Scripture#
2 Corinthians 3:5-6"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think
of anything as being from ourselves, but our
sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient
as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but
of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit
gives life."
2 Corinthians 3:16-17"Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken
away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of
the Lord is, there is liberty."
Observation#
Overview#
Paul contrasts the Old Covenant (the Mosaic Law, written on tablets of stone) with the New Covenant (the Gospel, written by the Spirit on human hearts). He explains that the old covenant brought condemnation and death, but the new covenant brings righteousness and life through the Spirit.
Verses 1-3 - The Corinthians as “letters of Christ”
Paul begins by saying he doesn’t need letters of recommendation. The changed lives of the Corinthians themselves are the proof of his ministry - “written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”
➡️ Key idea: God’s work through the Spirit transforms people inwardly, unlike the external regulations of the Law.
**Verses 4-6 - Ministers of a New Covenant
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
- Breakdown of vv. 5-6
- **“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves…” - Paul rejects self-reliance. Spiritual competence and power come entirely from God.
- “Our sufficiency is from God” - Ministry is effective only because God enables it.
- **“Ministers of the new covenant” - The apostles serve under the new covenant, established through Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20).
- “Not of the letter but of the Spirit” - “The letter” refers to the old written Law; it revealed sin, but could not give the power to obey. The “Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit, who empowers and brings inner transformation.
- “For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” - The Law exposes guilt and brings condemnation; the Spirit regeneration and new life through Christ.
➡️ Takeaway: True Christian service flows from God’s enabling grace and the life-giving Spirit - not from human effort or legalistic religion.
Verses 7 - 11 - Glory to the Old vs. New Covenant Paul recalls Moses’ shining face when he received the Law. That glory faded. The new covenant’s glory, by contrast, is surpassing and permanent.
➡️ The ministry of condemnation (the Law) was glorious, but the ministry of righteousness (the Gospel) exceeds it in glory.
Verses 12-15 - The Veil Over Israel’s Heart Paul explains that Israel’s heart remains veiled - they read the Old Testament without recognizing Christ. Just as Moses covered his face, their spiritual sight is obscured.
Verses 16-18 - Turning to the Lord Removes the Veil
“Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (vv. 16 - 17)
🔍 Breakdown of vv 16 - 17:
- “When one turns to the Lord…” - Echoing Exodus 34:34: When Moses returned to the Lord, he removed the veil. Spiritually, when anyone turns to Christ, the blindness and hardness of heart are lifted.
- “The veil is taken away.” - Salvation brings spiritual clarity; we now see the truth and glory of God through Christ.
- “The Lord is the Spirit.” - Christ and the Holy Spirit are distinct yet united in divine operation. The Spirit is the presence of the risen Lord at work in believers.
- “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” - Freedom from the bondage of the Law, guilt, sin, and spiritual blindness. The Spirit liberates us to live in righteousness and relationship with God.
➡️ Takeaway: The Holy Spirit brings freedom and clarity - transforming believers to behold God’s glory and become more like Christ (v. 18).
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed… from glory to glory.”
This ties it all together: those in Christ, unveiled and free, are progressively transformed by the Spirit into His image - the ultimate goal of the new covenant.
✨ Summary
| Old Covenant | New Covenant |
|---|---|
| Written on stone | Written on hearts |
| Ministry of death/condemnation | Ministry of Spirit and life |
| Glory that faded | Glory that increases |
| Veiled understanding | Open vision of Christ |
| Law exposes sing | Spirit transforms within |
Application#
- Dependence: Like Paul, recognize all sufficiency for ministry or life comes from God, not self (vv. 5 - 6).
- Freedom: Turning to Christ brings liberty from guilt and legalism (vv. 16 - 17).
- Transformation: The Spirit continuously shapes believers into Christ’s likeness (v. 18).
➡️ Meditation: The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead is the One enabling your every act of obedience and love today. You are not alone - and that’s freeing. God never asked you to be.
Prayer#
Lord,
I confess that on my own, I am not sufficient - not wise enough, strong enough, or pure enough. But You, God, are my sufficiency. You ARE enough in all things. Fill me with Your Spirit today, that I might live not by the letter, but by Your Life-Giving presence. Remove every veil from my heart, that I may behold Your glory without fear. Where Your Spirit is, there is liberty - let that liberty reign in me. Make me a vessel of life and freedom to those around me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.