The Lord

2 Corinthians 3:13-18

Introduction

The Holy Spirit is the liberating presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, bringing spiritual transformation to believers. In 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, the Holy Spirit is called the Lord because He is the spiritual presence of Jesus Christ operating in the life of the believer. He is intricately connected to the Lord’s work since He is the Spirit of the Trinity. Spiritual transformation begins when God brings us into a new relationship with Christ. From this point forward, the Holy Spirit links us to Christ, bringing freedom and deliverance as a result of our connection to Him. The Holy Spirit transforms us, making our actions and attitudes as well as our character and conduct more like that of Christ.

The instrument of spiritual transformation is the Holy Spirit. He is the agent of the Lord because He uses the Word of God to change believers into the image of the Lord. This is important for believers to understand. The Spirit does not bring about transformation apart from the Word. He also moves us forward in our faith through stages – from glory to glory – and that often happens through the trials allowed in our lives. This is why we must learn to look at our trials as an opportunity to take the next step in our spiritual growth and development.

As believers, we have a responsibility to engage in the transformational work of the Holy Spirit. First, we must turn to the Lord. Then, we must expose ourselves. Exposure implies that we are willing to come to the Lord with an unveiled face. We must come honestly to the Lord – not hidden. Finally, we must yield to the Word of the Lord by saying ‘yes’ to what God says and walking in obedience and surrender. This allows the Holy Spirit to be activated in the transformational process of our lives. The Holy Spirit does the Lord’s work in us, and is connected by name and essence to the Lord of all.

Getting Started

1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the Lord of your life? How is this different than simply believing in God and His Son?
2. What point from today’s sermon resonated most with you about the Holy Spirit’s role in our spiritual growth and making us more like Christ?

Let’s Get Personal

1. Spiritual transformation begins when God brings us into a new relationship with Christ. What transformation – actions, attitudes, character or conduct – have you seen in your life because of the Spirit’s presence?
2. In what areas do you want or need to experience the Holy Spirit’s transformational work in your life?
3. Has God’s Word played a role in your transformation? If so, in what way has that happened?
4. As you look at your life and what you do with your time, are you intentionally prioritizing your engagement in God’s Word through reading and study? Is there anything you need to adjust to make more time in your life for the reading and study of God’s Word?

Take the Next Step

1. Learning to look at our trials as an opportunity is key to our spiritual growth and development. What current trial do you need to look at with fresh eyes?
2. Have you been honest with God? Why or why not? If you can comfortably share the answer with your group, do so. What will it mean for you this week to begin coming to God with an unveiled face?
3. Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Romans 8:28-29; 12:1-2; James 1:19-25; Hebrews 5:11-15.

Renew Your Mind

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18