Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:6-18; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; Exodus 34:29-35; John 3:14-15; Hebrews 12:1-2; Matthew 5:8
Intro: It's an honor to share from God's Word today. As we continue our series in 2 Corinthians, we arrive at chapter 3, comparing the Old and New Covenants and landing on a powerful truth about how God changes us. My prayer, echoing my brother's new church plant theme (Imago Dei - Image of God), is that we'd grasp how we are transformed into His image.
Key Points:
- Old vs. New Covenant Glory (2 Cor 3:6-11): Paul contrasts the Old Covenant Law ("letter that kills," "ministry of death/condemnation") with the New Covenant ("Spirit gives life," "ministry of righteousness"). Though the Law had temporary glory (Moses' face shone), the New Covenant in Christ has a surpassing, permanent glory because it brings life and righteousness through the Spirit, not condemnation through failed effort.
- The Veil & Seeing Christ (2 Cor 3:12-16): A veil covered Moses' fading glory and represents the spiritual blindness preventing understanding under the Old Covenant. This veil remains for those who don't see Christ as the Law's fulfillment. Only "turning to the Lord" (Jesus) removes the veil, enabling us to see clearly.
- Beholding Transforms (2 Cor 3:17-18): This is key: "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." Christian growth (sanctification) isn't primarily self-effort but the Spirit's work as we actively look at ("behold") Jesus' glory. We "look and live."
- Sin Blurs the View (Obstacles): Why don't we behold more consistently? Distractions and sin. Sin acts like dirt on a windshield, obscuring our view of God's glory. Pursuing holiness isn't just about "being good"; it's about "cleaning the windshield" to see God more clearly (Matt 5:8; Heb 12:1-2).
- Beholding Leads to Reflecting (Witness - 2 Cor 4:1-6): As we behold Christ's glory with unveiled faces, we naturally begin to reflect it (like Moses). This is authentic witness. When captivated by His glory, sharing Him flows naturally. The good news is the glory of Christ.
Conclusion: The glory of the New Covenant in Christ far surpasses the Old. Through the Spirit, the veil is removed, allowing us to behold Jesus' glory. This beholding is the very means by which the Spirit transforms us into His image. Our role isn't to transform ourselves but to fight distractions and sin that obscure our view, keeping our eyes fixed on Him.
Call to Action:
- For those yet to believe: Recognize the spiritual blindness. Ask God to lift the veil. Turn from lesser glories and look to Christ to truly live (John 3:14-15).
- For believers: Prioritize beholding Jesus. Fight sin not just for rule-keeping, but for clearer vision. Ask the Holy Spirit daily to open the eyes of your heart to see Christ's glory, trusting He will transform you as you look.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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