Spiritual Disciplines | What is a Spiritual Discipline?

2 Corinthians 3:18

In this passage Paul considers how we are transformed by God. And he roots it in a rich theological understanding of how humanity related to God before Jesus.

He says that before Christ the people of God related to God through the law. This law was not the problem: rather, it was the hard hearts of God's people that were the problem.

He develops this two stages further. Firstly, that when the law - which does point forward to the glory of the Messiah - is read, those who's hearts are not ready for it cannot see this truth.

Secondly, he says that the veil lays not over the law - but over the hearts of the hearers. How can it be removed? In Exodus 34 Moses removes the veil when he comes face to face once again with the glory of God - Ex. 34.34, 'whenever he turns back to the Lord the veil is removed.' Paul here widens the meaning to say whenever ANYONE, turns (repents), the veil is removed.

The purpose of the law was always to facilitate a relationship with God for the people of Israel, and that they would become like him - that is, be sanctified - by obedience. However the law was written on stone - which does not have the power to change us. The New Covenant, however, is written by the Spirit on the heart - and that means that we can be changed, because it is the Spirit who is at work.

Therefore this is what we are spending the next five weeks looking at. God has restored our relationship with Him, by Himself. He is now at work in our lives to make us into the people that we're called to be - changed from the glory that we already have into the glory that we will one day have.

Practice

Memorise 2 Corinthians 3:18 and spend some time meditating on it - contemplating the power, mercy, and love of God.

Share with another member of your small group what you learn't about the verse, either from the sermon or from your time with God.