Scripture
By Tarae King
Scripture Lesson Text: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Related Scriptures: Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 4: 13-18
In this week’s lesson, we see the transition from the old covenant, the ministration of death, to the glorious new covenant. Paul shows us the contrast between the fading glory of the old covenant and the everlasting glory of the new and current covenant.
We see in Exodus 34 how Moses’ face shone, because of the time he spent in God’s presence. When the people saw this they were afraid. After Moses spoke to them he wore a veil. Paul explains that it was so they would not see the fading glory of the old covenant and lose faith in Moses.
We see in 2 Corinthians 4:13-18, Paul reveals his inner motivations in order that the Corinthians would understand his actions. Paul’s ministry was a direct result of his firm faith in his relationship with Jesus. He explains the priceless treasure of knowing God’s glory through faith in Christ. Paul’s mi nistry had an ultimate goal that it may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. In these set of scriptures, we find the familiar verse “ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…….”(2 Corinthians 4: 17).
Synopsis
By Doug Smith
Paul contrasted the glory of the old covenant with the glory of the new covenant . If the law which leads to death, was glorious, how much more glorious is God’s plan for us through His Spirit. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is far superior to the Old Testament system of sacrifice. The purpose of the old covenant was to shed light on sin, but no one could perfectly keep it. God’s plan is wonderful by comparison and exceeds the glory of the old.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments , his face glowed from being in God’s presence. He put on a veil to keep the people from being terrified by the brightness of his face. Paul added that his veil kept them from seeing the glory fade away. Moses and his veil illustrate the fading of the old system and the veiling of the people’s minds showing their pride, hardness of heart, and refusal to repent. The veil kept them from understanding the references to Christ in the scripture
The glory that the Holy Spirit imparts to the believer is more excellent and last longer than that which Moses experienced. By beholding the nature of God with unveiled minds, we can be more like Him. Through Christ’s life, we understand how wonderful God is and who He is. As our knowledge deepens, the Holy Spirit helps us to change and become transformed. The more closely we follow Him, the more we will be like Him.
Practical Application
By Lecha Price
In this week’s lesson, Paul teaches us the differences between the old covenant of the law marked by condemnation and the new covenant of grace, forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. The practical application reminds us to live daily in the knowledge that the glory of our standing in Christ surpasses all other blessings of God.
In the life of a believer the greatest gift given by God through Christ Jesus is the gift of salvation. This great gift allows the believer to be in right standing with God. Our spiritual reality in Christ Jesus is more valuable than any earthly possession that could ever be obtained. As believers in Christ, this spiritual reality should be our primary focus and priority.
Jesus, in Matthew 6:19-21 teaches us not to be preoccupied to lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The scripture also says the things of this world are temporal, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Let us seek to lay hold of eternal life.
