Note: Many of the
questions on this section of the website were taken from John Reisinger’s web site:
http:\www.soundofgrace.com
2
Corinthians 3:6-8 - He [God] has made us competent as ministers of a new
covenant-- not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the
Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved
in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look
steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, 8
will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?
Questions:
n
Who is speaking here as “ministers of the new covenant”?
(Hint: see 2Cor. 1:1)
n
Paul and Timothy
n
When he says “not of the letter but of the Spirit”, what two
things are being contrasted? (Hint: to see what “letter” refers look at verse
7)
n
The Old Covenant which is written in letters on stone and the
New Covenant which is written on the heart of believers by the Spirit
n
How is it that the “letter” (Old
Covenant) kills and the Spirit (New Covenant) gives life?
n
The Old Covenant “letter” makes us realize that we are
spiritually dead (unable to keep the Law). The New Covenant “Spirit” makes us
Spiritually alive through faith in Christ
2
Corinthians 3:9-12 If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much
more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was
glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if
what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that
which lasts! 12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
Questions:
n
What is the “ministry that condemns men” referred to in this
verse and in what way is it glorious? (Hint: look back at verse 7)
n
The Old Covenant (Law) which cannot be kept and therefore
condemns all who try. It is glorious in that Moses face became radiant at the
time He received the teachings of the Law
n
What is the “ministry that brings righteousness”?
n
The New Covenant where the spirit saves the believing sinner
and brings about obedience to Christ through a changed heart
2
Corinthians
Questions:
n
Why did Moses put a veil over his face?
n
To keep the Israelites from seeing that the radiance on Moses
face was fading.
n
How is it that a “veil covered their hearts” when Moses was
read in that day? Who is this referring to?
n
The Jews who are still looking to the Old Covenant Law for
salvation are unable to see that the glory of the Old Covenant is faded – it
cannot save them and yet they keep hoping that it will!
n
How is it that whenever anyone turns to the Lord the veil is
taken away?
n
Once someone turns to Christ by the power of the Spirit given
in the New Covenant, they are able to recognize that the Old Covenant Law
cannot provide salvation and they see that its glory has faded.