Reflecting God's Glory Through the New Covenant
Summary
This morning, we gathered as a community of grace, acknowledging our brokenness and our need for God’s power to transform us. We reflected on the central purpose of our lives: to glorify God. Glory, as revealed in Scripture, is not simply beauty or fame, but the fullness of God’s character—His mercy, compassion, faithfulness, and love—shining forth for all to see. We are called to reflect this glory, not by our own strength, but by the Spirit working in and through us.
We explored the contrast between the old covenant, given through Moses on Mount Sinai, and the new covenant established in Jesus Christ. The law, written on stone, revealed our sin and brought condemnation, acting as a mirror to our brokenness. Moses, after encountering God’s glory, had to veil his face because the people could not bear the radiance of God’s holiness. This veil symbolized the separation between sinful humanity and God’s glory—a separation that the law could only highlight, not heal.
But in Christ, the veil is removed. The new covenant is not written on stone, but on our hearts. Jesus fulfills the law, offering us righteousness and eternal life. The glory that once brought fear and separation now brings hope and boldness. We are no longer condemned, but made new by the Spirit. Our lives, then, are to be lived as testimonies to God’s glory—by loving, forgiving, serving, and speaking in ways that reflect His character.
We were challenged to examine where we place our glory. If it is not in God, it will inevitably be in something else—ourselves, our families, our achievements. This is the root of idolatry. True joy and purpose are found not in chasing happiness or self-fulfillment, but in living each day to glorify God. Our growth in Christ should be evident over time, as we are transformed more and more into His likeness.
As we approached the Lord’s Table, we were invited to humbly surrender the areas of our lives where we still seek our own glory, trusting that God, by His Spirit, makes us adequate to live for Him. Our hope is not wishful thinking, but a certainty grounded in Christ’s finished work. May our lives boldly proclaim His glory until He comes again.
Key Takeaways
- The Glory of God Is the Fullness of His Character
Glory is not a vague spiritual concept or mere external beauty; it is the sum of God’s attributes—His mercy, compassion, faithfulness, and love—revealed to us and through us by the Holy Spirit. To seek God’s glory is to desire that His character be made visible in our lives and in the world. This understanding calls us to a deeper, more personal engagement with God, moving beyond superficial praise to a life shaped by His presence. [32:33]
- The Law Reveals Our Need, but Only Christ Removes the Veil
The old covenant, written on stone, exposes our sin and our inability to meet God’s standard, leading to condemnation and separation. The veil over Moses’ face symbolized the barrier between God’s holiness and our brokenness. In Christ, the veil is removed; He fulfills the law and writes His truth on our hearts, granting us righteousness and access to God’s presence. [42:51]
- Our Lives Inevitably Glorify Something—Choose Wisely
If we are not living to glorify God, we are glorifying something else—our children, our careers, our own happiness. This misplaced glory is the essence of idolatry and leads us away from our true purpose. The call is to examine our hearts honestly and redirect our focus to God, making Him the center of all we do and are. [35:35]
- The New Covenant Brings Lasting Hope and Boldness
Unlike the temporary and condemning nature of the old covenant, the new covenant in Christ is eternal and life-giving. Our hope is not a fragile wish, but a certainty rooted in Christ’s finished work. This assurance empowers us to live boldly, to speak and act in ways that reflect God’s glory, and to approach each day with purpose and confidence. [49:15]
- Spiritual Growth Is a Journey of Increasing Glory
Transformation in Christ is not instantaneous perfection, but a continual process of becoming more like Him. Our lives should look different as we mature—less self-focused, more reflective of God’s character. This journey requires humility, honest self-examination, and a willingness to surrender our inadequacies to God, trusting that He is making us adequate for His glory. [56:23]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[02:30] - The Importance of Bringing Your Bible
[04:10] - Recap: Our Competence Comes from God
[07:00] - The Meaning of Glory
[10:30] - Our Purpose: To Glorify God
[13:00] - Moses’ Encounter with God’s Glory
[16:00] - The Danger of Misplaced Glory
[18:00] - The Old Covenant and the Veil
[21:00] - The Law’s Role in Revealing Sin
[24:00] - The Surpassing Glory of Christ
[27:00] - The New Covenant Written on Our Hearts
[30:00] - Living Boldly for God’s Glory
[33:00] - Examining Our Lives: What Do We Glorify?
[36:00] - Communion and Final Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living for God’s Glory
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### Bible Reading
Primary Text:
2 Corinthians 3:7–18
Additional Passages:
Exodus 33:18–23
Exodus 34:29–35
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### Observation Questions
1. In Exodus 33:18–23, what does Moses ask God for, and how does God respond?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 3:7–18, what is the difference between the old covenant (the law written on stone) and the new covenant (the Spirit)?
3. What happened to Moses’ face after he received the law a second time, and why did he have to wear a veil? (Exodus 34:29–35; [40:59])
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of how we can reflect God’s glory in our daily lives? ([33:41])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that “glory” is not just beauty or fame, but the fullness of God’s character. Why is it important to understand glory this way, and how does it change the way we think about our purpose? ([32:33])
2. The veil over Moses’ face symbolized separation between God and people. What does it mean that, in Christ, the veil is removed? How does this affect our relationship with God? ([42:51])
3. The old covenant revealed sin and brought condemnation, while the new covenant brings righteousness and hope. Why do you think people sometimes still live as if they are under the old covenant, even after trusting in Christ? ([46:59])
4. The sermon challenges us to examine what we glorify in our lives. What are some things, besides God, that people commonly glorify, and why is this considered idolatry? ([35:35])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “If we are not living to glorify God, we are glorifying something else—our children, our careers, our own happiness.” Take a moment to honestly reflect: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to seek your own glory or the glory of something else? What would it look like to surrender that area to God? ([35:35])
2. The new covenant means the Spirit writes God’s truth on our hearts. Is there a specific way you have seen God’s character (mercy, compassion, faithfulness, love) growing in your life over the past year? If not, what is one step you could take to invite the Spirit to work in you? ([46:59])
3. The sermon describes spiritual growth as a journey, not instant perfection. Looking back, can you identify a way you have become more like Christ? What is one area where you still want to grow? ([56:23])
4. The pastor mentioned that our lives should be a testimony to God’s glory “by loving, forgiving, serving, and speaking in ways that reflect His character.” Choose one of these (loving, forgiving, serving, speaking) and share a specific way you could reflect God’s glory in that area this week. ([49:15])
5. The sermon invites us to approach the Lord’s Table by surrendering areas where we seek our own glory. Is there a practical step you can take this week to humble yourself before God in a specific area of your life? ([53:23])
6. The hope we have in Christ is described as a “certainty,” not just wishful thinking. How does this certainty affect the way you face challenges or disappointments? ([49:15])
7. The pastor shared a story about someone who looked forward to retirement but died soon after. How does this story challenge the way you think about your goals and what you are living for right now? ([55:35])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray, asking God to reveal any areas where they are seeking their own glory, and to help them live boldly for His glory in the week ahead.
Devotional
Day 1: The Surpassing Glory of the New Covenant
The old covenant, given through Moses on Mount Sinai, revealed humanity’s sinfulness and brought condemnation, but the new covenant in Jesus Christ brings righteousness, life, and a glory that far surpasses what came before. The law written on stone exposed our need for a Savior, but now, through Christ, God’s truth is written on our hearts, and we are made new by the Spirit. This everlasting covenant assures us of eternal life, not by our own adequacy, but by the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the Spirit’s work within us. [46:59]
2 Corinthians 3:7-11 (ESV)
"Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you still live as if you are under condemnation, rather than embracing the freedom and righteousness Christ has given you? How can you step into the surpassing glory of the new covenant today?
Day 2: God’s Glory Revealed in His Goodness
God’s glory is not merely an abstract beauty, but the fullness of His character—His mercy, compassion, faithfulness, and love—revealed to us. When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God allowed him to witness His goodness, declaring His name and attributes. We are invited to seek and reflect this glory, not by our own merit, but by beholding and responding to who God is. [35:35]
Exodus 33:18-23 (ESV)
"Moses said, 'Please show me your glory.' And he said, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name "The LORD." And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,' he said, 'you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.' And the LORD said, 'Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.'"
Reflection: When you consider God’s goodness and character, which attribute of His glory do you most need to experience or reflect in your life this week?
Day 3: Living Boldly for God’s Glory
We exist for a single purpose: to glorify God. This is not just a theological idea, but a daily calling to let God’s attributes be seen in how we love, forgive, serve, and speak. Our lives are meant to be a testimony to the world, showing the reality of God’s glory through the Spirit’s work in us. Each day, we are invited to live boldly, not hiding behind a veil, but letting Christ’s light shine through us in every sphere of life. [50:35]
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can intentionally glorify God in your work, home, or relationships today?
Day 4: The Danger of Misplaced Glory and Idolatry
When we fail to focus our lives on glorifying God, we inevitably glorify something else—ourselves, our children, our achievements, or our desires. This misplaced glory is the root of idolatry, drawing our hearts away from God and leading us to chase after things that cannot satisfy. True joy and purpose are found not in self-centered pursuits, but in surrendering every aspect of our lives to God’s glory, allowing Him to be preeminent above all else. [36:31]
Romans 1:21-23 (ESV)
"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."
Reflection: Is there something or someone in your life that has taken the place of God’s glory? What step can you take today to re-center your heart on glorifying Him alone?
Day 5: Transformation and Growth in Reflecting Christ
Glorifying God does not mean living perfectly, but it does mean growing in Christlikeness over time. As we surrender our inadequacies and allow the Spirit to work in us, our lives should look different as we mature—more loving, more forgiving, more like Jesus. The journey of faith is one of continual transformation, where each season brings us closer to reflecting the image and likeness of Christ, so that others may see His glory through us. [56:23]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: Looking back over the past year, in what ways have you seen God transform you to reflect Christ more clearly? Where do you sense He is inviting you to grow next?
Quotes
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us complete as ministers of a new covenant. So our inadequacy or feeling like we're not equipped to share the good news with others is absolutely true, but the Holy Spirit working through us enables us to be competent to declare the good news of Jesus Christ. And then last week at the end of it, we kind of, I glossed over this next phrase, but today we're going to hit that because that is the focus of today's text. Not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. [00:29:40] (39 seconds)
So all the characteristics of God together revealed by the Holy Spirit is what the glory looks like. And so glory is the fullness, the completeness of all the characteristics of God. He is merciful. He is compassionate. He is gracious. He is forgiving. He is loving. He is, you go through the whole litany of things that He is. And that is the glory of God that is revealed through the Holy Spirit. [00:31:37] (31 seconds)
So if glory is the attributes of God for all to see by way of the Holy Spirit revealing it and through Jesus Christ on earth, then how in the world would we actually be able to glorify God? Well, when we love as God has loved us, God is glorified. When we forgive as God has forgiven us, God is glorified. When we are merciful like he's been merciful to us, God is glorified. When we are faithful the way that he has been faithful, God is glorified. So the attributes that we have because of who he is to us in response to him is how he is glorified. All right. Is everybody awake still? [00:33:47] (46 seconds)
When we're not focusing in our lives upon glorifying God, we're glorifying something. So if we want to glory our children and make our characteristics and all the things that we are about our children, what happens? Where are we putting our glory? It's going somewhere, it's going to our children. Or when we make it about ourselves, I'm like, yeah, I crushed it. Yeah, I'm all that. Where's the glory going? To ourselves. And that is the basis, the foundation of where idolatry starts. It is not recognizing our lives being for the glory of God. It's about being for other things. [00:35:55] (36 seconds)
And some of you will take this away and be like, Mike doesn't know what he's talking about. There's other things that matter in this world. There's justice. There's hope. There's all these things. And I have, no. No, you're wrong. The truth is, we exist for a single purpose to glorify God. If that's not why we exist, then we're glorifying something else. And our future inheritance is secure in that capacity as well. And we'll talk about that in just a moment. This is all to prepare us for today's text. Let's look at it. Next slide. [00:38:03] (39 seconds)
And so when God provides that ram in the thicket, when God provides the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, He is not abolishing the law. He is taking and fulfilling. Because the law showed a need for a Savior and God gave him Jesus Christ. And what if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory that lasts? [00:45:18] (31 seconds)
Thus, the Mosaic Covenant brought about death because we all deserve death because of what the law said. But when Christ comes, all who are born of the Spirit are new creations in Christ Jesus, and we have life and life eternal. What was brought about in the Old Testament was condemnation. We are condemned already because of who we are, our sinful nature. We get righteousness. We are made right with God by the blood of Jesus Christ poured out for our sins. [00:46:59] (30 seconds)
It's just an image of what is actually happening. So when I say, I will never taste death again, there will be a time when I stop breathing on this earth, but I've already died to myself. And when I go from this life to the next life, it's just like that. I may close my eyes, and I may stop breathing here on this earth, but I'm continuing on from everlasting to everlasting. And it's not because what was is abolished, it's that it was fulfilled. I once was condemned, and now I'm right. I once deserved death, but now I have life. I once saw the law, but now it's written on my heart. [00:48:58] (45 seconds)
Remember how I began the message today. The task is to what? To take the good news of Jesus Christ into the world. What is glory? Glory are the attributes of God for all to see by way of the Holy Spirit. How is God glorified? By the way that I speak, by the way that I love, by the way that I forgive, by the way that I serve. So therefore, we have a certain hope. We are very bold. Open your mouths. Live your lives for the glory of God. [00:50:35] (32 seconds)
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