Saturday, April 20, 2013

2 Corinthians 3:5,6 – Condemnation Kills but the Spirit gives LIFE

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant (GRACE) – not of the letter (LAW i.e. 10 commandments) but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:5,6


Many of us are familiar with the Gospel account of how four good friends, undeterred by the crowds blocking their way, broke through the roof of the house Jesus was in and lowered their paralyzed friend on his mat, right in front of Jesus. (Matthew 9:2, NLT – Some people brought to Him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, My child! Your sins are forgiven.”)

When Jesus saw the sick man, He said, “Be encouraged, My child! Your sins are forgiven.” These bold, gracious words scandalized some legalistic scribes there, but they penetrated and restored the soul of the poor paralytic. For years, he had probably believed that he was paralyzed because of his sins. Jesus then said to the man, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (Matthew 9:6). And the paralytic man leaped to his feet!

NOTE: Before the man could receive healing from the Lord, he needed to be assured that his sins were forgiven. Why? Because receiving becomes easy when you know and believe that you’ve been forgiven of your sins (NO Condemnation) and are free to enjoy all the good that God has for you (NOT Sin-conscious)!

When you know that your sins are forgiven because you believe in Jesus, you will begin to thank the Lord for His grace and rejoice in the fact that you are completely forgiven and can receive the healing and provision you need from Him!

Give our Lord Jesus all the praise :)

(source: Pastor Joseph Prince's "meditate and believe right")

No comments: