The Spirit gives Life

2 Cor. 3:5-6 says "Not the we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

Paul is writing to the church, those who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ. He is telling them of the nature of his life and theirs. No one has any room to boast. Jesus is their Lord and Savior, their sustainer and provider. They are God's instruments of righteousness, to be used for His glory alone.

I see tie-ins here to Ezekiel chapter 47, verse 9, where speaking of God and His rule and works it is revealed that "everything will live where the river goes." The river flowed from the sanctuary, from the throne of God. In God's grand sovereign design, everyone would look to Him dependently. They would all receive from Him gratefully. They would return an offering to Him reverently, giving back in worship what He has given them. All would flourish due to Him, bearing fruit He produces. God is the Source and Sustainer of life.

So it is for all who are in Christ, settled, secure and serving out of the overflow of His life in them. The Spirit gives life, and sustains it, and renews it day by day. It is in that truth and strength that we live and serve each moment. It is the reality going on behind the scenes as we do what God has given us to do.

To God be the glory.