The Corinthians had a sight problem because they failed to see the priorities of God. n God’s glory cannot be seen when its man’s glory they seek!

The Corinthians had a sight problem because they The Corinthians had a sight problem because they failed to see the priorities of God.failed to see the priorities of God.

God’s glory cannot be seen when its man’s God’s glory cannot be seen when its man’s glory they seek! glory they seek!


God’s glory cannot be seen when its man’s God’s glory cannot be seen when its man’s glory they seek! glory they seek!

This problem was evident in Paul’s first This problem was evident in Paul’s first epistle. epistle. (1 Cor 1:11-12; 3:5-7; 4:6)(1 Cor 1:11-12; 3:5-7; 4:6)


1 Corinthians 1:11-12 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 1:11-12 (NKJV) - For it - For it has been declared to me concerning you, has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household,household, that that there are contentions among there are contentions among youyou. 12 Now I say this, that each of you . 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “says, “I am of PaulI am of Paul,” or “,” or “I am of ApollosI am of Apollos,” ,” or “or “I am of CephasI am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” ,” or “I am of Christ.”


1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (NKJV) - Who then - Who then is Paul, and who is Paul, and who isis Apollos, but ministers Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, through whom you believed, as the Lord as the Lord gave to each onegave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos ? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then then neither he who plants is anything, nor neither he who plants is anything, nor he who watershe who waters, but , but God who gives the God who gives the increaseincrease. .


1 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV) - Now these - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us sakes, that you may learn in us not to think not to think beyond what is writtenbeyond what is written, that none of you , that none of you may may be puffed up on behalf of one against be puffed up on behalf of one against the otherthe other..


In the second epistle the problem has In the second epistle the problem has reached this stage. reached this stage. (2 Cor 10:12)(2 Cor 10:12)


2 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV) - For we - For we dare not dare not class ourselves or compare class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend ourselves with those who commend themselvesthemselves. But they, . But they, measuring themselves measuring themselves by themselvesby themselves, and , and comparing themselves comparing themselves among themselvesamong themselves, are not wise., are not wise.


Sadly Paul had to defend himself against Sadly Paul had to defend himself against false charges from these men because they false charges from these men because they viewed him as a competitor for this human viewed him as a competitor for this human glory. glory. (2 Cor 7:2; 10:10)(2 Cor 7:2; 10:10)


2 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV) - - Open Open your your heartshearts to us to us. We have wronged no one, we . We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. one.


2 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV) - “For - “For hishis letters,” they say, “letters,” they say, “are are weighty and weighty and powerful, but powerful, but hishis bodily presence bodily presence isis weak weak, , and and hishis speech contemptible speech contemptible.”.”


In this kind of carnal atmosphere men will In this kind of carnal atmosphere men will miss something far greater … the miss something far greater … the exceeding glory of God. exceeding glory of God. (John 5:43-44)(John 5:43-44)


John 5:43-44 (NKJV) John 5:43-44 (NKJV) - I have come in - I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; Me; if another comes in his own nameif another comes in his own name, , him him you will receiveyou will receive. 44 How can you believe, . 44 How can you believe, who who receive honor from one anotherreceive honor from one another, and , and do not do not seek the honor that seek the honor that comescomes from the from the only Godonly God??


It was judaizing teachers that were It was judaizing teachers that were appealing to the carnality of brethren appealing to the carnality of brethren in their attempt to mix the Old and New in their attempt to mix the Old and New laws.laws.


It was judaizing teachers that were It was judaizing teachers that were appealing to the carnality of brethren appealing to the carnality of brethren in their attempt to mix the Old and New in their attempt to mix the Old and New laws.laws.

Paul wants these Christians to see God’s Paul wants these Christians to see God’s past, present and future glory.past, present and future glory.

The Sufficiency of God. (3:1-6)The Sufficiency of God. (3:1-6)

Paul’s work with the Corinthians gave him Paul’s work with the Corinthians gave him an easy defense of his ministry. an easy defense of his ministry. (3:1-3)(3:1-3)


2 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV) - Do we - Do we begin again to commend ourselvesbegin again to commend ourselves? Or do ? Or do we need, we need, as some as some othersothers,, epistles of epistles of commendation to you or commendation to you or lettersletters of of commendation from you? 2 commendation from you? 2 You are our You are our epistle written in our heartsepistle written in our hearts, known and , known and read by all men; read by all men;


3 clearly 3 clearly you areyou are an epistle of Christ, an epistle of Christ, ministered by usministered by us, written not with ink but , written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that that is,is, of the heart. of the heart.


What they actually are in Christ came What they actually are in Christ came through Paul’s work.through Paul’s work.


Paul could make a point like Peter where he Paul could make a point like Peter where he can appeal to their own personal memory. can appeal to their own personal memory. (Acts 2:22)(Acts 2:22)


Acts 2:22 (NKJV) Acts 2:22 (NKJV) - “Men of Israel, hear - “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, Him in your midst, as you yourselves also as you yourselves also knowknow——


His work was personal and done as a His work was personal and done as a servant for their good. servant for their good. (Acts 18:8; 1 Cor 4:15)(Acts 18:8; 1 Cor 4:15)


Acts 18:8 (NKJV) Acts 18:8 (NKJV) - Then Crispus, the ruler - Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And all his household. And many of the many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptizedbaptized..


1 Corinthians 4:15 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 4:15 (NKJV) - For though - For though you might have ten thousand instructors in you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet Christ, yet you doyou do not not havehave many fathers; many fathers; for in Christ Jesus for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you I have begotten you through the gospelthrough the gospel..


If Paul was not a real apostle, then what If Paul was not a real apostle, then what would that make the Corinthians? would that make the Corinthians? (1 Cor 9:1-2)(1 Cor 9:1-2)


1 Corinthians 9:1-2 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 9:1-2 (NKJV) - - Am I not Am I not an apostlean apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen ? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my Are you not my work in the Lordwork in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to ? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, others, yet doubtless I am to youyet doubtless I am to you. For . For you you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lordare the seal of my apostleship in the Lord..


Real evangelism must take place in opening Real evangelism must take place in opening hearts and involving yourselves with hearts and involving yourselves with people. It cannot be done at a distance people. It cannot be done at a distance hiding in an office.hiding in an office.


This is a struggle for the mind. Paul tried to This is a struggle for the mind. Paul tried to appeal to a logical consistency. Satan uses appeal to a logical consistency. Satan uses emotions and deceit to veil and close the emotions and deceit to veil and close the mind. mind.


This is a struggle for the mind. Paul tried to This is a struggle for the mind. Paul tried to appeal to a logical consistency. Satan uses appeal to a logical consistency. Satan uses emotions and deceit to veil and close the emotions and deceit to veil and close the mind. mind.

Can you tell who really cares for you? Can you tell who really cares for you? (Gal 4:17)(Gal 4:17) (Ex. Disciplining Movement) (Ex. Disciplining Movement)


Galatians 4:17 (NKJV) Galatians 4:17 (NKJV) - - They zealously They zealously court youcourt you, , butbut for no good; yes, they want for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that to exclude you, that you may be zealous for you may be zealous for themthem. .


The sufficiency comes from God. The sufficiency comes from God. (3:4-6)(3:4-6)


2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (NKJV) - And we - And we have have such trust through Christ toward Godsuch trust through Christ toward God. . 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of think of anything as anything as beingbeing from ourselves from ourselves, , but but our sufficiency our sufficiency isis from God from God, 6 who also , 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenantcovenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; , not of the letter but of the Spirit; for for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives lifethe letter kills, but the Spirit gives life..


Sufficient = able or competent. This shows Sufficient = able or competent. This shows the power and wisdom of God!the power and wisdom of God!


Sufficient = able or competent. This shows Sufficient = able or competent. This shows the power and wisdom of God!the power and wisdom of God!

Earlier the sufficiency was shown in the Earlier the sufficiency was shown in the way God has revealed the gospel. way God has revealed the gospel. (2:16)(2:16)


2 Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV) - To the one - To the one we arewe are the aroma of death the aroma of death leadingleading to death, to death, and to the other the aroma of life and to the other the aroma of life leadingleading to to life. And life. And who who isis sufficient for these things sufficient for these things??


Now the writing of God’s word on the Now the writing of God’s word on the hearts of the Corinthians is another example hearts of the Corinthians is another example of the power of God. of the power of God. (3:5-6)(3:5-6)


Now the writing of God’s word on the Now the writing of God’s word on the hearts of the Corinthians is another example hearts of the Corinthians is another example of the power of God. of the power of God. (3:5-6)(3:5-6)

The power is not in men but the gospel of The power is not in men but the gospel of Christ. Christ. (2 Cor 4:2, 5)(2 Cor 4:2, 5)


2 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV) - But we have - But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscienceman’s conscience in the sight of God. in the sight of God.


2 Corinthians 4:5 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 4:5 (NKJV) - For - For we do not we do not preach ourselvespreach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, , but Christ Jesus the Lord, and and ourselves your bondservantsourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ for Jesus’ sake.sake.


If the gospel is not written on our hearts we If the gospel is not written on our hearts we have never been converted! have never been converted! (Rom 8:9; Heb 8:10-11; 10:16-17)(Rom 8:9; Heb 8:10-11; 10:16-17)


Romans 8:9 (NKJV)Romans 8:9 (NKJV) - But you are not in - But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. His.


Hebrews 8:10-11 (NKJVHebrews 8:10-11 (NKJV) ) - For this is the - For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put I will put My laws in their mindMy laws in their mind and and write them on their write them on their heartshearts; and I will be their God, and they shall ; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 None of them shall teach his be My people. 11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. of them to the greatest of them.


Hebrews 10:16-17 (NKJV) Hebrews 10:16-17 (NKJV) - “This is the - “This is the covenant that I will make with them after covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: those days, says the Lord: I will put My I will put My laws into their heartslaws into their hearts, and , and in their minds I in their minds I will write themwill write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their ,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”no more.”


How does the Holy Spirit write upon our How does the Holy Spirit write upon our hearts? hearts? (Eph 1:13; 3:3-5)(Eph 1:13; 3:3-5)


Ephesians 1:13 (NKJV)Ephesians 1:13 (NKJV) - In Him you also - In Him you also trusted, trusted, after you heard the word of truthafter you heard the word of truth, , the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believedhaving believed, you were sealed with the , you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Holy Spirit of promise,


Ephesians 3:3-5 (NKJV)Ephesians 3:3-5 (NKJV) - how that by - how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery revelation He made known to me the mystery (as (as I have briefly written alreadyI have briefly written already, 4 by which, , 4 by which, when you readwhen you read, , you may understand my you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christknowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5which ), 5which in other ages was not made known to the sons in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as of men, as it has now been revealed by the it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophetsSpirit to His holy apostles and prophets::

The Glory that Excels (3:7-11)The Glory that Excels (3:7-11)

2 Corinthians 3:7-11 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 3:7-11 (NKJV) - But if the - But if the ministry of death, ministry of death, written and engraved on written and engraved on stonesstones, was , was gloriousglorious, so that the children of Israel , so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, because of the glory of his countenance, which which glory was passing awayglory was passing away, 8 how will the , 8 how will the ministry ministry of the Spiritof the Spirit not be not be more gloriousmore glorious? 9 For if the ? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in gloryof righteousness exceeds much more in glory..


10 For even what was made glorious had no 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, glory in this respect, because of the glory because of the glory that excelsthat excels. 11 For if what is passing away . 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains was glorious, what remains is much more is much more gloriousglorious..


The Old Testament Law was a ministry of The Old Testament Law was a ministry of death? Why?death? Why?


The Old Testament Law was a ministry of The Old Testament Law was a ministry of death? Why?death? Why?

Because it was never meant in itself to save. Because it was never meant in itself to save. Men could not keep it perfectly. Men could not keep it perfectly. (Heb 8:6-8,13; Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:20)(Heb 8:6-8,13; Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:20)


Hebrews 8:6-8 (NKJV)Hebrews 8:6-8 (NKJV) - But now He has - But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better covenant, which was established on better promises. 7 For promises. 7 For if that first if that first covenantcovenant had had been faultlessbeen faultless, then no place would have , then no place would have been sought for a second. been sought for a second.


8 8 Because finding fault with themBecause finding fault with them, He says: , He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—Judah—


Hebrews 8:13 (NKJV)Hebrews 8:13 (NKJV) - In that He says, - In that He says, “A new“A new covenant,” covenant,” He has made the first He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.and growing old is ready to vanish away.


Acts 13:39 (NKJV)Acts 13:39 (NKJV) - and by Him - and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all everyone who believes is justified from all things from things from which you could not be which you could not be justified by the law of Mosesjustified by the law of Moses. .


Romans 3:20 (NKJV)Romans 3:20 (NKJV) - Therefore by - Therefore by the the deeds of the law no flesh will be justifieddeeds of the law no flesh will be justified in in His sight, for by the law His sight, for by the law isis the knowledge the knowledge of sin.of sin.


God wanted men prepared to receive their God wanted men prepared to receive their Savior. If salvation came through the law Savior. If salvation came through the law then Jesus died in vain. then Jesus died in vain. (Gal 2:19-21)(Gal 2:19-21)


Galatians 2:19-21 (NKJV)Galatians 2:19-21 (NKJV) - For I through - For I through the law the law died to the law that I might live to Goddied to the law that I might live to God. . 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the the lifelife which I now live in the flesh I live by which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the I do not set aside the grace of Godgrace of God; for ; for if righteousness if righteousness comescomes through the law, then Christ died in vainthrough the law, then Christ died in vain.”.”


How then were those under the first How then were those under the first covenant saved? covenant saved? (Heb 9:15-16; Rom 4:1-6)(Heb 9:15-16; Rom 4:1-6)


Hebrews 9:15-16 (NKJV)Hebrews 9:15-16 (NKJV) - And for this - And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, covenant, by means of death, for the by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenantfirst covenant, that those who are called may , that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where there 16 For where there isis a testament, there must a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. also of necessity be the death of the testator.


Romans 4:1-6 (NKJV)Romans 4:1-6 (NKJV) - What then shall we - What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has justified by works, he has somethingsomething to boast to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Scripture say? ““Abraham believed God, and it Abraham believed God, and it waswas accounted to him for righteousnessaccounted to him for righteousness.”.” 4 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.counted as grace but as debt.


5 But to him who does not work but 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousnesshis faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 , 6 just as David also describes the blessedness just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom of the man to whom God imputes God imputes righteousness apart from worksrighteousness apart from works::


When the two covenants are compared one When the two covenants are compared one is “better” or “more glorious”.is “better” or “more glorious”.


When the two covenants are compared one When the two covenants are compared one is “better” or “more glorious”.is “better” or “more glorious”.

This is illustrated by the veil placed upon This is illustrated by the veil placed upon Moses face.Moses face.


If they could only truly see this glory, then If they could only truly see this glory, then they would have know about the utter they would have know about the utter emptiness in pursing men’s praise.emptiness in pursing men’s praise.


If they could only truly see this glory, then If they could only truly see this glory, then they would have know about the utter they would have know about the utter emptiness in pursing men’s praise.emptiness in pursing men’s praise.

Do we understand the awesome glory of the Do we understand the awesome glory of the forgiveness of sin in Christ?forgiveness of sin in Christ?(Jn 1:16-17)(Jn 1:16-17)


John 1:16-17 (NKJV)John 1:16-17 (NKJV) - And of His - And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, Moses, butbut grace and truth came through grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ.


It is possible for one to enter a local church It is possible for one to enter a local church with little understanding of what it really with little understanding of what it really means to be a Christian. Satan looks to means to be a Christian. Satan looks to exploit these. exploit these. (1 Cor 3:1-3)(1 Cor 3:1-3)


1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV) - And I, - And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual peoplepeople but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able until now you were not able to receive it,to receive it, and and even now you are still not able; 3 for even now you are still not able; 3 for you are you are still carnalstill carnal. For where . For where there there areare envy, strife, envy, strife, and divisions among youand divisions among you, are you not , are you not carnal carnal and behaving like and behaving like meremere men men??

The Blindness of Israel (3:12-18)The Blindness of Israel (3:12-18)

2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (NKJV) -Therefore, -Therefore, since we have such hopesince we have such hope, we use , we use great boldness great boldness of speechof speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil — 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could over his face so that the children of Israel could not not look steadily at the end of what was passing look steadily at the end of what was passing awayaway. 14 But . 14 But their minds were blindedtheir minds were blinded. For until . For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because reading of the Old Testament, because the veil the veil is taken away in Christis taken away in Christ. .


15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a a veil lies on their heartveil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless . 16 Nevertheless when when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken awayone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. . 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, all, with unveiled facewith unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror , beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lordthe glory of the Lord, are , are being transformed being transformed into the sameinto the same image image from glory to gloryfrom glory to glory, just as , just as by the Spirit of the Lord. by the Spirit of the Lord.


We have a hope and a confidence that We have a hope and a confidence that causes us to stand up and speak!causes us to stand up and speak!


We have a hope and a confidence that We have a hope and a confidence that causes us to stand up and speak!causes us to stand up and speak!

Do you see the glory? Are you also Do you see the glory? Are you also compelled to speak? compelled to speak? (2 Cor 4:13-14; 5:10-11)(2 Cor 4:13-14; 5:10-11)


2 Corinthians 4:13-14 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 4:13-14 (NKJV) - And - And since we have the same spirit of faith, since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, according to what is written, ““I believed I believed and therefore I spokeand therefore I spoke,”,” we also believe and we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present up with Jesus, and will present usus with you. with you.


2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (NKJV) - For we - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things Christ, that each one may receive the things donedone in the body, according to what he has in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade we persuade menmen; but we are well known to God, and I ; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.also trust are well known in your consciences.


Why do we exist as a church? Is it the glory Why do we exist as a church? Is it the glory that excels or our current status among that excels or our current status among men?men?


Why do we exist as a church? Is it the glory Why do we exist as a church? Is it the glory that excels or our current status among that excels or our current status among men?men?

Israel however continued looking at the Israel however continued looking at the earthly side of things and thus was blind. earthly side of things and thus was blind. (3:14-15)(3:14-15)


2 Corinthians 3:14-15 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 3:14-15 (NKJV) - But their - But their minds were blinded. For until this day the minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the the Old Testament, because the veilveil is taken is taken away in Christ. 15 away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heartheart..


Why were they blind? They failed to have Why were they blind? They failed to have honest hearts. honest hearts. (Luke 8:15)(Luke 8:15)


If you talked to these men they would point If you talked to these men they would point you to their heritage, the temple and many you to their heritage, the temple and many things God had done in the past. Jesus had things God had done in the past. Jesus had deal with such things from the Jews. deal with such things from the Jews. (Matt 3:9-10)(Matt 3:9-10)


If you talked to these men they would point If you talked to these men they would point you to their heritage, the temple and many you to their heritage, the temple and many things God had done in the past. Jesus had things God had done in the past. Jesus had deal with such things from the Jews. deal with such things from the Jews. (Matt 3:9-10)(Matt 3:9-10)

This blindness was foretold. This blindness was foretold. (Matt 13:15)(Matt 13:15)


Matthew 13:15 (NKJV)Matthew 13:15 (NKJV) - For the hearts of - For the hearts of this people have grown dull. this people have grown dull. Their ears Their ears Bare hard of hearing, And their eyes they Bare hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’turn, So that I should heal them.’


I have learned that most men do not want to I have learned that most men do not want to think and do not want to see.think and do not want to see.


The only way to recover the mind is found The only way to recover the mind is found in repentance. in repentance. (3:16)(3:16)


2 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV) - Nevertheless - Nevertheless when one turns to the Lordwhen one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken , the veil is taken away.away.


It is remarkable how Satan can lead smart It is remarkable how Satan can lead smart men into very apparent foolishness but they men into very apparent foolishness but they will not see. will not see. (4:3-4)(4:3-4)


2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NKJV) - But even if - But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god the god of this age has blindedof this age has blinded, who do not believe, , who do not believe, lest the light of lest the light of the gospel of the glory of the gospel of the glory of ChristChrist, who is the image of God, , who is the image of God, should should shine on themshine on them..


This is why we cannot play with sin. This is why we cannot play with sin. (1 Tim 4:1-2)(1 Tim 4:1-2)


1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NKJV) - Now the Spirit - Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own their own conscience seared with a hot ironconscience seared with a hot iron,,


On the other hand, look at the incredible On the other hand, look at the incredible transformation that God can work in us over transformation that God can work in us over time. time. (3:16-18)(3:16-18)


2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) - But we all, - But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are the glory of the Lord, are being transformed being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lordjust as by the Spirit of the Lord..


Can you see the glory? Your heart and your Can you see the glory? Your heart and your mouth will be filled with praise! mouth will be filled with praise! (Rom 8:29)(Rom 8:29)


Romans 8:29 (NKJV) Romans 8:29 (NKJV) - For whom He - For whom He foreknew, He also predestined foreknew, He also predestined to beto be conformed to the image of His Sonconformed to the image of His Son, that He , that He might be the firstborn among many might be the firstborn among many brethren.brethren.


Yield your heart to God. Open your eyes Yield your heart to God. Open your eyes and see the glory!and see the glory!

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The Corinthians had a sight problem because they failed to see the priorities of God. n God’s glory cannot be seen when its man’s glory they seek!