Transformed Lives: The Power of the New Covenant

Devotional

Day 1: The Proof of New Covenant Ministry Is Transformed Lives

The true evidence of authentic ministry is not found in external credentials or letters of recommendation, but in the visible transformation of people’s lives by the Spirit of God. The Corinthians themselves were living proof of the gospel’s power, their changed hearts and conduct serving as an open letter from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit on human hearts. This transformation is the mark of fruitful ministry, both corporately and individually, and calls us to focus on the people God has placed in our lives, praying and longing for their growth in Christ. [14:31]

2 Corinthians 3:1-3 (ESV)
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life whose spiritual growth you are praying for? How can you intentionally encourage or walk alongside them this week as evidence of God’s transforming work?

Day 2: Our Sufficiency Comes from God, Not Ourselves

Confidence in ministry and life does not come from our own abilities, skills, or self-sufficiency, but from God who makes us sufficient by His Spirit. The temptation to rely on ourselves—whether through pride in our strengths or discouragement in our weaknesses—can lead us away from dependence on God. True sufficiency is found in Christ, who calls us to serve not in our own strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit, trusting that He alone brings about real change and fruitfulness. [31:02]

2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (ESV)
Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Reflection: In what area of your life or service have you been relying on your own strength? What would it look like to surrender this to God and trust in His sufficiency today?

Day 3: The Spirit Gives Life and Enables Obedience

The old covenant, centered on the law written on stone, revealed God’s standard but could not change the human heart or empower obedience; it exposed sin and brought condemnation. In contrast, the new covenant brings the indwelling Spirit, who unites us to Christ, justifies us, and enables real transformation and obedience from the inside out. The Spirit’s work is the essential difference, making us alive to God and able to walk in His ways, not by our own effort but by His power. [41:59]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV)
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

Reflection: Where do you feel stuck in old patterns or unable to change? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring new life and empower you to walk in obedience in that area today.

Day 4: The Glory of the New Covenant Surpasses the Old

The glory of the new covenant far exceeds that of the old, not only in its brightness but in its accessibility, permanence, and transformative power. Unlike the fear and distance experienced at Mount Sinai, believers now behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, not with terror but with joy and hope. This surpassing glory is not fleeting but permanent, inviting us to celebrate and live in the reality of God’s presence and transforming grace both now and for eternity. [44:56]

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: How might you intentionally celebrate and reflect on the glory of Christ’s new covenant today, rather than living under the weight of guilt or condemnation?

Day 5: Ministry Is a Privilege of Grace and Outward Focus

The privilege of new covenant ministry is not just for leaders but for all believers, who are called to serve others, focus outwardly, and participate in God’s ongoing work of transformation. This ministry is not a burden to be carried in our own strength, but a joyful calling empowered by God’s sufficiency and sustained by the hope of eternal glory. As we behold Christ and are transformed, we are invited to encourage, pray for, and minister to others, trusting that God will continue His work in and through us. [48:39]

Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV)
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Reflection: Who is one person you can encourage or pray for today as an expression of the privilege and outward focus of new covenant ministry?

Sermon Summary

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3 invite us to marvel at the privilege and power of the new covenant ministry. The heart of this passage is a contrast between the old covenant, centered on the law written on stone, and the new covenant, where the Spirit writes on human hearts. Paul reminds the Corinthians that the true proof of gospel ministry is not found in external credentials or letters of recommendation, but in the transformed lives of people. The Corinthians themselves are living letters, evidence of Christ’s work through the Spirit, and this transformation is the mark of authentic ministry.

This transformation is not something we can produce by our own strength or sufficiency. Paul is clear: our sufficiency comes from God alone. The old covenant, with its external commands, revealed God’s holiness but could not empower obedience; it exposed our sin and left us condemned. But the new covenant brings the Spirit, who gives life, enables obedience, and unites us to Christ. In Christ, we are not only forgiven but empowered to live transformed lives. This is why Paul’s confidence is not in himself, but in God’s power to change hearts.

The glory of the new covenant far surpasses the old. While the old covenant came with a reflected, fading glory that brought fear and distance, the new covenant brings us face to face with the glory of God in Christ. This glory is not terrifying, but transforming. It is permanent, not passing. We are invited to behold God’s glory, not as fearful onlookers, but as beloved children being changed into his likeness. The ministry we share is not about numbers, status, or self-reliance, but about the Spirit’s work in and through us, producing fruit that lasts.

In a world that prizes self-sufficiency and external success, we are called to a different measure: fruitfulness through the Spirit, dependence on God, and a focus on people. The privilege of the new covenant is that we serve not in our own strength, but in God’s, and we do so with the hope of an unfading, eternal glory. May we not lose sight of this wonder, but continually return to the sufficiency and glory of Christ, allowing his Spirit to transform us and those we serve.

Key Takeaways

1. Transformed Lives Are the True Proof of Ministry The most compelling evidence of God’s work is not found in external credentials or impressive programs, but in the visible transformation of people’s lives. When the Spirit writes on human hearts, the fruit is unmistakable: changed desires, renewed relationships, and a growing likeness to Christ. This calls us to focus our efforts not on appearances or numbers, but on genuine spiritual fruit in ourselves and others. [14:31]
2. Sufficiency Comes from God, Not Ourselves Our culture prizes self-confidence and self-sufficiency, but the gospel calls us to a radical dependence on God. Whether we feel strong or weak, our ability to serve and see transformation is never rooted in our own skills or experience. True confidence is found in God’s sufficiency, which frees us from both pride and paralysis, and enables us to serve with humility and hope. [27:11]
3. The Spirit Makes All the Difference The old covenant revealed God’s standard but could not empower obedience, leaving us condemned by our own inability. The new covenant, however, brings the Spirit who unites us to Christ, justifies us, and enables real transformation. The Spirit’s presence is not just a theological truth, but a daily source of power for obedience, growth, and hope. [41:59]
4. The Glory of the New Covenant Surpasses All Else The glory of the old covenant was real but fading, marked by fear and distance. In Christ, we behold a surpassing, permanent glory that transforms rather than terrifies. This glory is not just for the future, but is experienced now as we gaze on Christ and are changed by his Spirit, with the promise of an even greater glory to come. [43:47]
5. Ministry Is Outward-Focused and Relational In an age of increasing isolation and self-focus, the call of the new covenant is to invest in people, to pray for and walk alongside others, longing for their transformation. The Spirit writes on hearts, not in isolation, but through relationships and community. We are invited to ask: who has God written on our hearts, and how are we seeking their good in Christ?

** [48:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:10] - Paul’s Defense and the Context of 2 Corinthians
[07:23] - Three Aspects of New Covenant Ministry
[09:16] - Letters of Recommendation and True Credentials
[10:48] - The Corinthians as Paul’s Living Letter
[12:33] - The Spirit’s Work: Not on Stone, but on Hearts
[14:31] - The True Measure: Fruitfulness, Not Numbers
[21:08] - Sufficiency: Not Ours, But God’s
[27:11] - The Danger of Self-Sufficiency
[32:17] - The Glory of the New Covenant
[33:30] - Mediation: From Fear to Face-to-Face
[37:19] - The Effects: Death vs. Life
[41:59] - The Spirit Enables Transformation
[43:47] - Surpassing and Permanent Glory
[46:23] - From Sinai to Zion: The Privilege of the New Covenant
[48:39] - Prayer and Closing Reflections

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 3:1-11 — - Jeremiah 31:31-34 (alluded to in the sermon: the promise of the new covenant written on hearts)
- Ezekiel 36:25-27 (alluded to in the sermon: God giving a new heart and Spirit)

Observation Questions

In 2 Corinthians 3, what does Paul say is the true “letter of recommendation” for his ministry? How is this different from the letters others carried? ([10:48])
According to Paul, what is the main difference between the old covenant and the new covenant? What images does he use to describe each? ([13:21])
In verses 4-6, what does Paul say about his own sufficiency and confidence as a minister? Where does it come from? ([21:08])
What does Paul call the old covenant in verses 7-9, and why does he use such strong language? ([32:17])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul say that transformed lives are the true proof of gospel ministry, rather than external credentials or impressive programs? How does this challenge the way we often measure success in church or ministry? ([14:31])
Paul says, “our sufficiency is from God.” What does it look like to rely on God’s sufficiency rather than our own abilities, both in ministry and in daily life? ([27:11])
The sermon describes the old covenant as “the ministry of death” and the new as “the ministry of the Spirit.” What does this mean for how we relate to God and to others? ([41:59])
The new covenant is described as bringing a “surpassing and permanent glory.” How is this glory different from what was experienced under the old covenant? ([43:47])

Application Questions

The sermon says that the most compelling evidence of God’s work is “the visible transformation of people’s lives.” Who in your life has been a “living letter” of Christ to you? How might your life be a letter to others? ([14:31])
Paul’s confidence was not in himself, but in God’s power to change hearts. Are there areas in your life or ministry where you are tempted to rely on your own strength or skills? What would it look like to shift your confidence to God’s sufficiency this week? ([27:11])
The Spirit is described as the one who “gives life, enables obedience, and unites us to Christ.” In what area of your life do you most need the Spirit’s help right now? How can you invite Him to work in that area? ([41:59])
The sermon contrasts the fading, fearful glory of the old covenant with the transforming, permanent glory of the new. Are there ways you still relate to God out of fear or a sense of condemnation? How can you more fully embrace the freedom and joy of the new covenant? ([43:47])
In a world that prizes self-sufficiency and external success, how can you intentionally focus on fruitfulness through the Spirit and investing in people this month? Is there someone God is putting on your heart to pray for, encourage, or walk alongside? ([48:39])
The sermon warns about the danger of becoming isolated or self-focused, especially in our digital age. What practical steps can you take to build deeper, more genuine relationships in your church or community? ([14:31])
The privilege of the new covenant is that we serve not in our own strength, but in God’s, with the hope of an unfading, eternal glory. How does this hope shape your attitude toward serving others, especially when it feels hard or unnoticed? ([46:23])

Sermon Clips

You see, Paul doesn't need a letter of recommendation because the Corinthians themselves are proof of the ministry that Paul has. Because as he's already stated, he's working for their joy. He will boast about them on the day of the Lord Jesus. [00:11:48]

Paul's letter is superior because actually it's not his letter at all. You see that in verse 3, that actually this was a letter from Christ and it was written by the Holy Spirit. Paul simply delivers it. It's a similar imagery that we've seen before of how Paul views his ministry in 1 Corinthians where he talks there about how he planted and Apollos watered but only God gave the growth. [00:12:21]

Paul's letter of recommendation is the Corinthians. Their transformation. A letter from Christ written by the Spirit on their hearts. That is what's bringing about the transformation in their community. The Spirit of God has come. [00:13:49]

The proof of New Covenant ministry it's not in the letters of recommendation it's not in an external law written on stone but it's the proof of a transformed life brought about by the Spirit of God and this is striking. [00:15:04]

For Paul the proof of his ministry the proof of new covenant ministry is not success by worldly standards bigger numbers or to throw out the measure all together it's fruitfulness it's transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit in our lives the true measure of ministry in the new covenant is fruitfulness and it should be the way we think about it we should see lives being transformed in this church we should see God's fruit being brought about. [00:17:39]

Is your focus on the people you are serving in the hope that they will be transformed because it's easy to lose sight of this isn't it I know for me in the midst of everything that goes on in life right it's possible that in our serving in our busyness in our programs in our efforts in whatever we're doing we actually lose sight of the very people we're supposed to be serving. [00:18:50]

Who are the people that God has written on your hearts who are the people that you are praying and longing for their transformation for the fruit of God to be seen in their lives is your focus still on people have you forgotten that the whole new covenant ministry is seen in the fruit of lives transformed. [00:20:49]

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us but our sufficiency is from God who made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant not of the letter but of the spirit for the letter kills but the spirit gives life. [00:22:00]

Under the new covenant, the Spirit of God is the one who is working in people's hearts. And this is why, for Paul, he can have such confidence in God that he'll see this happen. This is why, for Paul, he can say, it's not about me. I've been made sufficient myself. [00:25:03]

Both the source of the message, Christ, and the one who makes it effective, the Spirit of God, have a divine source. And so Paul can have great confidence, not in himself, not in his abilities, but in God. [00:25:33]

Nothing's changed from the first sermon to this one. I have to be dependent upon God to bring about that transformation, to work in our hearts, to work in my heart by the Holy Spirit. [00:27:32]

Have you begun to place confidence in your own abilities? Particularly, as I said with myself, maybe this is more of a danger as you grow older. To think about the various things you do in life, and I don't think this is only in our ministry serving of God, but in our workplaces too. It's all ultimately for God, right? Have we begun to depend upon ourselves and our own abilities? [00:27:49]

We know that in and of ourselves we are not strong. We are not self -sufficient. We are not enough. And so I would encourage you to think about whether you've begun to rely on your own abilities, whether you've begun to rely on your own skills. [00:29:36]

For those of us who are laboring to serve God, for those of us who want to serve Him, are doing it in various ways, whether that's reaching out to family members, whether that's in our workplaces, whether that's in ministry here at Canterbury Gardens, the reminder of this passage is that God is sufficient in what you are doing. You don't need to try and will up your own strength to be able to do it. God is sufficient in what you are doing. [00:31:05]

All throughout this letter, we're going to see it time and time again. He'll just put his weaknesses out there. He'll boast in them, because he's not confident in himself. It's just an extra opportunity for God to show His strength. New covenant ministry is made sufficient by God. [00:31:54]

We see here that there's a difference in the mediation of the covenants. The Israelites could not even look on Moses' face because of the fear that it brought them on seeing God's glory. And yet, in the new covenant, we behold the glory of God himself in the face of Jesus Christ. [00:35:43]

We're not just looking on a reflected glory as Christians, that we look on God's glory itself in Jesus Christ. And not in fear. We don't have to look in fear anymore, but we actually look and behold and glory in that glory and we are transformed by it. [00:36:07]

The law displayed God's righteous standard. It was good. It gave external commands to obey. But the problem is, it did not help us to obey. Our sinful hard hearts failed to live in obedience to these commands. In fact, it only imprisoned us all the more. [00:37:52]

Christ comes. He obeys the law on our behalf, does he not? He's the obedient covenant partner that we never were, that the Israelites never were. He fulfills the law on our behalf, but not only that, he also dies for our sins on the cross. He pays the price for our inability to obey, our increased sinning, even because of the law. [00:41:05]

When the Spirit comes, when we place our faith in Christ, he unites us to Christ. All that Christ has achieved becomes ours. We become righteous. His obedience to the law becomes our obedience to the law. No longer are we condemned, but we are righteous. [00:41:43]

The Spirit enables obedience and transformation in the lives of God's people. Our heart of stone is made a heart of flesh. The Spirit comes and actually enables us to be transformed. [00:42:24]

The old covenant had glory, but it's been surpassed. It's been surpassed by the greater glory in the new covenant. It's not this terrifying glory that the Israelites had because they couldn't live up, they couldn't come close to a holy God, but it's a glory as we behold Christ. The light has been switched on. [00:43:49]

The glory that we have under the new covenant will never end. Why? Because as I already stated, and in chapter 4, Paul will kind of point out this double glory that we have in a sense, right? Because what has happened to us? God is shined in our hearts by the Holy Spirit in 2 Corinthians 4 .6. We are now able to behold the knowledge, the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But not only that, that's us now. We get to behold God's glory, but there's a greater glory coming. This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. Because one day we will see the full glory of God when we see Jesus Christ. [00:44:42]

We haven't come to a terrifying mountain that only reveals our inability. We've come to a gathering, a party, a celebration. And maybe we need to be reminded of that picture this morning, to be reminded that that is the privilege of the ministry that we have, a ministry that where we see real transformation in other people, a ministry that calls us to focus outwardly, but a ministry that also is not something we have to do by our own strength, but by God's sufficiency in us and a ministry of a glory that will never end because God's glory will never end as we behold it for now and all eternity. [00:47:44]

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