Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians: The Lord is the Spirit, 3:17-18

The Lord is the Spirit

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

The Spirit is not some abstract principal or understanding of God that needs to be explained to people. The Spirit is active and alive in Corinth, giving spiritual gifts and empowering the people to prophesy and to speak in tongues. The Corinthians know the Spirit firsthand, and Paul is reminding them of his powerful presence, and that through the Spirit they are growing in Christlikeness, becoming free to be who God created them to be.

O Lord Jesus, who can love as you do?

Through your deeds and labor I have become

As ripened fruit.

How blessed it is to share in your glory

Eternally in your providence.

I am your treasure,

Product of your arduous labor.

Brother Wong