Knowing God—A Study in 2nd Corinthians

Moving Beyond Knowledge into Experience—

Igniting the Tinder of Truth by the Fire of the Spirit

This conference was presented in Northern Virginia February 28–March 2, 2014.

 

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness,
who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2Co 4:6

 

Second Corinthians is much more than just a defense and vindication of Paul’s ministry. It expounds the foundation of his life and service in the experiential knowledge of God in all His varied manifestations to Paul. In other words, Paul was who he was, and did what he did, because he continued to grow in his knowledge of God. This knowledge was not merely intellectual or academic. Rather it was essentially experiential, as Paul came to know the living Christ in his daily life.

2nd Cornthians – Knowing God – 2014-Northern Virginia

Gene Cunningham - February 13, 2000

Cross to the Crown #3

Two sources of spiritual power: Spirit and Truth. Discipleship is to learn Christ and not doctrines. Paul's teaching transformed the Corinthians' lives (2Co 3:1-3), but they started to turn away. His credentials (1Co 6:9-11) the Corinthians had the evidence. Sufficiency comes from God (2Co 2:16). The Law kills, but the Spirit is life (2Co 3:4-6). The Law is Holy (Rom 12:7); the problem is the approach to the Law (Gal 3:24). You miss the point if you study the Law meticulously to follow it (Joh 5:37). The power of the Law is to condemn a sinner -- we're accountable to God and His Holiness (2Co 3:7-11). "Passing away" (2Co 3:11) means "rendered powerless" (e.g. like Rom 6:6). The cross of Christ rendered the Law powerless in the New Covenant. Paul's instruction is for believers. The pitfalls of knowledge focus is neglect of the Spirit (1Co 8:1, 2Co 1:4). Moses on Sinai communed with God and reflected His Glory (Exo 34:29). It's a rebuke to someone else if you're transformed. You have to rely on the ministry of the Spirit to be transformed (2Co 3:14-18). Moses veiled his face to illustrate the hardness of the heart of Israel -- an indictment on them, not Moses. He took the veil off when he (Exo 34:34). In 2Co 3:16, "turning" to God lifts the veil: turn to God from idols (1Th 8:9-10); confession (1Jo 1:9); fellowship (1Jo 1:7). If we don't have a veil we will reflect God's Glory (2Co 3:18). We will become an ambassador of Christ (2Co 4:1-6). We become a minister to others (2Co 4:7-12). We become a leading example (2Co 4:13-18). He has given us priesthood, ambassadorship, ministry (Heb 10:22-25).

Scripture References: Romans 12:7, John 1:9, Exodus 34:34, Exodus 34:29, Romans 6:6, John 5:37, Hebrews 10:22-25, Galatians 3:24, John 1:7

Related Topics: Sanctification | More Messages from Gene Cunningham | Download Audio

From Series: "The Cross to the Crown"

To get from 'the cross to the crown' we need to make decisions to live a life of spiritual dynamics using God's provisions -- His Word and Spirit. This series given in early 2006 before Gene moved back to the States outlines ten aspects of our discipleship.

More Messages from Gene Cunningham...

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