2 Corinthians Review concluded

We will spend one more day looking at some of the things that Paul taught in 2nd Corinthians.  I think that he taught us that we will not always get to do everything we decide to do to spread the gospel.  Paul often had his plans changed as far where he was going, but that never stopped him from doing what he was called to do.  He was under the leadership of the Holy Spirit in all his ministry.  We may have plans for what we are going to do to witness for Christ, but something may happen to change our plans.  This does not relieve us of the responsibility of witnessing.  Paul said that he had prayed about being relieved of a thorn in his flesh and that it didn't happen.  That did not mean that God did not hear and answer, but simply that the answer was no.  Paul did not allow this to cause him to question God, and if God says no to our prayers, we cannot allow that to cause us to rebel against God.  We can sometimes become almost bitter at God when we don't get what we pray for, but if we are following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we never should be that way.  Paul also said that he was caught up in the third heaven several years before, but he was not sure if it was physically or just spiritually.  He had not mentioned it previously, I believe in order to keep the emphasis on the gospel.  He said he saw great things and heard unspeakable things but did not elaborate on them.  I personally believe that he was given a vision of heaven, but don't believe that he was physically there.  We cannot become a follower of Christ simply to gain access to heaven.  We can only become a follower of Christ by accepting His gift of salvation, and then we must live for His glory, and not for our own benefit.  The truth of the gospel is a restored relationship with God and not heavenly rewards.