THE GLORY THAT EXCELS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Corinthians 3:7-11
Key Verse: “For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.” — 2 Corinthians 3:10 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Exodus 34:29-35; Romans 8:18; Haggai 2:9; John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 12:18-24
Description: The New Covenant carries a greater and lasting glory through Christ, surpassing the temporary glory associated with the old covenant and transforming believers into the likeness of Christ.
INTRODUCTION
The Bible reveals that God is a God of glory. His glory was manifested in creation, revealed to Israel, displayed through the tabernacle and temple, and ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. However, Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 3 that there is a glory associated with the New Covenant that excels the glory of the old covenant.
Moses experienced a remarkable manifestation of God’s glory when he received the law on Mount Sinai. His face shone after encountering God, and the children of Israel could see the glory reflected upon him. Yet Paul explains that this glory was temporary and fading. The glory of the New Covenant, however, is greater because it is connected with the ministry of the Spirit and the righteousness that comes through Christ.
The glory that excels is not merely about outward splendour, material prosperity or human recognition. It is the transforming presence of God revealed through Christ and manifested in the lives of His people. God is calling His Church beyond yesterday’s experiences into a deeper revelation of His glory that produces lasting transformation.
1. GOD’S GLORY WAS MANIFESTED UNDER THE OLD COVENANT
The old covenant was not without glory. It was given by God and demonstrated His holiness, righteousness and majesty. However, its glory pointed forward to something greater.
a. Moses Encountered the Glory of God (Exodus 34:29-30) — Moses’ face shone after spending time in the presence of God, demonstrating the effect of divine encounter.
b. The Law Was Given in Glory (2 Corinthians 3:7) — The ministry engraved on stones came with such glory that the Israelites could not continually look at Moses’ face.
c. God’s Presence Was Revealed to Israel (Exodus 40:34-35) — The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle and demonstrated God’s presence among His people.
d. The Old Covenant Pointed Towards Christ (Galatians 3:24) — The law served as a tutor directing humanity towards the greater revelation found in Christ.
Biblical Example: Moses’ face shone after encountering God on Mount Sinai — Exodus 34:29-35.
2. THE GLORY OF THE NEW COVENANT IS GREATER
Paul makes it clear that the glory of the New Covenant surpasses the glory of the old. The reason is that the New Covenant provides righteousness and life through the Spirit.
a. The Ministry of the Spirit Has Greater Glory (2 Corinthians 3:8) — The Spirit brings life and transformation in a way the written law could not accomplish.
b. The Ministry of Righteousness Excels (2 Corinthians 3:9) — The New Covenant reveals righteousness through Christ rather than condemnation through the law.
c. The Greater Glory Has Come Through Christ (Hebrews 8:6) — Jesus is the Mediator of a better covenant established upon better promises.
d. The New Covenant Is Everlasting (Hebrews 13:20) — Unlike the fading glory associated with the old covenant, the work of Christ establishes an enduring covenant.
Biblical Example: At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and empowered them to proclaim Christ with boldness — Acts 2:1-4.
3. THE EXCELLING GLORY IS FOUND IN CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God’s glory. The glory believers experience is not independent of Christ; it flows from relationship with Him.
a. Christ Is the Word Made Flesh (John 1:14) — Jesus manifested God’s glory among humanity, full of grace and truth.
b. Christ Reveals the Glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:6) — The knowledge of God’s glory is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.
c. Christ Is Greater Than Moses (Hebrews 3:3) — Moses was faithful as a servant, but Christ is worthy of greater glory as the Son over God’s house.
d. Christ Lives in the Believer (Colossians 1:27) — The presence of Christ within believers is the hope of glory.
Biblical Example: Peter, James and John witnessed Christ’s glory at the Transfiguration — Matthew 17:1-8.
4. THE EXCELLING GLORY TRANSFORMS THE BELIEVER
God’s glory is not merely something we observe; it is something that changes us. The closer we walk with Christ, the more His character is reflected through our lives.
a. We Are Changed From Glory to Glory (2 Corinthians 3:18) — The Holy Spirit progressively transforms believers into Christ’s image.
b. Our Minds Are Renewed (Romans 12:2) — Transformation occurs as our thinking is renewed according to God’s truth.
c. Our Character Begins to Reflect Christ (Galatians 5:22-23) — The fruit of the Spirit demonstrates the transforming work of God within us.
d. We Become New Creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) — In Christ, the believer receives a new identity and begins a transformed life.
Biblical Example: The apostles recognised that Peter and John had been with Jesus because their lives demonstrated unusual boldness — Acts 4:13.
5. THE EXCELLING GLORY IS GREATER THAN EARLIER EXPERIENCES
God can take His people from one level of revelation to another. Yesterday’s glory should not become a reason to resist what God wants to do today.
a. God Can Do Greater Things (Isaiah 43:18-19) — God calls His people to recognise the new thing He is doing rather than remaining trapped in former experiences.
b. The Latter Glory Can Be Greater (Haggai 2:9) — God promised that the glory of the latter house would be greater than the former.
c. Spiritual Growth Requires Progress (Philippians 3:12-14) — Paul refused to become satisfied with past achievements and continued pressing towards the mark.
d. God Takes Us From Strength to Strength (Psalm 84:7) — Those who walk with God can continually progress in spiritual strength.
Biblical Example: The early Church moved from a small group of disciples into a Spirit-empowered community that reached many nations — Acts 1:8; Acts 2:41-47.
6. THE EXCELLING GLORY IS NOT FADING
The glory associated with Moses’ ministry was temporary, but the glory of the New Covenant is enduring. What God establishes through Christ is not temporary decoration but eternal reality.
a. Moses’ Glory Was Fading (2 Corinthians 3:13) — Paul uses the veil to explain the temporary nature of the glory associated with the old covenant.
b. Christ’s Kingdom Is Everlasting (Luke 1:33) — Jesus reigns over a kingdom that has no end.
c. Eternal Glory Awaits Believers (2 Corinthians 4:17) — Present affliction is temporary compared with the eternal weight of glory God is preparing.
d. God’s Glory Will Ultimately Be Revealed (Romans 8:18) — The glory to come far surpasses the sufferings experienced in the present.
Biblical Example: Abraham looked beyond temporary earthly realities towards the city whose builder and maker is God — Hebrews 11:8-10.
7. THE EXCELLING GLORY MUST BE DISPLAYED THROUGH OUR LIVES
God does not give His glory merely for personal admiration. He desires His people to reflect Him so that others can encounter His goodness and be drawn to Christ.
a. We Carry Treasure in Earthen Vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7) — God places His treasure in ordinary people so that His power may be clearly recognised as coming from Him.
b. Our Lives Should Shine Before Others (Matthew 5:16) — Believers are called to let their light shine so that people may glorify the Father.
c. Our Conduct Should Glorify God (1 Peter 2:12) — A godly life can cause others to recognise and glorify God.
d. Christ Must Be Seen Through Us (Philippians 1:20) — The believer’s greatest desire should be that Christ is magnified through his or her life.
Biblical Example: Stephen displayed extraordinary grace and power through the Holy Spirit, even in the face of persecution — Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60.
CONCLUSION
The glory of the New Covenant excels the glory of the old because it is founded upon Jesus Christ and administered by the Holy Spirit. The glory of Moses’ ministry was real but temporary; the glory revealed through Christ is greater, transforming and enduring. We are not called merely to remember what God did yesterday; we are called to walk with Him today and experience His continuing work in our lives.
May we never become satisfied with yesterday’s encounter when God is calling us into deeper fellowship with Him. May the glory of Christ increase in our lives, may the Holy Spirit transform us from glory to glory, and may our lives become living testimonies of the excellency of God’s presence and power.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, let the glory of Christ be increasingly revealed in my life, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, take me from one level of spiritual glory to another, in Jesus name.
3. Father, transform my character into the likeness of Christ, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, let the Holy Spirit continually work in me and through me, in Jesus name.
5. Father, deliver me from spiritual stagnation and satisfaction with past experiences, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, let every fading experience give way to a fresh and enduring encounter with Your presence, in Jesus name.
7. Father, cause my life to reflect Your glory wherever I go, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let Your glory bring healing, restoration and transformation to everyone connected to me, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let the glory of my latter days exceed the glory of my former days, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, make my life a vessel that continually brings honour and glory to Your name, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall experience the glory that excels in every area of your walk with God.
2. The glory of Christ shall increasingly be revealed through your life.
3. You shall move from glory to glory and from strength to strength.
4. Your spiritual life shall not become stagnant or remain at yesterday’s level.
5. The Holy Spirit shall continually transform you into the image of Christ.
6. The glory of your latter season shall exceed the glory of your former season.
7. Every fading spiritual experience shall give way to fresh encounters with God.
8. Your life shall become a visible testimony of God’s presence and power.
9. The glory of God shall rest upon your family, ministry and divine assignment.
10. You shall finish your journey with increasing glory, greater fruitfulness and lasting impact, in Jesus name.
