“Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 2:16, says, “who is adequate (sufficient) for these things?” His question refers to the weight of gospel responsibility. His question, while seeming to reflect a defeatist attitude, is answered here: “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.” His boldness is not a self-centered confidence but rather Christ-centered. Such is our confidence.

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God." Paul echoes the same thought in Philippians 2:13 "It is God who works in you."

“God … also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant.” This new covenant is through the life-giving Spirit (verse 6). Through this Spirit, sinners are given new birth, indwelt by the Spirit, empowered for holiness, enabled to produce spiritual fruit, assured of adoption, and being transformed into Christ's likeness. The Spirit gives both eternal life and ongoing spiritual vitality.

With such powerful work, who indeed is adequate for these things? Truly, none are but our confidence is “through Christ toward God.” Amen.

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