual realities for authentic faith.

1. "God's grace is sufficient for you."

2 Corinthians 12:9

A. In what variety of ways does God demonstrate unmerited favor and outreaching love to you?

B. When have you been overwhelmed or at your wits end and found that God's grace was enough to see you through?

2. "God's power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9

A. It's never fun to talk about our weaknesses, but we all have them. What are some of your weaknesses and how have you tried to deal with them?

B. How can you imagine or envision God's power being made perfect in one or more of your weaknesses?

3. "When I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12:9b-10

A. What all does Paul say, for Christ's sake, he will "delight in?

B. How do you identify with Paul's "strength in weakness" insight and proposal for Christian living?

4. Four ways to apply these spiritual principles:

A. Don't seek or glorify suffering. Suffering in and of itself is not "meritorious," nor is there spiritual value in bearing self-inflicted wounds, whether physical, spiritual, emotional, or social.

B. When relief or deliverance of an unwelcome affliction doesn't readily come through earnest prayer, explore the ways God's grace is being provided through it all.

C. Instead of always playing to your natural as well as spiritual strengths and hiding your weaknesses, create a space in your heart in which acknowledged weaknesses can build greater dependence on God and necessity of trust in God.

D. Actively and creatively look for ways to serve God in the midst of "thorn-in-the-flesh" suffering as one way to grow in faith and glorify God.

Which of these applications do I need to take to heart and put into practice today? How?

MARKINGS FOR THE JOURNEY

MOUNTAINS & VALLEYS "The valleys are watered with rain to make them fruitful, while in the meantime the summits of the lofty mountains remain dry. Let that man therefore become a valley who desires to receive the heavenly rain of God's spiritual grace." - John Calvin

THE CENTER OF TRUST "Trust centers not on circumstances or ability to look past disaster, but on the character of God: 'The Lord is close to those whose courage is broken and God saves those whose spirit is crushed' (Psalm 34:18)." - Martha Whitmore Hickman

SPIRITUAL PRIDE "Spiritual pride is a real threat to those who are serving Christ. If the tempter cannot lead you into overt sin, he will try to lead you into pride about your spirituality!" -Gray DeLashmutt

SERVING IN WOUNDEDNESS "Nobody escapes being wounded. We all are wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not 'How can we hide our wounds?' so we don't have to be embarrassed, but 'How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?' When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers." - Henri Nouwen

JESUS' SUFFERING AND OURS "Jesus is God's wounded healer: through his wounds we are healed. Jesus' suffering and death brought joy and life. His humiliation brought glory; his rejection brought a community of love. As followers of Jesus we can also allow our wounds to bring healing to others." - Henri Nouwen

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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