2 Corinthians 12:10
- Daniel Casseus
- Feb 28
- 4 min read
2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT
That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Over the past few days, the daily scripture verses have profoundly resonated with us, tugging at our hearts in a way that feels both powerful and inspiring. It's truly remarkable how, through these passages, we can gain insight into Jesus’s purpose and mission on Earth. This reflection prompts us to think critically about the false teachers prevalent in today’s society and the large following they attract.
What does this reveal about our current state? It highlights a recurring theme: many people seem to prefer the allure of worldly teachings over the timeless truths found in scripture. This choice often leads us to prioritize immediate gratification and self-indulgence, listening to the distractions of the world and yielding to our fleshly desires instead of seeking deeper spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, it challenges us to examine the source of our beliefs and the motivations behind our choices.
I’m sure you're curious about the source of this idea and the direction he is taking with this verse. Well, let me provide you with some context and insight to clarify his intentions and message. Understanding the background and the themes he explores will greatly enhance your appreciation of the verse. I'm glad you asked, as it opens the door to a deeper discussion.
Let’s examine this verse in its full context; you'll need to read a few surrounding verses to grasp its complete meaning, which is truly beautiful. For those unfamiliar, Paul traveled extensively with Luke, who is believed to have been a doctor. One of the many challenges Paul faced was a persistent ailment, often thought by scholars to be an unbearable pain he endured throughout his life.
This is the reason why I started with that paragraph I will provide the truth in all I am about to reveal.
I'm trying to be concise, but it's challenging when I want the audience I serve to have the full truth. God's word can be offensive to us because, deep down, we often resist His truth. As mentioned in the verse above, God values what we perceive as our weaknesses. However, many preachers promote a false prosperity gospel, which I believe originates from the pit of hell.
This verse will explain it all.
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
This is why the verse cannot be true for many: they create their own gods, heaping up a deity of their own making.
2 Corinthians 12:7-8 ESV
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
As you can see from the verses above, this was inflicted on Paul by one of Satan's minions.
People often talk about living your best life now, but scripture tells us that God says they will hate you because they first hated Him. Does that really sound like living your best life? It doesn’t. God never promised us the best life in this world. Jesus spoke about eternal life, the life to come, rather than focusing solely on our present existence.
It’s true that many believe some people can have a good life, and I’m not denying that saved individuals can experience joy or even wealth. However, Jesus made two significant points: this world is not His home, nor is it ours, and He promised that life would be more abundant. Clearly, He wasn’t referring to an abundant life here on earth.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Many people misunderstand this verse because they believe the Bible is intended for everyone, but it is actually addressed to God's bride. It’s important to recognize that this text was contextualized for the specific events of that time. God informed them that they were committing adultery through their actions and interactions with the world around them. During that period, there were numerous gods that people served, and many thought it was acceptable to do so. As a result, God rebuked them and made them aware of their wrongdoing.
Often, we misinterpret verses such as the "verse of the day," neglecting to connect them with the broader context of scripture. This oversight can lead us to a skewed understanding, ultimately distorting the profound messages intended in the words of God. By not considering the complete narrative, we risk adulterating these sacred teachings, stripping them of their true meaning and significance.
I could have gone deeper, but I want you all to read the rest of that chapter and explore the remaining verses I have provided.
As always, may this blog find you and be a blessing to your growth in Christ Jesus.
Shalom & Peace.
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