February 16, 2025

RIGHT WAY LIVING: THE POWER OF MINISTRY

February 16, 2025

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, we continue our series, Right Way Living in a Wrong Way World, as we go through 2 Corinthians. None of us would deny we are living in a world out of control and going the wrong way. The good news is, 2 Pet. 1:3 tells us ‘His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness.’ We really don’t have to worry about anything.  All God has asked of us is to love Him and love other people with all that we are. When we asked the Lord to save us and forgive our sins, and we turned from our wicked ways and sought His face, He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is living and active in our lives, helping us through every difficulty, no matter how challenging. God the Spirit indwelling us as we go through this life and a future with God for eternity. What a win-win situation!

Focal Passages: 2 Corinthians 3-4, Rom. 1:16.

The ministry of the Spirit:                                                                                                                 

  • Read 2 Cor. 3:1-6. Who was trying to destroy the church in Corinth, getting the Christians off the right path? What was their purpose? What were they saying? Why were they undermining Paul’s authority?
  • In verses 2-3, what was Paul saying about their lifestyle? Think of your own life: are others able to look at what you say and do, and know that you are a believer, because your heart is a reflection of the work of Christ? Read Jer. 31:33. Who does the work? What is the visible evidence that you belong to Christ?
  • Who gets the glory for our salvation? Are we capable of anything on our own? Is this why the world is in turmoil right now—that so many people are trying their own way and not looking to God? What point was Paul trying to make about the law? If we read 20—the law given to Moses—will that save us? What is the only thing that brings salvation? How did the law prepare the way for the New Covenant?
  • How is it possible to show that God the Holy Spirit resides in you by the actions you perform when no one is around? What is some invisible evidence you belong to Christ? Are you listening each moment to the Holy Spirit?

The ministry of the promise:

  • Read verses 7-8. Why did Paul refer to the law as a “minister of death”? How did the law of Moses and the New Covenant of grace differ? Think of Matt. 5: what point was Jesus making about the law?
  • Read verses 9-10. What was the point of the OT law if it wasn’t salvation? (Gal. 3:24). What is man’s greatest need? What is God’s greatest gift? Read Gal. 2:21. Is Paul saying in verse 10 that there is no comparison between the law ‘of death’ and grace?
  • How did everything change when salvation was available to us, and we became indwelt by God the Holy Spirit?
  • Read vv. 14-18. Paul was a minister to the Gentiles; did he have any problem with them accepting Jesus as Savior? Read Rom. 9:1-5. How badly did he wish for the Jews to become saved? In verse 14, why did most Jews not accept Jesus? In verse 16, what is the only thing that takes away the veil that blinds the eyes of the unsaved?
  • In verse 18, how does the Holy Spirit change everything?

The ministry of the gospel:

  • Read 2 Cor. 4:1-6. What is the superb result of having the ministry of the Holy Spirit living within us? Is this your attitude when things get so heavy on your heart? Read John 6:67-69. Is this your ‘war cry’ when you feel like quitting?
  • In verse 2, what is Paul saying his conduct is like? Read John 1:47. Is that what Paul meant? Can that be said about you? Are there little things that you do that are deceitful?
  • In verses 5-6, think of Paul’s humility. What are some examples that come to mind?
  • What greater gift could you have than salvation, with the Holy Spirit being with you, in you, and helping you at all times?

Take Aways:
Spend more time recognizing the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Spend less time focusing on the performance of your faith.
Never lose sight of the wonder of the gospel.

Close:

Have you given much thought to the amount of time you spend on your body, your clothes, and your priorities? For instance, in the morning you take time to make yourself presentable, and perhaps during the day or evening, if you have a special appointment, you may do all of it over again. Another shower, outfit, and so much more. For some women, two hours is about right each time, for men, probably not nearly that much. And we could go down the list with everything that falls into each category of our day. Soon, it’s bedtime. And yet—those are not important in the grand scheme of things if you remember that our “vessel” (our body) is nothing but clay, or dust, and yet we pamper it like it’s the ultimate prize. But the internal—the heart, soul, mind, and spirit, that’s where the focus needs for be. That should be our priority. When we get up in the morning, we need to set the tone for the day by talking to God. Choose joy! Read your Bible and pray. Be certain God is first in your life. Check the attitude of your heart, making certain all is well there. Make sure the humility is there, the gratefulness, the love, the holiness, the purity. God the Holy Spirit is dwelling there—let Him feel at home.

By Sandy Day
February 16, 2025

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