Background
Overall, 2 Corinthians chapter 3 emphasizes the supremacy of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, the role of the Holy Spirit in ministry, the sufficiency of God, the freedom and intimacy we have in Christ, and the ongoing transformation into the image of God.
2 Corinthians chapter 3, the apostle Paul addresses the topic of ministry and the contrast between the Old Covenant (law) and the New Covenant (grace):
1. The Ministry of the Spirit: Paul emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in the ministry. The Spirit brings life, while the letter brings death. This highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant.
2. The Sufficiency of God: Paul explains that our sufficiency comes from God. Our abilities and effectiveness in ministry are not based on our own strength or qualifications but on God’s empowerment and grace.
3. The Veil Removed in Christ:
- Paul refers to the veil that Moses wore when he spoke with God and how the Israelites had veils over their hearts, preventing them from fully understanding the true meaning of the Old Covenant.
- However, in Christ, the veil is removed, and believers can have a direct and unveiled relationship with God.
- This emphasizes the freedom and intimacy we have in our relationship with God through Jesus.
4. Transformation into God’s Image: Paul explains that as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His image. This transformation occurs through the work of the Holy Spirit, as we grow in our relationship with God. It highlights the ongoing process of sanctification and becoming more like Christ.
5. Confidence in God: Paul speaks about the boldness and confidence he has in his ministry through Christ. He encourages believers not to lose heart but to have confidence in God’s work. This reminds us to rely on God’s strength and trust in His provision as we serve Him.
The Message
2 Corinthians 3:12-18 NIV Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
- Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.