2 Corinthians 3: 7-18

The glory of the gospel

Overview

• The context

• Comparison of the old and new covenants

• Comparison of those under each of them

• The source of the superiority of the new

• So what?

The context• Key theological battlegrounds in NT

– The judaisers– The gnostics

• Views of the place of the OT– 1st century Christians tended to overvalue it– We tend to undervalue it

• We must understand the context

• Paul is NOT saying the OT has no value

Comparison of the covenants

• Old testament history– The deliverance from Egypt– The giving of the law on Sinai– The radiance of Moses face (Ex 34: 29-35)– The temple and sacrificial system

• Christianity a religion?

Comparison of the covenants

•Ministry of death / spirit

• Written in stone / on hearts

• Fading ministry / lasting ministry

• Bringing condemnation / righteousness

• Paul is not saying the old had no glory– The old was glorious– The new completely outshines it

Comparison of those under the two covenants

• The glory of the new gives boldness• Paul develops / changes picture

– Veil concealing the truth– Veil remains when old covenant is read– The veil can only be removed in Christ– When we turn to Jesus the veil is removed

• The radiance in Moses face faded• The believer becomes ever more

like Christ

The source of the power and superiority of the new

• Paul’s earlier comparison was death spirit– not death life– It’s about relationship not rules

• The spirit brings liberty– Liberty from sin – Liberty to proclaim freedom clearly

• The work of the Holy Spirit:– We should ever more radiate the

glory of Christ

So what?

• Do we have a right view of the place of the Old Testament• Do we see the gospel as glorious• Does our view of the gospel make us bold• Do we take on board the reality of the veiling of truth?• Do we make the most of our liberty?• Are we radiating the glory of Christ ever more?