Paul confronts individuals among the Corinthian church whose reputations were based on letters of recommendation. The apostle showcases his love for the ministry he started in Corinth, by sharing with them they were his reference according to God’s will.
“1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?” (2 Corinthians 3:1)
Paul had just mentioned the triumphant ministry endeavors he had been experiencing on his way to Macedonia. The apostle mentions “other people,” the Judaizers who relied on letters of references for acceptance, rather than the lies they preached which exposed their hearts as hard and skeptical.
Paul would have no need for a letter of recommendation for the Corinthians since he had already founded a church there during his first visit.
“2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3)
Paul describes the Corinthian church had his recommendation, should he ever need one. The Corinthians would become the fulfillment of God’s will through the works of a man, born again of faith in Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God almighty.
Countless miracles we witnessed in Corinth, where many lost sheep were saved then lead to the narrow path that leads to eternal life. The harvest from the church planted in Corinth would be measured only by God Himself.
“4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:4-5)
Paul had no need to claim Corinth’s harvest reaped from a seed he planted, a divine assurance brought on by faith in Jesus Christ filled the apostle’s “confidence” cup to the brim.
“6 He 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.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)
Through faith in Christ, Paul and his fellow missionaries had been ordained as ministers of the gospel. The letter referred to here is the law of Moses which has evolved into the law of Jesus, since the new covenant was revealed through Christ.
this section of Paul’s letter should inspire us to live each day with Christ like love, as devoted servants humbled by God’s grace. Character is the essence of one’s harvest, found over a season. Because it was God’s will and plan, Paul would have little need for references instead relying on the truth and the power of the Holy Spirit to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
