Ministry of the Spirit

The fact that New Testament ministry is a ministry of the Spirit serves as a biblical defense of corrective ministry. Since the gospel of Christ brings liberty in the Spirit, the New Testament minister can preach plainly concerning sin, righteousness, and holiness knowing that it will bring transformation and life by the glory of God. 

2 Corinthians 3:6-8 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

Since the gospel of Christ brings liberty in the Spirit, the New Testament minister can preach plainly concerning sin, righteousness, and holiness knowing that it will bring transformation and life by the glory of God. 

The ministration of death was the letter of the commandment without the power of the Spirit to obey them. The ministration righteousness, through Christ, brings life because in Christ God’s glory has been revealed; as men see the holy character of God through preaching, they are transformed by the image of God’s glory. Essentially, corrective preaching calls us to leave our sins to embrace God’s glory; it shines forth God’s glory  compelling us to turn from our wrongs

Essentially, corrective preaching calls us to leave our sins to embrace God’s glory; it shines forth God’s glory compelling us to turn from our wrongs

The ministry of the Spirit brings life and not death. The veil that covered the face of Moses hiding the glory of God is now taken away in Christ. Thus the ministry of the Spirit abounds with greater glory. The New Testament minister can speak with greater clarity of God’s holiness and righteous nature. 

Use Plainness of Speech

2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

1. We can call Adultery of the heart not just the act

2. We can forbid divorce unlike Moss

3. We say love your enemies

4. We are able to speak clearly regarding the nature and character of God’s glory - His Righteousness and Holiness. And, because the vail is taken away we are confident that the people of God can walk in a greater level of glory in character, behavior, and manner of life.

The Character of Corrective Preaching

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

1. Clear Conscience

2. Simplicity

3. Godliness

To minister effectively in the Spirit showing forth the glory of God and compelling people to turn from their sin, one must walk with a clear conscience in simplicity and godly sincerity. When the preacher’s life possesses a free conscience and sincerity in living, he can confidently rebuke sin, and call humankind to reflect God’s glory.