Power Of The Holy Spirit
BRD REFLECTIONS
2 Corinthians 2:12-17; 3 and Psalm 80 (NIV)
(Tho Lye Sam, Steward, LCEC)
READ:
2 Corinthians 2:12-17 and 2 Corinthians 3 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In that time, there were problems with false teachers who peddled God’s works for selfish gains, and exploiting the Corinthian Christians. Hence, Paul had to defend his ministry and the truth of his message.
Paul carried on to assert that he was a qualified apostle of the gospel, declaring that the Spirit in the Corinthians was the very ‘letter of recommendation’ that he needed. There was no need for a physical piece of paper, only the stamp of approval from God through the Spirit. He went on to declare that his achievements came from God, and not by his own capability.
The old covenant was brought through Moses to the Israelites with a glory that they could not perceive because of their sinfulness. In contrast, the new covenant has a much greater glory that we can perceive as Christ has dealt with sin. This glory is in all of us as we are transformed through the Spirit.
APPLY:
Be more like Paul! He is not reliant on worldly things for a stamp of approval but the real fruits – the Spirit in the Corinthians, that he accomplished by preaching the gospel with all sincerity.
Have hope and be confident in Christ, recognise that we are carriers of God’s glory, we are being transformed into the same image.
DO:
It is human nature to hope for compliments or gratitude when serving for a sense of recognition. Sometimes it may be difficult to look beyond the earthly things because the rewards of the Spirit are usually intangible, and many times, not immediate. Following Paul’s example, I should still trust in God in His own time and His own way, and serve Him with a posture of humility.
At times when I get upset, negative thoughts can cloud my mind that result in wrong choices of words or actions which are not edifying. Today’s passage challenges me to be mindful of my actions as I carry the glory of God. On the other hand, this is a constant struggle as I will never be a perfect and sinless ambassador for Christ, but like what Paul said, we “are being transformed” instead of “we have been transformed”. For me, it is a growing process of allowing the Holy Spirit to transform me to be more Christ-like and for the people around me to see God’s glory through me more visibly.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your new covenant; thank you for implanting the Holy Spirit in my heart to be my constant guide and helper. Teach me to be a good disciple to honour you, to walk right with you and with others, so that more will come to know you, see your glory and follow you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
