Reference

Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:7-4:6

Sermon Outline

  1. God veils His glory for the sake of His sinful people
  2. We need a covenant resting solely on the righteousness of God Himself
  3. We need a covenant that God Himself opens our hearts, eyes, and ears to
  4. In Christ God has provided that glorious covenant 

Family Discussion Questions:

Younger and Older:

  • Why did the Israelites want Moses to put a veil on his face?
  • When would Moses take that veil off?
  • When Jesus came, what did God use as a veil to protect people from His glory?
  • Why is it good that our relationship with God depends on how well Jesus kept God's law?
  • Who did Jesus and God the Father send to change our hearts to love Him and trust the Gospel?

Deeper Discussion:

  • Reading 2 Cor 3:7-4:6, what are the results of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life?
  • If the Old Covenant was good and glorious, why is it called the "ministry of death?"
  • Why is it important to know that God's Son didn't become less glorious or less divine but simply veiled His glory, for our sake, by taking on humanity?
  • The miraculous ministry of the Holy Spirit is described here as softening our hearts to the glory of God revealed in His Word rather than teaching us new things not contained in His Word.  How would trivializing that rich ministry of the Spirit lead to itching for a lesser ministry of the Spirit that He hasn't promised?
  • Paul says that when we forget how deeply we need the Holy Spirit to soften a person's heart to the Gospel we tend to use underhanded methods for ministry.  Why is that?
  • How have you seen the need for the Spirit's work in your own heart when it comes to reading Scripture, loving God, trusting the Gospel, and keeping His commands?