August 30th, 2025
by Dr. Ron Harvey
by Dr. Ron Harvey
I have always loved the verse where Paul says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). This is true, indeed! Here is how it works: When you are saved initially by God’s grace, you are set free from the penalty of sin, which is separation from God. However, God’s grace continues to work in you in bringing you to an understanding that you are no longer bound by the power of sin. God gives you the strength by His Spirit to overcome sin. This spiritual growth process usually occurs incrementally, but assuredly.
The work of God’s grace in your life is your personal story intended to bring God glory. That is why Paul continues this idea by saying, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
The word glory appears nine times in these verses (v. 7-18) and is the major theme. Glory (doxa) is not an attribute of God but the expression of all His attributes. The word means shining. Think of glory as meaning to “shine the spotlight on.” When we reflect God’s glory, we shine the spotlight on Him (instead of ourselves). When others see the moral attributes of God in us, He receives the glory.
So let’s summarize—God put His Spirit in us (at the moment we believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord) with the purpose of changing us to be more like Jesus. As we are surrendered daily to the Spirit, He produces in us the life of Jesus, called the Fruit of the Spirit. Of course, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
The truth about God’s amazing grace is that we are not on our own to try and do this. God has placed His Spirit in us to empower us and enable us. In fact, the Holy Spirit produces the life of Jesus in us. Even further, as that light shines through us, it serves as a witness to those around us and gives glory to God above us.
So whatever your story, look to Him! By His grace, make it a story to God’s glory!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
The work of God’s grace in your life is your personal story intended to bring God glory. That is why Paul continues this idea by saying, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
The word glory appears nine times in these verses (v. 7-18) and is the major theme. Glory (doxa) is not an attribute of God but the expression of all His attributes. The word means shining. Think of glory as meaning to “shine the spotlight on.” When we reflect God’s glory, we shine the spotlight on Him (instead of ourselves). When others see the moral attributes of God in us, He receives the glory.
So let’s summarize—God put His Spirit in us (at the moment we believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord) with the purpose of changing us to be more like Jesus. As we are surrendered daily to the Spirit, He produces in us the life of Jesus, called the Fruit of the Spirit. Of course, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
The truth about God’s amazing grace is that we are not on our own to try and do this. God has placed His Spirit in us to empower us and enable us. In fact, the Holy Spirit produces the life of Jesus in us. Even further, as that light shines through us, it serves as a witness to those around us and gives glory to God above us.
So whatever your story, look to Him! By His grace, make it a story to God’s glory!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
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