Intro: Why do the righteous suffer?...Age old question...would seem that we should have a built-in immunity...trouble finds the Christian just as easily as the lost man...sickness...mishaps of life 

Job asked "why" David asked "why"
Job 3:11  Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?

Ps 10:1¶ Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

In 2^nd Cor., the enemies of Paul have used Paul's suffering as evidence that he is in error..false teacher Paul answers those charges...& in so doing teaches us about the Christian's correct attitude toward suffering. FOUR GREAT PRINCIPLES OF GRACE IN SUFFERING

I. THE PRINCIPLE OF EXPERIENCED BLESSINGS v. 1-4

1. A Proof 

visions the act of exhibiting one's self to view

revelations   laying bear, making naked a disclosure of truth

caught up =to be snatched away (rapture)

2. A Perception

paradise =a grand enclosure, garden of pleasure, upper regions

unspeakable words =only time gk word used

ILL: I have heard great speeches and sermons...read great literature...poetry. Some writings banned because of controversy...because they are unfitting . BUT NEVER BECAUSE OF THEIR BEAUTY AND GREATNESS

3. A Peace

What a joy these words must have been..."I am now ready to be offered..."

II. THE PRINCIPLE OF ENFORCED BOASTING v. 5-6

1. He was a Leader of Others glory=boast

Paul had a mission...a great task...given by God...many objected..Acts 14 Paul healed, preached
"He is a god--called him Jupiter" Paul objected.."I am a man of like passions" STONED. We see the greatness of Paul's service AND the greatness of his suffering

2. ...But He was Led By Another of myself will I not glory

Paul took orders from God. He was not "going it alone" Leaders must realize that they too are led.

IIL: Guy King Pastoral Epistles "A Leader Led" Many leaders lose sight... Once in TX a pastor demanded obedience...prove your obedience!!! He began asking unreasonable demands of his people. "Wear the same type of clothing...only Schofield bibles..." Pride in his leadership..

Leaders can only lead as they themselves follow. Parents...Husbands...Pastor...Christ

"Follow me as I am a follower of Christ" Paul said. "I do always the things that please the father"

3. And He Was a Learner just like all of us forbear...think of me above

In one of his greatest triumphs--he has one of his greatest persecutions. We too go from victory to brokenness...from the heights to the depths...Paul experienced both blessings and buffetings they both confirm God's working in our lives!!

III. THE PRINCIPLE OF ENDURING BUFFETINGS v. 7-8

1. A Connection With Exaltation
lest = so it will not happen
exhalted above measure =raised up in ones on mind to become haughty, behave insolently to God
We are people of emotions...Our task is to bring them in subjection to Christ...

Satan...Pharoah...Neuchadnezzer...Alexander the Great...the Judizers who tormented Paul...Napeleon...Hitler...the entertainers who tell us how to live......the know it alls in the church

2. A Connotation of Evil
thorn in the flesh = a splinter stuck in the skin
the messenger of Satan = envoy of the devil, a demon
Though we be God's children, we continually come in contact with the "other world"
Bro. Milton Taylor "You'll never encounter the demons of Hell while idle in the fight."

3. A Call to Endure

buffet =to strike with the fist, give one a blow with the fist to treat with violence
 

IV. THE PRINCIPLE OF EVENTUAL BEAUTY V. 9-10

1. A Power
my grace is sufficient = enough, it will satisfy

2. A Paradox
infirmities = power weak = strong

3. A Pleasure
take pleasure = choose to be favorably inclined
infirmities =weakness of the body
reproaches = insults and mental injuries
necessities = unforseen circumstances of need
persecutions = punishment for godliness
distresses = anguish of extreme infliction

Conclusion: Suffering Proves God's Sufficiency
Suffering Highlights God's Strength
Suffering Matures God's Servants 

Ps 43:2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Ps 74:11 Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom.

Ps 80:12 Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?

Ps 88:14 LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?

2Th 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

1Pe 2:21...Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Jas 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

ILL -On July 3, 1862 Sgt. June Kimble of the 14th TN stood on the ridge before the great engagement called Pickett's Charge. He had been a surveyer and a ametuer war historian --so when he looked across the valley at the opposing force -he knew that victory was probably impossible. The rebels would have to cross the great opening in front of them --endure the cannons and gunfire of the enemy --then engage for battle on their dug-in lines.

"Realizing just what was before me and the brave boys with me -I came to one of the most serious moments of my life. I asked aloud --June Kimble -are you going to do your duty today?" With some hesitation I answered myself "YES" From that moment all dread passed away. Even in battle, when I saw my friends bodies shattered by shells of cannonfire (with the help of God) I retained my nerve." Only God could calm a man's soul like that!

2 Cor. 4:7-17