Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (ESV)
Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:12-18).
Brief Thoughts on the Sermon:
Every person is a beholder of something. Whatever captures your sustained attention shapes you. Paul says that Israel could not see past the law to the Lord, and their hearts grew hard. We fall into the same trap today when we behold lesser glories—productivity, success, approval, politics, screens—and allow them to disciple our souls.
But when we turn to the Lord, the veil comes off. Change begins not by trying harder but by beholding better. You don’t conquer sin by staring at sin more intently; you conquer it by fixing your eyes on Jesus longer. That’s the gospel’s pattern for transformation: turning our faces toward Christ and letting his glory do its work.
Paul reminds us that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. The Spirit frees us not to do whatever we want but to finally want what is right. The change may be slow, one degree of glory at a time, but it is certain. God’s Spirit will finish what he started.
Worship, prayer, and Scripture are not chores; they are moments of beholding. When we lift our eyes together toward Christ, his Spirit transforms us from the inside out.
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