2 Corinthians 3:4–6: And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
The dual sources for Paul’s sufficiency for ministry were the new covenant’s radical transformation of heart coupled with the life-changing, enabling power of the Holy Spirit—“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (vv. 5, 6). Paul’s weakness and the Lord’s strength—it was an unbeatable combination, as it has always been, from the least to the greatest.” 1
Personal Application
- Read John 15:5. How does this verse help you to live the Christian life?
Godly Encouragement
- If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. –John 15:7
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
Sufficiency apart from Christ is really insignificancy. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You for being all that I ever need. Forgive me for trying to find any significance apart from you.
1. Hughes, R. K. (2006). 2 Corinthians: power in weakness. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.