Sermon snippet – Simply Heaven – Part XVII
INTRODUCTION – As we continue to “set [our] affection on things above,” we come to Paul’s heavenly visit in II Corinthians 12:1-10. Paul’s experience is, in some ways, an extreme one; after all, a visit to heaven is not commonplace. Yet, the variable nature of his life is commonplace; it is an example of how quickly we can move from happiness to sorrow, from health to sickness. Paul moved from earth to heaven to earth again. What are some lessons that we can learn from this passage?
- WE HAVE ACCESS TO HEAVEN RIGHT NOW
It is not likely that we will be lifted to heaven (whether in a vision or in the body) as Paul was; his experience was for our instruction, too. “The third heaven” (verse 2) is paradise” (verse 4), the place of God’s immediate presence (the first is the atmosphere; the second is outer space). However, this singular event is not Paul’s only interaction with heaven. Verses 7-10 record his specific prayers and God’s specific answer. Paul was not in heaven, but he had full access to heaven through prayer. Hebrews 4:14-16 assures us that each Christian has the same privileged access that Paul had. Each time we pray, we are entering heaven and coming to the very throne of God. As an old Gospel song exclaims, “Abundant access there!”
- WE HAVE INSIGHT FROM HEAVEN RIGHT NOW
Both “the third heaven” and the “thorn in the flesh” (verse 7) were used by God to help Paul understand spiritual truths. The reality of heaven certainly encouraged and motivated him. He had written about this confidence earlier in this epistle (5:6-8). Philippians 1:20-24 records similar sentiments. At the end of his life, Paul remained fully confident of his eternal destination (II Timothy 4:6-8). The physical affliction that Paul suffered also helped him. He was a mercurial man, a highly educated and highly effective scholar. Pride was a potential problem, (as it is for all of us). The heavenly visit could easily have fueled Paul’s pride. His “thorn in the flesh” helped to curb his conceit. James 1:5-8 assures us that this same insight from heaven is available to us.
- WE HAVE GRACE POURED OUT OF HEAVEN RIGHT NOW
Paul pleaded with God on three separate, sustained, serious periods of prayer to remove his physical affliction (verse 8). Without that ailment, he was certain that he could be more effective in his ministry. Haven’t we all thought the same thing? “If I just had more resources…,” “If I had more time…,” “If I were smarter…,” “If I had more energy…,” “If I could only function on four hours of sleep…” – we all fret at our limitations. Instead of removing Paul’s limitation, God added something – grace (verse 9). God’s goodness extended beyond this one physical problem that Paul had, for it would help him in all of the difficulties of life (verse 10).
CONCLUSION -Our greatest difficulty is sin. It separates us from God, Who is absolutely holy. The fact that Paul was lifted to heaven while still possessing a sin nature shows us that God’s grace is indeed sufficient. The fullness of forgiveness found at the Cross and the eternal power of life demonstrated in the Resurrection confirm that God’s grace is freely available through faith in God the Son, Jesus Christ. If we trust in Him for salvation, we will be lifted up to heaven, not briefly as was Paul but for all eternity.