THE DIFFERENCE THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN MAKE

TEXT- 2 CORINTHIANS 3:7-11

INTRODUCTION


This morning we are going to continue with our study from the book of Second Corinthians which the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth.

The last time we looked at this book we learned in 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 that Paul had a proven ministry.

Today our text is found in 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 and the title of my message is, "The Difference The Holy Spirit Can Make."

In verses 7-11 the word "glory" is used ten different times.  In using this word Paul is contrasting the difference between the glory of the law of Moses and the glory that comes through the Holy Spirit.

A college student stayed up all night studying for a zoology test.  As he entered the classroom the next morning, he saw ten stands with ten birds on them with a sack over each bird and only the legs showing.  He sat right on the front row because he wanted to do the best he possibly could.  The professor announced that the test consisted of looking at each birds' legs and then giving their name, habitat, and species.  The student looked at the ten pairs of bird legs.  They all looked the same to him. He began to get very upset.  Here he had stayed up all night cramming and now he had to identify birds by their legs.  The more he thought about it the madder he got.  Finally, he couldn't stand it any longer.  He got up went to the professor and said, "What a stupid test!  How could anyone tell the difference between birds by looking at their legs?"  With that the student threw his test paper on the desk and stomped toward the door.  The professor was shocked and didn't know what to say, but just as the student reached the door he the professor yelled.  "Hey, wait!  What's your name, young man?" The furious student stopped, turned around, pulled up both pant legs, and said, "You guess, buddy!  You guess!"

As we examine this passage. Paul points out three very clear differences between the ministry of the law and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our text.  Let’s look at three things the Holy Spirit can do for us.