“Minister of the New Covenant”

2 Cor 2:17-3:18

1. (V17) Paul’s Defense

a) Not a peddler of God’s word like so many others

People can be dishonest, some twist the scripture to mean it to be something that its not

Others twist the scriptures for financial gain

b) Paul is commissioned by God to speak God’s word with sincerity

1.1 (V1) Do we need to commend ourselves?

a) Some of the Corinthians said, “Who is this Paul, he is not a true Apostle”

2 Corinthians 12:11 “I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing.”

b) Epistles of commendation: Such letters were common and necessary in the early church. A false prophet or apostle could travel from city to city and easily say, “Paul sent me, so you should support me.” To help guard against problems like this, letters of recommendation were often sent with Christians as they traveled.

1.2 (V2) You’re life is our letter of recommendation

a) I can hang my ordination paper work on my wall showing that I am an ordained pastor or hang diploma of pastoral ministries on my wall

The real evidence of my calling is in you, its your faith, you’re walk with God, and your willingness to follow my lead

Application: Known and read by all

Are you known to be a Christian by your conduct?

Ephesians 5:1–2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

2. (V4-6) Paul’s sufficiency comes from God

a) Paul’s confidence comes from the understanding that God has commissioned him and if God has called him, then he is sufficient, thus their claims are meaningless

b) Sufficient as minister of the new covenant

3. (V7-13) The law brings death, but the Spirit brings life

The letter, meaning the law

Exodus 34:29-35 (Story of Moses going up the mountain to speak to God and to receive the law)

4. (V14-18) Minds are hardened and a veil is over their heart until a person receives Christ

(V15) To this day, the Jews are blinded with Christ

(Jesus is a stumbling block to the Jews)

1 Corinthians 1:23 “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,”

(V17) There is freedom apart from the law

613 commandments the Jews are required to follow