Week 1 - Identifying The Spirit's Role

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Identifying The Spirit's Role

In 2 Corinthians 3:7–18, Paul sets up a dramatic "Then vs. Now" comparison. He contrasts the Old Covenant (the Law given to Moses) with the New Covenant (the life of the Spirit). It is a foundational text for understanding how the Holy Spirit functions not just as a guest, but as a transformative power.

I. The Contrast of Two Glories (vv. 7–11)

Paul acknowledges that the Old Covenant had glory, but he argues that the Spirit’s role brings a glory that far surpasses it.

• The Ministry of Death vs. The Spirit: In verse 7, Paul calls the Law "the ministry of death" carved in stone.

  • Why would he use such a harsh term for God’s Law? (Hint: Consider what the Law does to a person's awareness of sin).

• The Weight of Glory: Look at verse 8.

  • If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, why is the "ministry of the Spirit" considered even more glorious?

• Permanent vs. Fading: Moses’ face shone, but the glow eventually faded.

  • According to verse 11, what is the fundamental difference between the "glory" of the Law and the "glory" of the Spirit?

II. The Role of the Veil (vv. 12–16)

Paul uses the "veil" Moses wore as a metaphor for a lack of spiritual understanding.

• Boldness: In verse 12, Paul says, "Since we have such a hope, we are very bold."

  • How does the presence of the Spirit lead to boldness compared to the fear/shyness associated with the Law?

• The Hardened Mind: Verse 14 suggests that without the Spirit, a "veil" remains over the heart when the Old Testament is read.

  • What does this tell us about the Spirit’s role in revelation and scripture reading?

• The Turning Point: Verse 16 says the veil is taken away "whenever anyone turns to the Lord."

  • Describe a time when the Spirit "lifted a veil" for you, making a spiritual truth suddenly clear.

III. Freedom and Transformation (vv. 17–18)

These are two of the most famous verses regarding the Holy Spirit’s identity and work.

• The Identity of the Spirit: Verse 17 states, "Now the Lord is the Spirit."

  • How does this verse help us understand the Trinity and the Spirit's authority?

• Defining Freedom: "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

  • What specifically are we being set free from in the context of this chapter? (Legalism, shame, the "letter" of the law?)

• The Mirror Metaphor: Verse 18 describes us as "unveiled" faces contemplating the Lord’s glory.

  • As we look at Him, what is the Spirit doing to us?

• Metamorphosis: The word for "transformed" in verse 18 is the Greek metamorphoo.

  • Is this transformation something we do for ourselves, or something the Spirit does in us?

IV. Summary Table: Law vs. Spirit

Feature	The Law (The Letter)	The Spirit (The New Covenant)
Written On	Tablets of Stone	Human Hearts
Effect	Condemnation / Death	Righteousness / Life
Duration	Fading / Temporary	Permanent
Result	Fear / Veiling	Freedom / Boldness

Key Takeaway: The Spirit’s role is to move God's Word from an external set of rules we can't keep to an internal power that changes who we are from the inside out.