2 Corinthians 3:5–6: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

May 30th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Paul tells us that God isn’t looking so much for talented people, as people who are available and humble enough to be used without pride getting in the way. God Himself makes us sufficient as His servants of the good news. This is an encouragement to all who desire to be obedient to the great commission and be used by God to bring His message of hope to others. Paul reminds us that the law makes demands, “for the letter kills,” but that grace makes a way.

The letter is the law in its outward sense, written on tablets of stone. But the Spirit is given so that the law can be written internally, on our hearts. The law is discouraging because it constantly reminds us that we are guilty sinners before our holy God. The stone tablets Moses brought down from Mount Sinai charged men with treason against God, condemning even Moses himself. The law said murders were to be stoned to death, and that no sacrifice was sufficient for a guilty murderer like Moses or King David.

Moses and David also had to look forward to the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice. The sacrificial blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin, as Hosea said, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, / And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). The law acts as a ministry of death because no one can satisfy its demands on their own merit, and they are therefore condemned. Only the grace of God can transform lost sinners. Only God’s Spirit brings true life, not lists of rules.

“LORD we thank You for Your grace given to all who confess their sins and turn in repentance. Help us to tell others about their need for Your grace today.”