2 Corinthians 3:4-18 (Part 17) The Essence of Life in the New Testament--The Age of the Spirit

Competence under the New Testament, vv. 4-6

• Adequacy and confidence under the New Testament, vv. 4-6 derived from: 1) Divine enablement, v. 4: a) His confidence rests in v. 3—the Holy Spirit will do what He says He will do; b) That eliminates the need for “gimmicks.” 2) Correct understanding--v. 6—two systems: a) The age we are in—the life in the Spirit; b) We are not to serve the law (letter)—the law/letter kills; c) Serve under the Spirit’s ministry (New Testament); 3) Two results: a) The letter kills; b) The Spirit gives life.

• The key idea is “sufficient,” v. 5.

Principle: The law can command, but it cannot enable.

The Law

• The nature of its demands

• It always attaches penalty

• It involves weakness

The glory under the New Testament, vv. 7-11

• The greater glory of the New Testament (versus the Old Testament)—vv. 7-9: Giving a commentary on Exodus 34:29-35: 1) Moses had glory shine on his face, but it faded—why? 2) The glory of the old covenant pointed to an eternal glory that will never fade.

• Both the old covenant and new covenant come from God, but they have two different mediators: 1) Moses—old—brought death and faded. 2) Christ—new—brings life and greater glory.