WEEK SIX
LIFTED VEILS
2 Cor. 3:12-18
As we have discovered, the flesh and the Spirit are at war with each other. We have seen that we will never be operating in both at the same time. Our flesh has developed very sophisticated ways to hide or mask its behavior so as not to be obvious to others and often to ourselves. We often call a person a hypocrite if they are trying to be something they are not. Actually, the word “hypocrite” describes a Greek actor who hid behind a mask while playing a character in a play.
The good news of the New Covenant is that we have the freedom to be who we are in Christ. This is the real hope. In 2 Cor. 3:12, Paul speaking of the glory of the New Covenant says, “Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech.” In other words, we need not mask ourselves. Veils are products of the flesh’s self protection. Just as we saw before, the New Covenant was represented by the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, which will never pass away. And the Old Covenant was represented by the glory of God in the face of Moses. This glory was fading. In Exodus 34:29-35, we see that Moses put the veil on as protection for the Israelites. But as we see in 2 Cor. 3:13, Moses left the veil on so the people would not see that this glory was passing away. Moses was struggling with what all of us often struggle with – seeing ourselves based upon what we do, rather than how God sees us. The greatest danger with veils is when we begin to believe them ourselves. Then, we will spend all of our time defending them. This, of course, causes us not to be teachable about these very veils we hold up as we try to “cover” who we really are.
The Jewish people had veils as well, as we read in 2 Cor. 3:14-15. In Romans 10:3, Paul speaks of the veil further, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” In other words, their veil was that of “self-righteousness”, pretending to be whole outwardly while inwardly they were dead. This caused them to be more concerned with rituals and offering, reducing their relationship with God to a list of dos and don’ts in order to feel good about themselves before God.
You can see the need to be aware of any such veils we may have because the longer we are ignorant of them the more likely we are to believe them and defend them. All of this leads to an unhappy Christianity based upon our own self-importance.
Here is a list of five most often used veils we use to mask our inadequate feelings:
- Double entry bookkeeping: This is the veil where I call my action something different than I would call someone else doing the same thing. For instance: Pride vs. Self-esteem – Bad temper vs. Standing up for what is right – Critical attitude vs. Correcting – False modesty vs. Humility – Apathy vs. Under grace – Nagging vs. Exhorting – Not negative vs. Being realistic – Backbiting vs. Just sharing your opinion, etc.
- Self–righteousness veil: Taking pride in our outward conformity rather than inward reality. Comparing ourselves with others so we can boast that we are better than others. (See example: Luke 18:9-14, Parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee)
- Sensitivity or touchiness veil: It’s the “I don’t deserve this attitude. Unreal expectations of how people should react to me. Sets up a barrier by getting “pushed out” when people get near my sensitive area. Often used to manipulate others.
- Impatient spirit veil: Everything has to be done to my satisfaction. Having to explain myself when I don’t measure up to my expectations. A need to control others to compensate for areas I do not control in my own life. Insecure of themselves so they are prone to tear others down to make themselves feel better, sarcastic replies.
- Remoteness veil: A strong “do-it-myself” attitude – the “Lone Ranger” Christian. The only time I can admit mistakes or be transparent is after I can claim victory. The fear of the true me showing through propels me to isolation; not teachable; “don’t want to hear it” type of attitude.
In all these veils, they violate God’s Word which is to:
- Love one another. John 15:12
- Bear one another’s burdens. Galatians 6:2
- Confess faults one to another. James 5:16
- Open heart and unrestricted Christian life. 2 Cor. 6:11-12
Satan’s big lie to believers is that to be accepted, we have to appear perfect and spiritual. We can never let down our masks. This results in us becoming in bondage to our veils and because of this we are unable to grow. 2 Cor. 3:18 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
How are these veils removed?
Verse 14 “…the veil is taken away in Christ”
Verse 16 “…when one turns to the Lord the veil is taken away”
Verse 17 “…where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty”
In other words, when we first came to Christ the veils were removed. So when we see we are wearing one now, all we need to do is turn to the Lord (James 1:24-25).
Lastly, we need to remember we have the freedom in Christ to be who we are. That is, a person who is being changed into the image of Jesus. In Romans 8, we see the function of the Holy Spirit in us.
- Romans 8:2 – to set me free from the law of sin and death.
- Romans 8:4 – to produce the fruit of righteousness in me.
- Romans 8:11 – to give me life; to release resurrection power in me.
- Romans 8:13 – to put to death the flesh; to end the reign of the old life.
- 2 Cor. 3:18 – to transform me, degree by degree.
I need to trust the Spirit by not putting up the veils and believe that He will do just as He said He would. Finally, in Romans 6:11, we are given a two-step process to rid ourselves of these veils, “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Confess or denounce our veils as soon as we see it. Acknowledge that the Holy Spirit has ended the flesh’s reign over this area of our life. Turn to the Holy Spirit and trust Him, at that moment, to release His resurrection power and the life of Jesus over that area of our life.
Simply put, it is “Renounce the flesh and turn to the Spirit”. James 4:1 tells us that battles and fights come from the desires of the flesh, warring against the Spirit. What do we do if we fail or fall again?
- Don’t feel condemned. The New Covenant provides for failure. Psalm 103:13-14, “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”
- Get back up. Remember this is a growth process. Maturity will ONLY occur as I step outside of the circle of the things I’m recognized for and have identity in. It will become more natural to walk in the Spirit. Failure is only a learning experience.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY QUESTIONS
WEEK SIX
Lifted Veils
- Review each of the five veils taught as a result of 2 Cor. 3:12-18. Examine my life by listing how and where I see each one occurring in my life.
- Read over 2 Timothy 2:2 several times and let its meaning become a part of my fabric. As I look at men I know, whom do I see as showing themselves to be faithful?
- Begin to build a closer relationship to him/them.
- Go to lunch with him.
- Involve myself in his activities.
- Pray for his specific needs and check up on them.
- Share specifically what the Lord is doing in my life.
- Invite him to a program or meeting.
- All for the purpose to see if the Lord is calling us together according to
2 Timothy 2:2.
- Invite him to pray about this opportunity to grow. Be honest about expectations; eventually give him the Barnabas Ministry Team invitation letter.