Paul uses contrast to help us recognize true spirituality. He examines the old against the new, the flesh in opposition to the Spirit, the Old Covenant (Mosaic law) counter to the Spirit of Life. God’s truth engraved in stone could only condemn as a law code under Moses; but, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Spirit of Life brought God’s truth to the heart. Externally, the law shows us where we fail to meet God’s perfect standard. Internally, His Spirit gives us more than enough to meet His requirements. This happens when we repent, are born again, putting off the old and putting on the new. Let’s examine the contrasts to test our spirituality:
THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE OLD (SELF) VS. SUFFICIENCY FROM GOD
“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” [2 Cor 3:5 ESV]
In his defense, Paul doesn't think of himself as sufficient. Everything that has been accomplished by him has been accomplished by God. Remember Moses rejected God’s call to lead the people from Egypt five times (5x!) because he felt insufficient and every time he rejected God’s call, God responded with a promise of His very presence. Jeremiah felt he was insufficient and tried to disqualify himself from the prophetic office. Just as before, God promised His presence.
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 We put ourselves in a strange circumstance: on one hand, we tell God “I am insufficient. You can’t use me,” and we try to disappear into the bushes. Then while we hide, we compose our own spirituality, telling God how He should be with us in the world of our own making.
Listen, if you feel insufficient, you are! We can only go as far as ourselves. But if what we have is from God, we have more than enough.
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It comes down to is this: If you are self-sufficient then you must know all there is to know about the spiritual realm to create your own spirituality. The only other option is to let God’s Spirit do it for you. If you feel insufficient to be used by God, and admit you are insufficient to create your own spirituality, you are in the perfect position for Him to glorify Himself through you.
