The Spirit-Led Life – Read By The World (2 Corinthians 3)

I. Paul defends his apostolic ministry (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

1. Not with men’s credentials (2 Corinthians 3:1)
2. With transformed lives of the Corinthians believers (2 Corinthians 3:2-3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

II. Paul contrasts the old covenant with the new (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

1. Believers serve with steadfast confidence in God’s empowerment (2 Corinthians 3:4-6; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Galatians 3:21)
2. The shift from legalistic obedience to grace-driven relationship in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 3:21; Jeremiah 31:27-34; Ezekiel 11:14-21)

III. Fading glory of the old covenant versus surpassing glory of the new (2 Corinthians 3:7-11)

1. “Ministration of death” versus “ministration of the spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:7-8; Galatians 2:16, 21; Galatians 3:2, 18, 21; Galatians 4:8-10)
2. “Ministration of condemnation” versus “ministration of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 3:9-10; Colossians 2:14; Galatians 4:1-5; Acts 15:10)
3. Temporary versus permanent (2 Corinthians 3:11; Colossians 2:16-17; 2 Corinthians 3:1-11)

IV. Old covenant “concealment” versus new covenant “openness” (2 Corinthians 3:12-18)

1. The historical event (2 Corinthians 3:12-13)
2. The national application (2 Corinthians 3:14-17; Romans 8:15; John 4:22; Romans 10:1)
3. The personal application (2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 10:19-20; James 1:22-25; Galatians 3:24; Galatians 4:1-7; 2 Corinthians 4:1)