2 CorinthiansSample

Some critics expect letters of recommendation from Paul to confirm his qualifications. Paul is not fundamentally against such letters (cf. Acts 15:25; 18:27; 1 Corinthians 16:10), but in this case, the demand is absurd: After all, he founded the church in Corinth himself. His letter of recommendation—that is, the Christians in Corinth! The fact that they have come to faith shows that God has worked through him. But Paul did not write this "letter," but the Spirit of God did.

Paul elaborates on this thought: The old covenant was characterized by the law, which man had to fulfill—but no one could keep it completely. Therefore, this covenant led to death. The new covenant, in contrast, is characterized by the Spirit. God's Spirit Himself writes His law on our hearts (cf. Ezekiel 36:26) and shapes us into people according to His will.

How does this happen? By looking to Jesus. The more we behold him—through the Spirit—the more we are transformed into his likeness. That is the path of true transformation.

For Reflection:

You do not have to change yourself—no one can do that. But when you look to Jesus, His Spirit works in you. Step by step, He makes you more like Him.