Glory in the Process

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18

“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.”

Reflection:

The glory of God is not a sudden transformation but a process. As believers, we are being shaped and refined daily, moving from one level of glory to another. This can be challenging because the process often involves trials, waiting, and surrendering our own desires. Yet, in this process, God is doing a greater work in us than we can imagine. His goal is to make us more like Him—radiating His glory.

Consider a diamond. Its beauty is revealed only after intense pressure and cutting. Similarly, God’s glory in our lives is revealed as He takes us through seasons of refining. Every hardship, every delay, every prayerful moment is part of the process to reflect His character and purpose in us.

Application:

1. Trust the Process: Even when you don’t see immediate results, trust that God is at work in your life. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but His glory will shine in you as you stay faithful.

2. Embrace Growth: Instead of resisting challenges, lean into them, knowing they are opportunities for God to shape you into His image.

3. Reflect His Glory: Ask yourself, “How can I reflect God’s glory today?” It might be through showing kindness, forgiving others, or staying faithful in prayer.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the work You are doing in my life. Help me to trust Your process, even when it seems challenging. I want to reflect Your glory in every area of my life. Transform me day by day into Your image, so that others may see You through me. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Deeper Dive Read & Reflection: 2 Corinthians 3

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 3

2 Corinthians 3 is a rich and theologically significant passage in which Paul discusses the contrast between the Old Covenant (law of Moses) and the New Covenant (life in Christ). It emphasizes the transformative power of the Spirit of God and the glory that comes from being part of the New Covenant.

Key Themes and Commentary

1. The Ministry of the Old Covenant vs. the New Covenant (Verses 1–6)

• Paul begins by defending his apostleship, stating that the Corinthians themselves are his “letter of recommendation,” written not with ink but by the Spirit of God (v. 2-3).

• He contrasts the letter of the law with the Spirit:

• The Old Covenant, written on tablets of stone, brought death because it revealed sin but could not save.

• The New Covenant, written on hearts by the Spirit, brings life, transformation, and freedom.

Key Insight: The New Covenant is superior because it relies on the Spirit, not human efforts. It brings inner transformation rather than mere external obedience.

2. The Glory of the New Covenant Surpasses the Old (Verses 7–11)

• Paul acknowledges that the Old Covenant had glory, as seen in Moses’ face shining after receiving the law. However, this glory was temporary and fading.

• In contrast, the New Covenant’s glory is permanent and ever-increasing because it is rooted in Christ and the Spirit.

Key Insight: The Old Covenant’s glory revealed God’s holiness but also highlighted human sin and inadequacy. The New Covenant surpasses it because it not only reveals God’s glory but enables believers to live in it through the Spirit.

3. The Unveiling of the Glory of God in Christ (Verses 12–16)

• Paul describes how Moses veiled his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the fading glory of the Old Covenant. Similarly, unbelievers are “veiled” in their understanding of God because they are still under the law.

• When someone turns to Christ, this veil is removed, and they can see God’s glory clearly.

Key Insight: The veil represents spiritual blindness or separation from God. In Christ, this separation is removed, and believers can experience the fullness of God’s glory.

4. Transformation Through the Spirit (Verses 17–18)

• Paul concludes with a profound truth:

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (v. 17).

• Through the Spirit, believers are being transformed into the image of Christ from “glory to glory.”

• This transformation is ongoing and reflects God’s work in us as we draw closer to Him.

Key Insight: The Christian life is a process of continual transformation, where the Spirit works in us to reflect Christ’s character. This transformation is not our own doing—it is the result of the Spirit’s power in us.

Key Applications from 2 Corinthians 3

1. Embrace the Freedom in Christ: The New Covenant brings freedom from the burden of the law. In Christ, you are no longer striving for righteousness through your own works; instead, you rely on His grace and the Spirit’s power.

2. Seek Transformation, Not Perfection: God is transforming you into His image daily. This process may be slow or painful at times, but it is leading you to greater glory in Him.

3. Remove the Veil: If there are areas in your life where you feel spiritually blind or disconnected from God, turn to Christ and allow Him to “remove the veil” so you can see His glory clearly.

4. Reflect God’s Glory: Just as Moses reflected the glory of God, we are called to reflect Christ’s glory to the world. This happens as we allow the Spirit to transform us.

Summary of 2 Corinthians 3

Paul uses the Old and New Covenants to teach about the surpassing glory of the life and freedom found in Christ. While the law revealed God’s holiness and humanity’s sin, it could not save. The Spirit, given under the New Covenant, brings life, liberty, and an ever-increasing glory. Believers are invited into a process of transformation, reflecting God’s glory and being changed into the image of Christ.