Sermon Snippet – Mountain and Valley
INTRODUCTION – Sometimes after the appropriate euphoria of Easter, we struggle a bit spiritually. It is unfortunately easy to become stressed and distressed. Paul’s experience in II Corinthians 12:1-10 is an extreme one, but it does mirror the vagaries, variables, and vicissitudes of our lives.
1. LIKE PAUL, WE HAVE BEEN TO THE MOUNTAINTOP
In verses 1-6, Paul provides a glimpse into his unique excursion to heaven. The experience was his, but the practical applications are ours, as Scripture is “written for our admonition” (I Corinthians 10:11).
First, when we are on the mountaintop, we need to gaze lower; perhaps it would be more apt to say that we should lower our gaze. In verses 1-4, Paul reluctantly reveals his entrance into the presence of God in heaven itself (verse 2 – “the third heaven” – the first being the atmosphere and the second being outer space). He was “caught up” (verse 2), indicating no effort or merit on his part. He also kept quiet about this event for “fourteen years” (verse 2) and willingly obeys God’s restrictions in disclosing only limited details (verse 4). Instead of pridefully lifting his head, Paul humbly deflects attention from himself. His example is exemplary.
Second, we must consider carefully. In verses 5-6, Paul emphasizes his pattern of behavior. Essentially, he is saying, “Don’t judge me based on one heavenly experience; instead, focus on my consistent conduct here on earth.” If a spiritual experience does not contribute to spiritual living, it is not a genuine interaction with God.
Third, we are to look within. In verse 6, Paul warns that he does not want anyone to “think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.” Apart from God’s grace, Paul realizes that he is capable of terrible sin. Yes, he was lifted up into heaven once, but he was here upon earth day after day and had to be on guard against powerful temptation. Likewise, we require vigilance – serious, sober vigilance.
2. LIKE PAUL, WE HAVE BEEN TO THE VALLEY FLOOR
In verses 7-10, Paul details another experience – a most difficult one. His handling of this challenging time gives us a framework for action.
First, from verse 7, we are to look within when we are on the valley floor. Why did Paul suffer his “thorn in the flesh”? The New International Version provides the answer in modern language: “To keep me from becoming conceited.” Paul quickly discerned that his unusual heavenly visit could grow into a source of pride and insensitivity. One elder scholar quaintly commented, “How dangerous must self-exaltation be, when even the apostle required so much restraint!” Paul’s perspective was changed when he realized that this physical affliction “was given” to him by God: Paul had been trying to throw away God’s gift! Would we discard any other gift of God? Of course not!
Second, we must consider carefully. Verse 8 speaks of “three” separate, sustained periods of prayer. Paul desired a particular end (relief) and assumed that he knew the means (removal). God granted relief, but instead of removing the thorn, He added something – “grace” (verse 9). May we trust our Savior God to do what is best.
Third, we need to gaze higher. Verses 9-10 direct us to “the power of Christ.” This is higher power – power over pride; power to endure problems of all sorts, including “persecutions”; power to produce the increasingly godly living that is highlighted here.
CONCLUSION – Let us remember that “grace” is God giving all good things to us. The greatest (and foundational) gift is God Himself, God the Son, Jesus Christ. Our Savior delivers us from something worse than the valley floor, something worse even than “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4) – He rescues us from everlasting separation in hell. He saves us to something even better than the highest mountaintop – He places us in His heaven forever. His eternal salvation is available right now to anyone who will receive that glorious gift from Him. Be certain about what matters most – life with Jesus.