2 Corinthians 3-3.29.22

Scripture 

II Corinthians 3:4-5  

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant ... 

Observation 

From the moment Jesus revealed himself to Paul, Paul devoted his life to spreading the good news. In Romans 11:13, he calls himself, “the apostle to the Gentiles.” (Apostle – sent on a mission, Gentiles – not Jews, or those who don’t know God). He was sent on a mission to share the good news with those who needed to hear it. He became the first church-planter and experienced great success in his calling. The church in Corinth is one of those churches he planted. As he is writing to the Corinthian church, he acknowledges that his confidence and his success comes from God. 

Understanding 

I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t feel like a competent minister. Something tells me that Paul wasn’t immediately well-equipped either. Even so, he had experienced Jesus and he was going to share that experience with everyone that he could. 

The ESV Study Reformation Bible says, “Paul insists throughout the rest of the letter that faithfulness to these tasks (trusting God, sharing the message)—not eloquence, deep philosophical thought, or worldly standards of personal excellence—is the basis of a valid ministry.” 

So what is holding me back? Am I waiting until I have more knowledge? Until I am a better speaker? Until I suddenly become braver? Why do I need to be brave? My competence comes from God. Am I waiting until I have a great story to tell? Guess what, just like Paul, I DO have a great story to tell! 

Life Application 

God, help me to put aside the excuses, the fear, the pride, the vanity. Open my eyes to those around me who need to hear your good news. Remind me that you have made me a competent minister. 

-Debbie Dunn