1. 2 Corinthians 3: 7-18 The glory of the gospel

2. Overview The context Comparison of the old and new covenants Comparison of those under each of them The source of the superiority of the new So what?

3. The context Key theological battlegrounds in NT – The judaisers – The gnostics Views of the place of the OT – 1 st century Christians tended to overvalue it – We tend to undervalue it We must understand the context Paul is NOT saying the OT has no value

4. Comparison of the covenants Old testament history – The deliverance from Egypt – The giving of the law on Sinai – The radiance of Moses face (Ex 34: 29-35) – The temple and sacrificial system Christianity a religion?

5. Comparison of the covenants Ministry of death / spirit Written in stone / on hearts Fading ministry / lasting ministry Bringing condemnation / righteousness Paul is not saying the old had no glory – The old was glorious – The new completely outshines it

6. Comparison of those under the two covenants The glory of the new gives boldness Paul develops / changes picture – Veil concealing the truth – Veil remains when old covenant is read – The veil can only be removed in Christ – When we turn to Jesus the veil is removed The radiance in Moses face faded The believer becomes ever more like Christ

7. The source of the power and superiority of the new Paul’s earlier comparison was death spirit – not death life – It’s about relationship not rules The spirit brings liberty – Liberty from sin – Liberty to proclaim freedom clearly The work of the Holy Spirit: – We should ever more radiate the glory of Christ

8. So what? Do we have a right view of the place of the Old Testament Do we see the gospel as glorious Does our view of the gospel make us bold Do we take on board the reality of the veiling of truth? Do we make the most of our liberty? Are we radiating the glory of Christ ever more?