Main Idea/Bottom line up front: We Become Who We Behold.
Read - 2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:7
“3:12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who
would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the
outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were
hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil
remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this
day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when
once turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and
where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled
face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same
image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who
is the Spirit.
4:1Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2
But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to
practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of
the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight
of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are
perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the
unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of
Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but
Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God,
who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the
light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.7 But we
have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to
God and not to us.”
Reflect - 2 Corinthians 3:1 - 4:7
2 Corinthians is a letter from Christ written by the Spirit (Vs 3:1-6)
Compare & contrast the Ministry of Death/Condemnation vs .Ministry of the Spirit/Righteousness (Vs. 3:7-11)
See how beholding is tied to becoming glory/beauty (Vs. 3:12-18)
Bask in the light of the Gospel (Vs. 4:1-7)
Respond - Application
Recognize that even giants of the faith (like the Apostle Paul) are merely “jars of clay”.
Therefore, don’t be too quick to criticize, critique and condemn God’s servants/vessels.
Regard yourself as merely a clay pot that is vessel of Christ’s precious glory and power.
Think and act accordingly.
Implementation - Questions for Personal or Group Consideration
Grab a pen and a notepad. Finish the following sentences. Christ is glorious/beautiful to me because_________?
I am glorious/beautiful to Christ because ________?
Come up with as many words as you can to complete these sentences.
What would look different in your relationship with God if you truly believed that Christ’s glory and power was your greatest treasure and resource?
Is the inertia and energy of your life proceeding from your own resources or from Christ?
How do you know? What needs to stop, start, or continue in this area?
Think about how the church in Corinth treated Paul since they didn’t view him correctly. How will recognizing that everyone in the body of Christ is a “clay pot” change how you regard and treat them? How will you treat others (including unbelievers) differently based on what we’ve studied here?
