As Paul compares the ministry of the Old Covenant (or, we might say Old Agreement) to the ministry of the new one, he refers to Exodus 34:29-35, where Moses comes down from Mount Sinai with instructions from God on stone tablets, and his face is literally glowing because of the time he spent with God. But the radiance didn’t last forever. And the delivery of God’s instructions to humanity did not solve our sin problem.
Still, there is a real glory in the “Old Agreement” that we are often quick to dismiss. The Greek word Paul uses here for “glory” is “Doxa” and refers to a revealed appearance or reputation. God’s “glory” reveals who he is!
Many Christians today view the Old Testament as obsolete and unneeded. But the Old Testament gives us a detailed picture of who God is and what he cares about! It may be difficult to understand at times and more suited for study than for casual reading, but Paul says that there is glory in it, and we don’t do ourselves any favors by neglecting it.
That said, Paul goes on to say that the New Covenant, God’s new way of relating with people, is even more glorious. (v.7-8) The Holy Spirit, God himself, actually lives inside every believer in some mysterious way. This connection to God has greater impact and is far superior to merely receiving instructions from God. We might compare it to reading a letter from someone verses being married to someone!
As we observed last time, the Law only announced condemnation. The Holy Spirit actually makes us completely righteous in the eyes of God! (v. 9)
Although by itself, the Old arrangement between God and humanity revealed who God is, it reveals nothing in comparison to a life lived intimately connected to God through the Holy Spirit! The Law was static and etched in stone. Moses experience on the mountain faded. But the Holy Spirit produces lasting and ongoing change in the life of the Christian.(v.10-11)
The firm and reliable hope Paul had because of this immense change in the God-Humanity status quo, gave Paul the ability to be bold in his speaking and teaching. (v. 12)
Paul says that because of Moses’ veil, the Israelites couldn’t see the radiance left by God fading from his face.(v. 13) They couldn’t see that the outward sign of being in the presence of God was fading. And up until Paul’s day (and still in many places today!), people don’t see the truth of the fading, inadequate nature of the Law to truly change us forever. Only through Christ can we see the inadequacy of the Law. (v.14-16)
Although the Law reminds us how far we fall short of God, the Holy Spirit brings freedom into the life of every believer. The forgiveness we’re given and the righteousness that is “transplanted” onto us from Christ, frees us from living lives weighed down by guilt and a sense of inadequacy.
If you are a believer in Christ but you’re living with a constant sense of inadequacy, remember what Christ has done for you! In the eyes of the only judge that matters, you have been made perfect! You have the freedom to fail while you aim for the highest mark! Make every effort to rewire you’re brain and see yourself as God does.
When life is lived with this kind of freedom and purpose, people will see who God is through you, and they’ll see it more and more as time passes. (v.17-18)
Next Week: Living On Purpose In The Middle Of Pain
Coffee House Question
What is it that keeps you from seeing yourself the way God sees you? What action can you take as a first step toward seeing yourself more the way God sees you?
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