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Grace Groups Discussion Guide

A discussion guide, to be used in midweek Grace Group settings, based on the most recent Sunday morning sermon.

2 Corinthians 3:7–18—The Glory of the New Covenant

Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:7–18

Recollection

1. What stood out to you as you listened to the sermon on Sunday morning? Was there anything said on which you require further clarity?

Observation

2. The apostle Paul wanted to help the Corinthians to see the glory of the gospel and to appreciate the glorious gospel dispensation in which they lived.

In what ways is the new covenant/the gospel more glorious than the old covenant?

Since we also live in the days of the new covenant, how should this is encourage us?

How should this inform the way we live?

3. God veiling his glory from sinful humanity was his gracious act of protecting sinners from death since sinners cannot stand before a holy God and live.

Under the new covenant, what does a proper appreciation of the fear of God look like?

According to our passage, how does the new covenant make it possible for us to be accepted in God’s presence?

4. Despite the “fading glory” of the old covenant, most Jewish people did not see that it was temporary with the purpose of pointing to the “outcome” of Jesus Christ (vv. 13–14). Their hearts were veiled (v. 15).

Was the hardness of hearts the result of God or of themselves?

What are some evidences of “the veil” lying over an individual’s heart in our own context?

Application

5. How can we exhort unbelievers to be saved if the removal of the veil “comes from the Spirit” (vv. 16–17)?

6. Consider and discuss the practical implications of the following: Gospel information is essential for a person to be converted, but gospel transformation is equally essential.

Practically, how should this affect our self-examination of our profession of faith?

How should this truth affect the way we raise our children?

Supplication

7. Write down some prayer requests mentioned in your Group and pray for them throughout this week.

Grace Group Terms 2024

Term 1 2024: 14 Jan – 17 Mar

Term 2 2024: 07 Apr – 09 Jun

Term 3 2024: 07 Jul – 15 Sep

Term 4 2024: 06 Oct – 24 Nov

Recall the Sermon

The Glory of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 3:7–18)

by Doug Van Meter | 2 Corinthians Exposition