2 Corinthians 3:7-11
Will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? – 2 Corinthians 3:8
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Today we look at this passage, in which Paul compares the “old” covenant found in the Old Testament to that of the “new” covenant that is found in Christ. This probably arose as there remained people in Corinth who continued to reject Paul and his teachings of Christ. There were also some who insisted on letters of recommendation for Paul before they would accept him (chap 3 v1-2). Paul then makes the claim that the believers in Corinth were his letters of recommendation. He acknowledges that all this work and competence comes from God (v4) and that he himself alone cannot claim this competence in himself (v5).
The passage then goes on to describe the old covenant: that while it brought death and letters were engraved on stone, it nevertheless came in glory, for the face of Moses shone so brightly that the Israelites could not look on him for a time being (Exo 34:29-35). However, God’s new covenant through the Spirit was described as more glorious as it brought righteousness (v9). In addition, the glory of the new covenant was not one that is transient, but one that lasts (v11)!
Two thoughts come to mind. Firstly, it is remarkable that someone as seasoned and qualified as Paul attributes his competence entirely to God. Paul understood that for anyone to come to Christ, it must be the work of the Holy Spirit. We may plant and water, but only God gives the increase. As Paul wrote, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase… neither he that planteth nor he that watereth is anything, but God that giveth the increase” (1 Cor 3:6–7). True enlightenment comes not from human wisdom but from the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:12–14).
The implication is that every believer, regardless of how competent we feel, should courageously share the message of the new covenant with those willing to listen. It is the Spirit—not our eloquence—that convicts hearts. I recall a dear friend who, as a seeker, examined Christianity rigorously—scientifically, historically, even legally. Though he concluded that the case for Christ was strong, it was not conclusive enough for him to believe. Then one day, someone simply said, “If you think the case for Christianity is good, why don’t you give it a try?” That statement left him stunned. He had always prided himself on being logical—acting on what he found reasonable—yet here he hesitated. That simple challenge pierced deeper than all the arguments, and it eventually led him to faith in Christ, where he remains a faithful disciple today.
Secondly, some may ask: what should our attitude be toward the old covenant? What does it have to do with us who live under the new? We must approach it with discernment. The old covenant helps us grasp God’s overarching plan and deepens our appreciation of the new. Yet we must guard against letting old covenant thinking shape our daily lives—the rigid adherence to rules, the lack of grace toward others, or the unwillingness to forgive even when we claim to. These are ways we may, often unknowingly, replace the spirit of the new covenant with the mindset of the old.
Reflection:
When was the last time I spoke to another person about Christ? Am I reluctant or fearful to do so? Why? How can I tap into the competency of God in this area just as the apostle Paul did so?
In the areas of rules, charity and forgiving one another, have I fallen short of the expectation of the new covenant? How can I apply the concept of grace to these areas?
Prayer:
Great and mighty Father in heaven, I want to thank you for your great love to me, and to the whole world. Thank you for the wonderful plan of salvation you have for all of us. Help me to play my part that you have set out for me. Help us all in Foochow Methodist Church to work together in charity and as one to bring the wonderful, joyful message to those who have not yet received you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Click to read
Today we look at this passage, in which Paul compares the “old” covenant found in the Old Testament to that of the “new” covenant that is found in Christ. This probably arose as there remained people in Corinth who continued to reject Paul and his teachings of Christ. There were also some who insisted on letters of recommendation for Paul before they would accept him (chap 3 v1-2). Paul then makes the claim that the believers in Corinth were his letters of recommendation. He acknowledges that all this work and competence comes from God (v4) and that he himself alone cannot claim this competence in himself (v5).
The passage then goes on to describe the old covenant: that while it brought death and letters were engraved on stone, it nevertheless came in glory, for the face of Moses shone so brightly that the Israelites could not look on him for a time being (Exo 34:29-35). However, God’s new covenant through the Spirit was described as more glorious as it brought righteousness (v9). In addition, the glory of the new covenant was not one that is transient, but one that lasts (v11)!
Two thoughts come to mind. Firstly, it is remarkable that someone as seasoned and qualified as Paul attributes his competence entirely to God. Paul understood that for anyone to come to Christ, it must be the work of the Holy Spirit. We may plant and water, but only God gives the increase. As Paul wrote, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase… neither he that planteth nor he that watereth is anything, but God that giveth the increase” (1 Cor 3:6–7). True enlightenment comes not from human wisdom but from the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:12–14).
The implication is that every believer, regardless of how competent we feel, should courageously share the message of the new covenant with those willing to listen. It is the Spirit—not our eloquence—that convicts hearts. I recall a dear friend who, as a seeker, examined Christianity rigorously—scientifically, historically, even legally. Though he concluded that the case for Christ was strong, it was not conclusive enough for him to believe. Then one day, someone simply said, “If you think the case for Christianity is good, why don’t you give it a try?” That statement left him stunned. He had always prided himself on being logical—acting on what he found reasonable—yet here he hesitated. That simple challenge pierced deeper than all the arguments, and it eventually led him to faith in Christ, where he remains a faithful disciple today.
Secondly, some may ask: what should our attitude be toward the old covenant? What does it have to do with us who live under the new? We must approach it with discernment. The old covenant helps us grasp God’s overarching plan and deepens our appreciation of the new. Yet we must guard against letting old covenant thinking shape our daily lives—the rigid adherence to rules, the lack of grace toward others, or the unwillingness to forgive even when we claim to. These are ways we may, often unknowingly, replace the spirit of the new covenant with the mindset of the old.
Reflection:
When was the last time I spoke to another person about Christ? Am I reluctant or fearful to do so? Why? How can I tap into the competency of God in this area just as the apostle Paul did so?
In the areas of rules, charity and forgiving one another, have I fallen short of the expectation of the new covenant? How can I apply the concept of grace to these areas?
Prayer:
Great and mighty Father in heaven, I want to thank you for your great love to me, and to the whole world. Thank you for the wonderful plan of salvation you have for all of us. Help me to play my part that you have set out for me. Help us all in Foochow Methodist Church to work together in charity and as one to bring the wonderful, joyful message to those who have not yet received you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.