2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 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 by the Spirit of the Lord. 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

This subject of glory, or the glory of God that's to shine through our lives, is not a subject isolated to this passage. The term glory or its derivatives is used in excess of 30 times in 1 & 2 Corinthians. Well over half of those references have to do directly with this subject of the glory of God seen in the countenance of Christ, and should be seen in us. In the New Testament, this subject of glory is mentioned in excess of 200 times. Not all of those references have to do with the glory of God seen in the conduct of the Believer, but many do.

Let's take a few minutes to look at some of these references to glory. These verses are not arranged in any order or category. I want us to read these passages to condition our minds to this subject in the sense it is used by the Holy Spirit in 2 Corinthians 3-4. I will limit my remarks to clarification and emphases of the passages being observed.

1 Corinthians 2:7-8 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

I trust you are familiar enough with the passage (2 Corinthians 4:7) on earthen vessels and its immediate context, so you can make many more comparisons than I mention in this brief fly by. Several things will illuminate and expand the truths taught about this glory that is to be seen through our earthen vessels. As we have seen in earlier studies, this "wisdom of God in a mystery" (1 Corinthians 2:7) has reference to all the material in the Word of God, and especially to its conclusion and reconciliation in the redemptive program of God through Christ.

Notice, the revelation of this truth, that was in the mind of God before the ages began, was for our glory. Notice also, that if the "rulers of this age", the age when Christ was on earth, had known the wisdom of God, by seeing that wisdom in God's glory as demonstrated in the conduct of those who possessed that wisdom, those rulers would not have crucified the "Lord of glory". That is a powerful truth when compared with:

2 Corinthians 4:2-4 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled [not manifest], it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Throughout the Scriptures, God presents this fact from every conceivable angle. Yet, we so often ignore it, and turn to our own human logic. We are to renounce the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the Word of God deceitfully.

May I jolt your memory with these facts. We have spent weeks presenting these truths, and they are found in every part of the Word of God. It makes a big difference how we live and what we do in our conduct. We must also be very careful how we handle the Word of God. How we handle the Word of God will make a difference in what we believe, and the way we live what we believe.

The truth of God, that is within a Believer, unveils the light of the gospel of God, when that truth is demonstrated in the Believer's conduct. Then, even those blinded by the god of this age can see the truth of the Word of God, and can believe. The Holy Spirit says in 1 Corinthians 2:8, that if the unsaved rulers of Christ's day had known that truth [which is for our glory], they wouldn't have crucified Christ.

Do you want to change the world? Then allow your life to be transformed within and without, and live in holiness in your conduct. When you follow Gods instructions, your part of the world will be illuminated with light of His glory through your earthen vessel.

Your light may not seem like a search light or a bolt of lightning, but it is the Light of the glory of God. The Light of the glory of God is what is needed to illuminate the hearts of those outside of Christ, and Believers not walking in Spirit. If God needs a search light or a bolt of lightning to touch the hearts of those around you, He is perfectly capable of using the light from your earth vessel in that manner. Our job is to make sure that the light is able to shine through our earthen vessel. It's God's job to make the light effective in the hearts of those who see that light.

You want to make a real difference in your world? Then demonstrate holiness in your conduct. This will be a sacrificial service for others, instead of seeking to gain profit for yourself, as we will see in the next verse.

We just scratched the surface of the deep information in this passage, and only looked at a small part of the significance of these truths to our subject at hand (1 Corinthians 2:7-8). I trust as we read these other passages, you will allow the Holy Spirit to compare the truth of those passages with our passage on earthen vessels.

1 Corinthians 10:30-11:1 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

If you look at the context of this passage, these truths are set in the background of not judging others concerning things not clearly defined as wrong in the Word of God.

It is hard to rush over these great truths and only brush them. However, let me point out some of the very obvious truths here. It is the obvious that we so often miss, as was brought out so aptly by Pastor Eric in the Tue Night Class.

We are to do all things to [not for as in the NIV] the glory of God v.31. Our action of doing all to the glory of God is in contrast to seeking my own profit v 33. I'm sure you remember:

1 Timothy 6:5-6 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

If there is any parallel here, please think on it, and apply it to your life, not someone else's. Notice the purpose of doing all things to the glory of God, instead of seeking my own profit. That purpose for doing all to the glory of God, instead of seeking my own is presented in v.33, and that purpose is that they may be saved.

Ever wonder why so few turn to the saving grace of God? Well, if we examine our motive for doing things, we might find the answer. If we do spiritual or church things only for our own profit, then we are not interested in the salvation of others, or the growth of other Believers. We are not even interested in having the mind of Christ, unless we esteem others better than ourselves, and are also looking out for the interest of others.

Folks, we need to see these things! Until we see how far short we have fallen from the glory of God, we will never be willing to accept the discipline needed to demonstrate that glory in our lives.

Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

You remember, a holy lifestyle is one of the most powerful tools of evangelism. If you're really interested in seeing others come to know the Lord as Savior, you will do all things to the glory of God, and not seek your own profit or benefit.

If we are truly seeking to do all to the glory of God, we will receive the desire of our hearts from God. We are to follow the example of others (1 Corinthians 11:1), only to the extent that they are imitating Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). There is much more in this passage, but we must move on.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

There is far too much in this verse, with its context, to make coherent comments in a short time. I do need to point out that the promises of God, the Word of God, are to the glory of God through us. By the way, that will shed a lot of light on the phrase we just looked at in 1 Corinthians 10:31, that says we are to do all to the glory of God. Theology is so mysterious, isn't it? No, theology is quite simple, if we get our information from the Word of God only, and allow the Holy Spirit to compare all Biblical information with all other Biblical information.

If you try to get your information, for spiritual living, from the experiences of others or the philosophy of the world, your theology will become a tangled web of useless wranglings and strife. Folks that is such a simple principle. Yet one that is attacked or ignored more than any other principle of Biblical interpretation.

2 Corinthians 3:7-11 But if the ministry of death [Mosaic Law], written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious [the Law] had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels [New Covenant]. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

Later in this series, we will look at this passage in some detail. For now, let me point out some very obvious facts that will help with the overall picture of this glory. Moses spent 40 days face to face with God in the mountain. That personal fellowship with God brought glory to his countenance v.7. However, the longer Moses was away from the presence of God, the less glory was seen in his countenance. There is obviously much more in this passage, but for now, please file those facts for later use.

2 Corinthians 3:18 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 by the Spirit of the Lord.

In similar manner as Moses, we can enter the process of being transformed into the glory of God in our countenance. We don't need to go to the mountain to be in the presence of the Lord, we need only to look into the mirror (2 Corinthians 3:12).

This is a process, not an accomplished fact. When we step away from that mirror, like Moses when he was away from the presence of God, that glory of God's image in our countenance fades, and is replaced with the image of the old sin nature.

Two questions:

The answer to those questions will give understanding as to why and how much glory of Christ's image is in your conduct, or how little of that glory is demonstrated to others through your earthen vessel.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Just a couple of items from the many things in this passage. Satan blinds the minds, but he can only blind the minds of those who have already set their minds on non-belief. Satan blinds those unbelieving minds so that the light of the glory of the gospel cannot shine on their hearts and minds.

When Believers veil their gospel, they are helping Satan in his work. The light of the Gospel in the glory of Christ is a powerful fact, as we see in:

John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

This passage is referring particularly to the crucifixion of Christ, as we see from the next verse.

John 12:33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

Just a couple of observations from this passage. Christ said, "If I am lifted up" on the cross, "I will draw all peoples to Myself". He was lifted up, so, all peoples are drawn to Him.

This and other passages present a problem for those who hold to the assumption that only some are drawn to Christ. Christ did not say that all peoples would accept Him as Savior, but the chasm that separated all mankind from God was closed on the cross, and all peoples are drawn to Him.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

Yes, through Christ's life and the work of redemption, by means of the cross on which He was lifted up, everything that can separate mankind from God has been removed, except the volition or will of mankind. Each person must see this truth and believe or accept the provision of God, the Lord Jesus as Savior and redeemer.

The world was brought-back to God, or has been reconciled to God. Now the world needs to come-back to God, or receive that reconciliation. That is the blessedness of this ministry of reconciliation committed to us, the Believers every Believer, not just preachers.

Part of our job as ambassadors for Christ is to lift Him up. Not in the sense of putting Him back on the cross, but by living in such a manner that the life of Christ is seen in our conduct (Galatians 2:20).

As we will see, in our passage in 2 Corinthians 3-4, by living in such a manner, the life of the Believer becomes an epistle of Christ that can be read and understood of mankind. This illumination of the unbeliever comes in spite of the fact that Satan has blinded the eyes of their souls or understanding.

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

The Believer who is living the life of Christ in their conduct, and is not in love with their own living, but willingly gives their life as a living sacrifice, has a testimony that is a powerful force against sin and Satan.

We're not talking about the public declaration of an extraordinary event that happened in the life of some Believer. Sad to say, when there is the public declaration of events from the life of a Believer, to often, the fact of those events are embellished just a little to make a better testimony.

The testimony being referred to in this passage is that consistent day-in and day-out godly living through Christ in the little things and the big things. It is a testimony that most would find boring, if they heard it in a testimony meeting.

This real testimony (Hebrews 11) is to the fact that life in Christ is sufficient to make a difference! A difference in their relationship with their spouse, their children and/or parents, their friend, their boss, etc. This is a testimony that a life in Christ is sufficient to change their perspective towards things, time, and to see the value of things compared to eternity. A testimony that this life in Christ is sufficient to change attitudes, language, temperaments, relationships, goals, motives, etc.

When we think of a testimony, our minds too often go to: "I was sick and God healed me" or "I was flat broke and God sent..." or "I was driving down the interstate, and right there in my lane, coming right at me was a speeding car. I prayed and God..."

Those are testimonies, but those testimonies pale when compared to a testimony of a changed life that is demonstrating holiness through the conduct. The church generally gives the testimonies of changed circumstances top billing.

How often do we give a second thought to the testimony of a person who had a violent temper, but God transformed that life to one of compassion, tenderness, longsuffering, etc.

How would we rate the testimony of a person who had an out of control tongue dripping with bitterness and vindictiveness, and improper words spewed out of their speech like lava from a volcano, but God changed that person so their speech was seasoned with grace. Would we consider that testimony just a little bit ho-hum? That testimony should be at the top of the list of great testimonies of all times.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.

Even if you had some dramatically changed circumstance, let's say like winning the lottery, which would be a minor miracle. That testimony would be insignificant compared to one who had the testimony of speech seasoned with grace.

James 3:7-8 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

You want a testimony that will be of eternal value? Then don't be too concerned with the changing of a few outward circumstances. Those accounts of changed physical circumstances will impress people, but have very little to do with changing their minds and hearts about Christ.

You remember the account of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The Rich Man had good circumstances all his life, but Lazarus didn't have many good circumstances. The church would let, no, the church would try to get the Rich Man to give a testimony about his good things.

Lazarus wouldn't be ask very often to give his testimony in church, if at all, However, God thought enough of Lazarus' testimony to write it down for all generations to read. Both men died. Lazarus went to Paradise or it was called by the Jews, Abraham's Bosom, but the Rich Man went to Torments or Hell. We can't look at the whole account, but the last part of that account sheds a great deal of light on this subject.

Luke 16:25-31 "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' 27 "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' 29 "Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' 30 "And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 "But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' "
If you were to choose a tool of evangelism, 
and you had the choice of:  
The first five books of the Bible, plus the confusing prophetic books. or 
Someone fresh from the grave by a miraculous resurrection. 
Which would you choose?

Don't check your choice, yet. Please make that choice in your mind. In that way, you'll have a better chance of being truthful. We know the right answer. But in reality, which would be more impressive to you, honestly?

Hebrews 11:39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

Our opinion of a good testimony, is quite often very different from God's opinion. Our opportunity to lift up Christ to a world should be a testimony of reality about a changed -- transformed life, not just a change in a few physical circumstances.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

If having money or good health is a proper testimony, then those who have the most money, and the best health should be Christians. Yes, even the best Christians. We need to be careful what kind of testimony we use in our attempt to lift up Christ. The wrong testimony will actually put down Christ. Looking at what makes a good ambassador for Christ, and the power it takes to make that person a good ambassador, we need to go back to the passage that started us on this little journey.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

I deliberately did not include the preceding verse when we looked at this passage earlier in the lesson. So let's look at it now.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

If you have that testimony, you will make a good ambassador for Christ. The purpose of the redemption of Christ was not to make our life more comfortable in this world. But to make us different from this world, and prepare us to live in the world to come. That is part of this light of the glorious Gospel. Believers need to learn to live in that light, and the world needs to see that light lived out through our earthen vessels.

Don't talk about reaching others for Christ, until you have reached out to make your life like Christ's. Don't expect to bring others to Christ, until you are willing to have and are walking in a conduct like Christ's. How do you expect to point someone else to Christ, when you are not following the One you are pointing to? How do you expect others to believe, when you tell them that Christ is sufficient, but there is no evidence in your life of His sufficiency to bring holiness to your conduct?

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Too many of us are far more concerned with immediate glory from humans, than we are with the "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory". When our purpose and motives are for the praise of men and the comfort of this present life, whatever glory and comfort we receive from mankind is all the comfort we'll get, and we already have our reward, such as it is. When our purpose and motive is eternal, we receive some things now (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) and a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory throughout eternity.

Matthew 6:2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
Matthew 6:5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
Matthew 6:16 Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
2 Corinthians 10:17 But He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.
© Clyde White, Austin TX, 1998