Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Two ministries compared

a) The ministry of the Old Covenant

b) The ministry of the New Covenant

2. There are similarities

3. There are also differences

7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away,

8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.

10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.

11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—

2 Corinthians 3:7-12

THE MINISTRY OF MOSES

1. In his own right

a) Moses was an outstanding servant of God

b) He was faithful and obedient

c) His ministry stood out significantly

d) Paul was not finding fault with Moses’ ministry

2. Moses’ ministry compared to the New Covenant

Paul described the Old Covenant ministry in the following ways:

a) The ministry of death

b) The ministry of condemnation

c) The laws were engraved in stones

d) It had its glory

e) But this glory was passing away

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD COVENANT

1. He anoints the servants of God

2. He imparts needed spiritual gifts:

a) Strength

b) Wisdom

c) Power

d) Skills

3. His ministry

a) Restricted

b) Prophets

c) Outstanding individuals

d) Special occasions

4. His greater involvement

a) Prophesied   (Joel 2)

b) Prayed for   (John 14-16)

c) Fulfilment of prophecy   (Acts 2)

d) The Apostles and church members were filled with the Spirit of God
They were greatly empowered for life and ministry

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Paul described the New Covenant ministry glowingly

1. The key Person is the Holy Spirit Himself

2. The ministry of righteousness

3. It possesses exceedingly great glory

4. It is far superior to the ministry of Moses

HOPE IN THE NEW COVENANT MINISTRY

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:1-5

1. A diagram given

a) Faith

b) Peace

c) Access

d) Hope

2. The outworkings

a) Tribulation

b) Perseverance

c) Character

d) Hope

3. The involvement of the Holy Spirit

a) The love of God has been poured out into our hearts

b) The Holy Spirit is wonderfully involved in this process

CONCLUSION

1. Every reason to rejoice

2. Much encouragement to persevere

3. This Hope God has put in our hearts will not disappoint us