Definition: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 12:7. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about Paul’s challenges and how he’s dealing with difficult situations. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Paul is talking about being overwhelmed by the message of God, or perhaps the challenges that come with living out his faith. He's worried about himself becoming too powerful or important – maybe even a bit arrogant – because of all the things he’s learning and understanding about Jesus. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And lest I should be exalted above measure…” - This is the core of the warning. "Elevated above measure" means being too proud or too confident . It's about thinking you’re better than everyone else, that you know everything, and that your perspective is the only correct one. "...through the abundance of the revelations..." - “Revelations” refers to the full truth of God – His plan, his love, and his purpose for our lives. It's about understanding what’s truly important. "Abundance" means a lot of information or a huge amount of something. So, this is about Paul having a lot of things to learn – a huge amount of scripture, wisdom, and knowledge. "...there was given to me a thorn in the flesh..." - This is a really key phrase. “Thorn in the flesh” refers to a painful or irritating problem that arises from our human nature. It's often something we struggle with – pride, stubbornness, fear, jealousy, etc. It’s something that hinders us. "...the messenger of Satan…” - This is about an adversary, someone who opposes God and wants to distract us from Him. The "messenger" isn't necessarily a person, but rather represents the forces of evil or temptation that try to hinder our faith. "...to buffet me..." - “Buffet” means to shake, test, or challenge you. The Satan is trying to push Paul to his limits, to make him uncomfortable and doubt himself. "...lest I should be exalted above measure." - This is the final warning. It’s a plea for protection – a safeguard against becoming arrogant, self-righteous, or overly focused on our own understanding. So, in short, Paul is saying that he's facing a lot of challenges and information, and he's worried about getting too confident and maybe even believing the wrong things. He’s seeking God's protection to stay grounded in truth and not let his knowledge or pride become a problem. Why is this important? This verse speaks to us all! We all face challenges – big or small - that can make us feel overwhelmed. It’s a reminder to: Stay humble: Don't get too caught up in your own understanding. Seek God’s guidance: Trust in His wisdom and strength. Focus on truth: Don't let pride cloud our judgment. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example? Talk about how this relates to other parts of the Bible? Offer some practical advice on managing these challenges?