II Corinthians 2:14-17
As Christians, we do not just teach the doctrine of Christ with words. By God's grace, we are like flowers that He has planted, emitting the "fragrance" (savor) of Christ to all men. Some love this fragrance. Others hate it.
II Corinthians 3:1-3
A converted soul becomes a living letter (epistle) that others can read. Our lives, our character, our spirit can be read like a book. Others will be able to see, not mere doctrine, but the spirit of life in Christ Jesus in us (Romans 8:1-4). It is actually Christ, living His life through me (Galatians 2:20).
II Corinthians 3:3-16
God has enabled us to minister His truth to others by the Spirit of Christ, dwelling in us. This can be contrasted to Moses, who taught God's will from words carved in stone and also written with ink. We teach a truth that Christ's Spirit writes on people's hearts. Moses' teaching is good - even glorious, but it does not give life. As a matter of fact, if people do not come to Christ after being exposed to the law, they will die in the guilt of their sins. People who trust in the law are compared to the time when Moses put a veil on his face to shield the people from the full impact of God's glory showing on his face (Exodus 34:29-35). Receiving Christ as your Lord and Savior is like having that veil removed and receiving the fullness of God's glory. It is our responsibility to personally shine the light of Christ to others. See II Corinthians 4:3-6 cp. John 1: 14-17; 6:37-45; 8:23-24; 14:6-9; Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 3:13, 21-24.
II Corinthians 3:17-18
The Spirit of the Lord liberates us to see beyond the letter of the law and to see (understand) the glory of the Lord in Scripture. As we see more of Christ in the Scriptures, we transcend from mere commandment-keeping and doctrinal practice, to a personal knowledge and appreciation of Christ that transforms us and makes us like Him. This is going from milk to meat (solid food). See Hebrews 5:1 - 6:2; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:8-16, 28-29; 11:33 - 12:2; Ephesians 1:15-20; 3:14-19; Philippians 3:8-10; Colossians 1:25-29; 3:16; II Peter 1:2-4.
Christ taught us through His life (John 1:4, 9; 14:6-9).
His obedience to God was like food (John 4:34).
He told us to follow Him (John 10:27; 12:26; Matthew 4:19; 16:24).
Paul taught us by example to follow Christ (I Corinthians 11:1).
We must also be examples to follow (Matthew 5:13-16; I Timothy 4:12, 15-16; Titus 2:1-10). |
