WHAT'S EXPECTED FROM A CHRISTIAN
II Cor. 12: 1- 7
I. Background
A. When we get anything new we have expectations ( car , computer
)
B. Key is be sure our expectations are not Unrealistic
C. Many new Christians start with enthusiasm but later become disillusioned
D. The Apostle Paul compliments the Corinthians on their improvement
but explains expectations
II. Four Expectations For Christians II Cor. 12:1-7
A. Expect an "occasional" mountain top experience - vs.
4
i) Paul actually visited Heaven
ii) these experiences could be family issues (wedding ,
births , graduations)
iii) they could be spiritual (baptism , mission trip , seeing
your friend become a Christian)
iv) we need to put them into prospective - we can not live
on the mountain but enjoy their happening
B. Expect human difficulties - vs. 7
i) to keep Paul humble Satan gave him a difficult physical
problem (thorn - stake) in his body
ii) Heb 12 :1 be careful of sin that easily attacks us
iii) many expect sins pull to go away at baptism ; we have
the Lord to help but we must fight Satan
iv) Satan never gives up on you but neither does the Lord
- Rom 7:25
C. Expect to live in a broken world
i) the world is under the influence of Satan I Jn
5:19
ii) when we become a Christian Satan wants us to think
- I have so little influence
iii) with the Lord we can make a difference
D. Expect the Lord to use our struggles to make us stronger
i) the Lord told Paul his grace would get him through -
vs. 9
ii) God did not take it away but gave him strength to use
it to his good
ii) Paul's stake ensured that he depend on his God ; he
never left and what great things he did