Two Periods of the New Testament Ministry: The Ministry of the Spirit VS The Ministry of Righteousness
2 Corinthians 3:8 "How shall not the ministry of the Spirit be more in glory?"
2 Corinthians 3:9 "For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory."
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Comparison Aspects |
The Ministry of the Spirit (First Period) |
The Ministry of Righteousness (Second Period) |
|---|---|---|
|
Meaning |
The initial stage of the New Testament ministry, focusing on the work and indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers |
The mature stage of the New Testament ministry, focusing on the righteousness and reality manifested in believers' lives through the Spirit |
|
Degree of Glory |
In glory (with glory) |
More exceedingly full of glory |
|
Characteristics |
The indwelling and operation of the Holy Spirit, but not yet fully manifested as righteousness in daily life |
The work of the Spirit bearing the fruit of righteousness, manifesting God's nature in daily life |
|
Examples |
A family that has received the Holy Spirit, having the Spirit indwelling, but not yet fully living out the Spirit |
A family not only having the Spirit indwelling, but also living out righteousness according to the Spirit of life within, allowing visitors to see the glory |
|
Applications |
1. Initial stage of Christian life 2. Receiving the baptism and indwelling of the Holy Spirit 3. Beginning to be led by the Holy Spirit |
1. Mature stage of Christian life 2. Living out the fruit of righteousness through the Spirit 3. Manifesting God's nature and righteousness in daily life |
|
Interrelationship |
The indwelling of the Spirit is the foundation and driving force for the manifestation of righteousness, an essential stage |
The manifestation of righteousness is the goal and result of the Spirit's work, showing the maturity of the Spirit's work |
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Related Scriptures |
Romans 8:2 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free" Romans 8:9 "But if the Spirit of God dwells in you, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit" Galatians 5:16 "Walk by the Spirit" |
Romans 6:13 "Present yourselves to God, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God" Romans 8:4 "That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace..." |
Conclusion:
The New Testament ministry progresses from the ministry of the Spirit (first period) to the ministry of righteousness (second period). In the first period, the ministry is in glory as the Spirit indwells believers. As this ministry matures into the ministry of righteousness, where the indwelling Spirit is expressed through righteous living, it becomes more exceedingly full of glory. This progression reveals God's intention that the Spirit's work within believers should ultimately be manifested as righteousness in their daily lives.
*Please refer to Life-study of 2 Corinthians, Chapter 30, Deacons and Ministry Become One
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