"MORE EXCELLENT GLORY"

TEXT: 2 CORINTHIANS 3: 7-15

READING: PSALMS 110 & 111

  SUBJ: The glory of the work of grace in the believer through Christ our Lord.

AIM: To encourage a cultivation of the realization that God has chosen to glorify Himself in saving us in Christ.

INTR: Paul here makes a comparison of that which was outwardly glorious to that which is spiritually glorious and shows the superiority the second.

1. Consider some thoughts on Hebrews 12:28-29 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

2. The use of the Lord’s name is common. We must, also, beware of using His name casually.

3. In this passage Paul refers to the glory that attended the giving of the Law in its visible effects. He is not demeaning or irreverent in any way. He does so that he might make comparisons in that ministry and his.

THESIS: That which is of God is glorious. There is that which is revealed in Jesus Christ that exceeds in glory.

I. The effect of the Law compared with the work of the Spirit (vv. 7-8)

1. Consider the wilderness experience and the effect.

1) On Moses

2) On they that looked on

2. Compare that which is graven in stone with that which is written in our hearts.

3. The Law most assuredly discovered the reason of death is herein compared to that commandment which is unto life. – “God with us…”

4. John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

5. They stood at a distance while we are brought nigh: Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

II. The condemnation of Law works and that which brings righteousness (vv. 8-

1. The things that continued in the Tabernacle and the Temple (and the attempt to be saved by works) are compared to that which produces true righteousness.

2. See the righteousness of God revealed: Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

3. It is a righteousness without the Law: Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

4. See verse 10 and consider that the “New” eclipses the “Old.”

5. Turn to 1 Corinthians 15:41ff

6. As a further illustration: Job 25:5 Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.

III. That which remains and the hope which attends it (vv. 11-15)

1. There was a priesthood that did not continue: Hebrews 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: -- The priesthood of Christ “remains.”

2. And, that which is remains is secured by the ongoing High Priestly work of Christ.

3. Consider then that which remains and “excels.”

1) Glorious Power: Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

2) Glorious Gospel: 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

3) It is unto glorious liberty: Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

4) He has redeemed a glorious Church: Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

5) His is a glorious body and c.: Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

6) We await His glorious appearing: Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

4. Is it any wonder then that Paul did not hesitate to use “great plainness (boldness) of speech and that without a veil as did Moses.

5. The vail that remains (v. 15)