LBC Sermons & Messages

II Corinthians 3:6-11

Jesus Christ just prior to the cross event, prayed to the Father: “I have glorified you on earth, having accomplished all the work you have given me to do”. It is still His purpose to do so, but now He does it thru the His redeemed one, those saved by His grace.

Paul gives us a contrast between the two covenants that the redeemed can live their life by. The original, symbol.ized by the face of Moses and characterized by letters written in stone had glory. The new covenant, symbolized by the face of Jesus and was characterized by the Holy Spirit in our hearts had much greater glory.

These two covenants are in conflict with one another (Gal 5:17) and we the redeemed are under the control of one or the other at any given time. Paul gives a series of contrast to help us recognize which covenant we may operating under.

Death or life (3:6c). If we are exhibiting (Gal 5:22), “love, joy, gentleness, self-control, etc) then we are living under the glory of the new (life). If not then we are the control of the old covenant (death).

Stones or hearts (3:3). If we are more concerned about externals (rituals, ceremonies, procedures), we are living under the old, but if our primary concern is for the well being of others, and their relationship to the Lord, then we are under the new covenant.
Condemnation or righteousness (3:9). Feelings that I must do it, my ability, my money, my self drive. This is the old and will accomplish little or nothing for the glory of God.

Fading or permanent (3:11). Slipping into dullness, apathy, indeifference to the thing of God, is a sign of living under the old, the opposite is living under the new.

Living under the control of the new covenat brings glory to the Father. This can only be accomplished as we learn to live by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit living in us.