Proof of a Ministry

Intro:

AG:

TS: The false teachers were constantly attacking and undermining Paul and his ministry. This text found in 2 Cor 3, is his defense.

RS:

2 Corinthians 3:1–6 ESV

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Written Letters (3:1)

2 Corinthians 3:1 ESV

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?

EX: The boastful Jewish leaders carried a long letter of recommendation.

Showed off their many accomplishments

Had impressive names

Focus was boasting in themselves.

Letters of introduction were a normal practice, but the reference here implies something beyond the normal introductions.

As itinerant ministers traveled strengthening and encouraging the churches, they had letters to introduce themselves and authenticate their claim.

Similar to checking references or ordination today.

They attacked Paul for having no such letter and thus challenged his legitimacy.

They had arrived in Corinth with letters which may have been forged. They were accepted and then began eroding support for Paul and his message.

AP: Many modern ministries do the same thing.

Focus on and brag about numbers

in attendance

money

so called miracles

They brag

claiming credit for God’s work

Seek praise of men

titles: Reverend, Bishop, Apostle.... they demand a title

Award: they want people to acknowledge their self-proclaimed greatness

Paul neither sought such letters nor did he need them! He had...

Living Letters (3:2-4)

2 Corinthians 3:2–4 ESV

You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.

EX: The Corinthians believers were Paul’s letter.

He had lovingly planted the church at Corinth and there was mutual affection between them.

They WERE his letter of recommendation and testimony to the validity of his ministry.

Their transformed lives were known by all and were the most eloquent testimonial any could have wished for.

They lived righteously

Had visible signs of the inward transformation salvation brings.

It literally shouted the effectiveness of Paul’s ministry.

If fully displayed the work of God’s grace in their lives.

The Living letter:

written by spirit not ink

Their transformation was real and living and had been accomplished by the Spirit

written on heart not paper

Jeremiah 31:33 ESV

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

written by God, not man

God Himself had signed it, not some human agency

Salvation and the following sanctification, the molding of us to be in Christ’s image, is a work only God can do.

AP: Our living letters

In evaluating a church today, look at the lives of the believers.

Nobody is perfect, so don’t expect that

BUT we should expect progress

are they growing?

do they live more like Christ as time goes by?

Do they know more of the word?

Is their life displaying fruit of their repentance?

Are they serving?

A measure of a church’s health is far more than how many people attend.

evaluate:

Worship, Ministry, Discipleship, Fellowship, Evangelism

In other words:

Purpose statement of Craft from bulletin

That is far more accurate then just counting people in the pews.

Sufficient (3:5-6)

2 Corinthians 3:5–6 ESV

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

EX: Paul’s sufficiency was in Christ

Paul makes it plain that his confidence wasn’t from self-sufficiency

He made no boasts or claims to superiority

He demanded no accolades

Paul acknowledged it was all God’s work and all the glory belonged to God alone.

God made him a minister of a new covenant

Not letter of law, but of the life giving Spirit

He had confidence because he could depend on God

AP: Our sufficiency is in Christ.

It isn’t how great of programs we can develop.

Nor is it hiring the best trained and polished staff.

and I am grateful for that, because this country boy wouldn’t qualify

It is the fact that we serve a mighty God!

We can be confident in Him!

Conclusion: