TEXT: 2 Corinthians 3:6-18
READING: Isaiah 59:1-21
SUBJ: The liberty that is attained in being so led of the Spirit to believe the Gospel and so being freed from sin and all that pertains to it.
AIM: That we should all come to rejoice in that liberty given that we may full and freely enjoy our life in Christ Jesus.
INTR: We have all heard the expression “the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life.” Many have broadened it to include any set of rules that one may or may not live up to. We would endeavor to put that in proper context.
1. We would recount the incident that is referenced in this passage – Mose coming down from the Mount after having been in the presence of the Lord.
2. That which was given at that time was indeed a ministry of death and so the expression as used in the text.
3. We would look then at the ministries Compared, the commission embraced by the Gospel ministry, and the Change given in the work of the Spirit. (Privilege).
THESIS: Christian liberty is given that it may redound to the glory of God, be reflected as such in the lives of believers, and be found a source of joy in all who know it.
I. The Comparison (vv. 7-11)
1. We understand that people were saved in the Old Testament (Abraham, Moses, David, etc.)
2. However, here the Law is described as a ministration of death – Paul confessed that seeing the Law in comparison to the Gospel, “sin revived, and I died,”
1) The Law was of God to be sure.
2) It was glorious as is declared here.
3) And it could not be endured by those who saw that glory.
3. There is no comparison to be made as we consider the most excellent glory of Christ.
4. Thus, we are called upon to compare: the old pointed to the perfect mediator and so that which remains is much more glorious.
II. The Commission (vv. 12-15)
1. In v. 12 we consider the hope and enthusiasm of Paul and its effect.
1) He is confident that God is sufficient to change the hearts of his hearers.
2) So, Paul’s ministry was characterized by boldness.
3) Nothing was to be concealed: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:20-21).
2. Moses had to conceal the glory that would eventually pass away.
3. The fact is that both Jews and Gentiles alike have a vail over their hearts.
1) The Jews still cannot see the glory of Christ in the Old Testament even though He declared unto them that “these are they which testify of me.”
2) But so, it is with Gentiles as well in that they are blinded and unresponsive to the preaching of the Gospel.
3) We are told why in the next chapter: But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
III. The Change (vv. 16-18)
1. It is evident that when one is turned to the Lord, the vail is removed and it is not as they who depended on Moses to relay the things of God to them – we behold the face of Jesus Christ.
2. Consider the effect on a new heart (see v. 3).
1) We are made to see the wondrous beauty of Christ and
2) The Spirit works to bring true liberty.
3. In v. 17, we see trinitarian involvement in that The Lord is declared to be that Spirit and then reference is made to the Spirit of the Lord – the glory is seen in Christ.
1) We are freed from the bondage of the Law.
2) Free from the ordinances which were against us (Col. 2:14)
3) We are given to “walk in the Spirit – the Law is written in our hearts!
4. We are changed (v. 18).
1) The means of that change is gazing on Christ by faith.
2) We realize justification – we experience transformation!
3) It is into the same image as we behold his glory.
4) And it is even by the Spirit – Such is true liberty.
5) And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room. (Psalms 31:8)
