2 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV)

Bible Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:17 is a Bible verse that concludes the Apostle Paul’s teaching about the difference between the law and the Holy Spirit.

In 2 Corinthians 3 Paul addresses the differences between the law of Moses, given in the Ten Commandments, and the Spirit. What does he mean by the Spirit? The Greek meaning for “spirit” is: Holy Spirit. In other words, he compares what life is like living under the law, which was before Christ, to what life is like after receiving the Holy Spirit, given after Christ.

Reading the Old Testament gives us a very clear picture of what life was like back in that time. It was a heavy burden to live under the law–a constant reminder that God is perfect, and man is imperfect. It was like living in a confined box, a glass box, like having a very long list of do’s and don’ts, a constant evaluation of what you did and how you did it. The law was stifling and probably felt very oppressive.

Does that sound familiar? Do you feel oppressed, or hindered by forces beyond your control? Do you feel the weight of uncertainty about what you do and how you do it? Do you feel you are constantly evaluated, either by yourself or someone else?

2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

We must ask ourselves, “Are we living in the confinement of the law, or are we living in the freedom of the Spirit?”

Unlocking the Truth – Battle of Faith

Satan is a master manipulator and liar, and our flesh is weak and easily blinded to his deception, particularly when our focus is not fully fixed upon Christ.

When Jesus came, He fulfilled every letter of the law perfectly, which man was unable to do, and then He offered Himself as the Lamb of God–the perfect sacrifice–to atone for man’s sin, once and for all.

John 1:17 says, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

The bottom line is this. In Jesus Christ, we are free. We no longer have to live in a glass box, evaluating ourselves or living under the strain of being evaluated by someone else. We are free from condemnation and oppression, and we are free from the fear of uncertainty and from guilt.

Bear in mind that we might not feel free, but the truth is not always in our feelings. It is however, ALWAYS in Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”

He didn’t say our feelings were the truth. He didn’t say our thoughts were the truth. He didn’t say other people’s opinions were the truth. He didn’t say our circumstances were the truth. He said He is the truth. (John 14:6)

The question is, “What do we really believe?” We can either believe Jesus Christ, or something else. The word “liberty” in the Greek means: unrestrained; to go at pleasure as a citizen, not a slave; free (man, woman).

The Door is Open

We are only as free as we believe we are. Remember 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” If the devil can convince us we’re in prison and we believe it, then we are confined in that prison cell, and all the while the door is wide open.

As Christians, the Spirit of the Lord lives inside us and we have continual access to it, so when our faith gets shaken, we mustn’t get our focus off of Christ. When we feel oppression, darkness and fear, we must recognize our focus has been misplaced.

Satan’s lies are very subtle. The world and its chaos is extremely loud, and we are easily distracted. Find a scripture that is empowering for you, keep it in the forefront of your mind and ask for God’s help to keep your focus on Christ. Stay with it; it takes practice. Inspirational music can help.

We are in a spiritual battle every day–a constant battle of faith. Jesus called us soldiers, and living in these end times it is crucial that we keep our eyes firmly fixed on Him. When you find yourself in a foggy haze, ask yourself, where is the lie? Ask for God’s help to identify it. When you recognize it, cast it out immediately and grab hold of the truth and then stand firm in it.

Let’s cling to the truth and cling to Jesus, so we can live in the freedom of the Spirit. Remember, where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17).

If you don’t feel free, there is a lie somewhere near. Identify it and cast it out. Keep yourself in the Word of God, so that it becomes a part of you. Hide it in your heart. It is your best weapon.

Stand firm, soldier. Keep your eyes fixed upon the Lord, and be free. Study the Bible verse of 2 Corinthians 3:17 to live in the liberty of the Spirit of Christ.