Daily Bible Plan - 2. Corinthians

11. September 2025

Devotion by Presiding Elder Jeff

Theme: Set Apart – 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Introduction

The entrance of our studies is taken from 2 Corinthians 3:1–18.

In verses 1–5, the great Apostle Paul makes an apology to commend himself, not out of vain glory, but to defend his sincerity to the Corinthian church. Some people sought to destroy his reputation, yet

Paul tells them he did not need letters of commendation, for his life and ministry were a living testimony.

Those who knew the truth could see that Paul was a true apostle and a witness of the living God. His very life showed that God had sent him to deliver them from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ.

Verse 3

Paul explains in verse 3 that the Corinthians themselves were his letter—written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Nothing was more delightful to Paul, or to any faithful minister, than to see this fruit of the gospel. Yet he was careful not to praise himself but to give all the glory to God through Jesus Christ.

Verse 6

In verse 6 he continues: “The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.” Paul here compares the old covenant with the new. The old covenant, written on stone and given through Moses, brought death and condemnation because no one could fully keep the law. But the new covenant, through Christ, brings life, grace, and righteousness by the Spirit of God.

Verses 7-11

Verses 7–11 remind us that the old covenant had glory—so much that the Israelites could not steadily look at the face of Moses when it shone. Yet that glory was fading. The new covenant, however, is far more glorious, for it is the ministry of righteousness that remains forever. If the law, which brought condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the gospel of Christ, which brings justification and life!

Verses 12-15

In verses 12–15, Paul speaks of the veil that covered Moses’ face and how, even now, a veil lies over the reading of the old covenant. The minds of many remain blinded, unable to see the truth of Christ. But in verse 16 he declares: “Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.”

Verses 17-18

The chapter closes with verses 17–18: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” In Christ, the veil is removed, liberty is given, and believers are daily transformed into the image of Christ by the Spirit of God.

Reflection Questions

• The old covenant brought condemnation, but the new covenant gives life (v.6–11). How does living under the Spirit set you apart from those who still rely on the “letter” of the law?

• When the heart turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (v.16). What veils might still keep you from being fully set apart for God?

• We are being transformed from glory to glory by the Spirit (v.18). How can you daily allow the Spirit to set you apart and shape you into Christ’s image?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the glory of the new covenant through Christ Jesus. Thank You that in Him the veil is taken away and that Your Spirit gives life. Help me to walk in liberty and not in bondage, to live as one transformed into the image of Christ from glory to glory. Let my life be a testimony, written by Your Spirit, that others may see Christ in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be blessed,

Presiding Elder Jeff

Fortified City Church | Basel City Church