An Olympic marksman was certain he had hit dead centre, the judges found no mark at all, because the bullseye he hit belonged to the next lane. That story opens a study of 2 Corinthians 3, where Paul answers Corinthians fascinated by miracles and revelations by telling them what the real goal of the Christian life is. Knowledge, experiences and signs can all be good, yet they are like lightning that lights up the horizon and vanishes, while the Holy Spirit works as quietly and patiently as the sun. Listen in and check which target you are aiming at.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In 2 Corinthians 3:4-18 Paul contrasts the covenant of the letter written on stone tablets with the covenant of the Spirit. What is the difference, and why does he say the letter kills but the Spirit gives life?
- The Corinthians admired teachers who boasted of revelations, signs and extraordinary experiences. How does Paul respond by recalling the story of Moses, the burning mountain and his shining face?
- The sermon named three wrong targets: knowledge about God, spiritual experiences, and signs and miracles. Which one are you most tempted to aim at, and what does that reveal about your approach to faith?
- The speaker compared the Old Covenant to lightning and the work of the Holy Spirit to the sun, which seems ordinary yet carries far more energy. Where do you see God's quiet, everyday work in your life?
- Paul says believers reflect the Lord's glory like a mirror and are being transformed into His image, gradually, from glory to glory. What does it mean to you that God shows His glory through His people rather than through special places?
- In what specific situation this week do you want others to see the character of Jesus in you, and how can you open yourself to that?
