Freedom and Transformation in the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Freedom and Transformation in the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18


Introduction:

Good morning, brothers and sisters! Today, we turn our hearts and minds to a beautiful passage from the letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. In these verses, Paul speaks of the freedom that comes from the Spirit of the Lord and the transformation we experience when we live in God's presence. Let's meditate on how this freedom leads to a continual transformation in our lives as believers.


Scripture:

Let us read the passage together:


"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)


1. Freedom in the Spirit (Verse 17)


Paul begins by declaring that "the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."


What kind of freedom is Paul talking about? Is it just the freedom to live as we want? Absolutely not! This freedom is far deeper, more profound than any earthly sense of liberty.


- Freedom from the Law: Paul is contrasting the old covenant, represented by Moses, with the new covenant we have in Christ. Under the old covenant, people were bound by the law, striving to meet its demands but often falling short. But when Jesus came, He fulfilled the law and established a new covenant by His blood. Through the Spirit, we are no longer slaves to the law but are set free to live in God’s grace.

  

- Freedom from Sin and Shame: Through Christ's sacrifice, the shackles of sin are broken. We are free from the guilt and condemnation that once held us back. Romans 8:1 tells us, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The Spirit gives us the power to live in this freedom, walking boldly as children of God.


- Freedom to Approach God: Under the old covenant, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and even then, with great caution. But now, because of Jesus, we have direct access to God. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence." This is the freedom the Spirit brings – the ability to come before God with unveiled faces and open hearts.


2. Beholding the Glory of God (Verse 18)


Paul continues in verse 18, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory…"


What does it mean to contemplate the Lord's glory? Paul is referring to the process of gazing upon, reflecting on, and immersing ourselves in the presence of God.


- The Unveiled Face: In the old covenant, Moses had to wear a veil after encountering God's glory on Mount Sinai because the people could not bear the brightness of his face. But for us, the veil has been removed. We now have full access to God’s glory, and we can look upon His face through Jesus Christ.

  

- Beholding with Expectation: As we spend time in prayer, worship, and reading Scripture, we behold God’s glory. When we seek His presence, we are not just passive observers; we are active participants, seeking to know Him more deeply. Just as a mirror reflects an image, our lives should reflect the glory of God as we draw near to Him.


3. Transformation into His Image (Verse 18)


Paul concludes with a powerful truth: "…we are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."


- Transformation is a Process: Notice that Paul says "we are being transformed." This is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Every day, as we follow Jesus and walk in the Spirit, we are becoming more like Him. The Greek word used for "transformed" here is metamorphoo, the same word used to describe the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. Our transformation is a profound, inner change that reflects outwardly.

  

- Into His Image: The goal of this transformation is to become more like Christ. God's purpose for our lives is to shape us into the image of His Son. Romans 8:29 says, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." Our character, our attitudes, our love, and our actions should all reflect Christ.


- Ever-Increasing Glory: As we grow in faith, the glory of God in our lives becomes more evident. This glory is not our own but comes from the Spirit within us. The more we submit to the Spirit’s work, the more we reflect God’s character. It is a lifelong journey, one of continually drawing nearer to the heart of God.


Application:


How do we live in this freedom and experience this transformation?


1. Walk in the Spirit: We must surrender daily to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide our thoughts, actions, and desires. Galatians 5:16 tells us to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." When we live by the Spirit, we experience true freedom.

   

2. Seek God's Presence: Make time to behold God's glory. Whether through prayer, worship, or studying His Word, we must fix our eyes on Jesus. As we gaze upon Him, His Spirit transforms us from the inside out.

   

3. Embrace the Process: Transformation takes time. We will have struggles and setbacks, but we must remember that God is faithfully working in us. Philippians 1:6 assures us that *"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."* Be patient with yourself, knowing that God is molding you into His image.


Conclusion:


Brothers and sisters, the Spirit of the Lord brings us freedom, and this freedom allows us to gaze upon God's glory with unveiled faces. As we do so, we are transformed, becoming more like Christ each day. This transformation is a glorious journey, one that reflects the ever-increasing glory of God in our lives.


May we walk in this freedom, behold His glory, and embrace the transformation that comes from His Spirit. Amen.

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