Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• Paul begins by declaring that we are Christ's representatives on earth. A transformed life is the best "advertisement" for Christianity.
• Paul then writes about the differences between the old covenant and the new covenant. The old covenant is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. It refers to the laws God gave people, such as the 10 Commandments, and the time in Israel's history when the only way to approach God was through trying to obey the law. Unfortunately, no one is perfect, so this covenant brought condemnation (see verse 9). However, through the new covenant, brought through Jesus' death and resurrection, we can now approach God through the Spirit. This covenant is greater and will last forever.
• After Moses encountered God his face radiated with light for days. He would wear a veil just to cover the blinding light. You can read more about it in Exodus 34:29-35. Paul used Moses' veil as an analogy. There is a veil between us and God. It prevents us from truly knowing him. But, when we give our life to Christ, the veil is removed and we can see things clearly and experience God's presence like Moses did.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• Thanks to Jesus, we live under a new covenant and have direct access to God. We can experience what Moses did -- and more. As we spend time thinking about God, focusing on God, and being with God, we will increasingly reflect and be transformed into his image.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Does your life represent Jesus? Has your life been transformed by him? We can invite our friends to come to church or read the Bible, but they need to see it in our lives. We can tell our family that Jesus is awesome, but, if we don't actually live it, it may not matter. Have you experienced transformation? Or are you the same person you were a year ago? Where has there been growth?  If you're not seeing transformation, is it because your focus is somewhere besides God? Are you spending sufficient time with Him? God's heart is that you would be transformed into His image.