Competence

Text: Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

Intro:

I. Paul’s reputation

First Criticism: 2 Corinthians 10:1

Second Criticism: 2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:6

Third Criticism: 2 Corinthians 10:8

Fourth Criticism: 2 Corinthians 11:5, 7–12; 12:13

Fifth Criticism: 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 12:16–19; 8:20–23

II. Paul’s defense

Call & provision

Results

III. Paul’s message

The new covenant and our sanctification

Law without the Spirit

Law with the Spirit

Application 1: Competence

God’s call & God’s provision: Isaiah 42:6; 43:1; 1 Peter 5:10

Application 2: Remember the message

Boasting in our…

Application 3: Wives & families