Most Gladly, Become Complete

"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore MOST GLADLY I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will make the way of escape, that you may be able TO BEAR IT." (1 Corinthians 10:12,13)

"For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?---unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:4-6)

"And this also we pray, that YOU may be made complete." (2 Corinthians 13:9)

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11) 

It is evident that Paul described how he learned not to be foolish or disqualified, even after having received the ABUNDANCE of the revelations. He bore with, enduring unto completion.  To test/examine yourselves, consider your inward response to Paul's testimony of "most gladly boasting/taking pleasure" in the difficulties listed. Whether your heart be comforted or condemned, ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, how you may proceed in faith.    

The Futility of Any Other Thought

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them (or, evident among them), for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." (Romans 1:16-25)

Paul clearly describes what happens to those who know God but will not glorify Him as God. They are unthankful for His wisdom and become FUTILE IN THEIR THOUGHTS. The gospel of Christ is the remedy. We ought to be ashamed of any other consideration.   

Showing the Debtors How to Pay Less

"He also said to His disciples: 'There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So he called him and said to him, '''What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.'''  Then the steward said within himself, '''What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.''' '

"So he called every one of his master's debtors to him, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' So he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' “

(Luke 16:1-7)

Who did these discounts help? Those who don't want to pay the entire price.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

With this parable, Jesus warns the Pharisees, and now the body of Christ regarding short-selling the kingdom of heaven for what serves as temporal comfort. This approach will fail - you cannot serve God and anything else. Single-minded faith in Jesus Christ receives wisdom from God. Double-mindedness requires repentance, back to the simplicity of the truth: Jesus Christ and His body, crucified and risen.