Connect John 6:63 with another verse highlighting the Spirit's life-giving role. The Spirit Gives Life in Jesus’ Words (John 6:63) “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” — John 6:63 • Jesus pinpoints the true source of life: the Holy Spirit, not human effort (“the flesh”). • His spoken words carry the very breath of God, imparting spiritual vitality to all who receive them. • Literal, divine life is wrapped in Christ’s message—eternal life pulses through every syllable He utters. The Spirit Gives Life in Paul’s Words (2 Corinthians 3:6) “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” — 2 Corinthians 3:6 • Paul echoes Jesus: mere adherence to written law can expose sin but cannot animate dead hearts. • The new covenant is Spirit–powered; God’s own Presence breathes life into believers, enabling true obedience and fellowship. • The same Spirit who raised Christ physically (Romans 8:11) now raises us spiritually. Shared Themes: Life Through the Spirit 1. Source of Life • Both passages insist that only the Spirit infuses real, lasting life. • Flesh/letter—human strength and external obedience—remain powerless. 2. Word and Covenant • Jesus’ “words” and Paul’s “new covenant” converge: God speaks, and covenant life flows. • Receiving Christ’s teaching = embracing Spirit-filled covenant reality. 3. Transformation, Not Modification • The Spirit doesn’t refurbish the old; He resurrects the dead (Ezekiel 37:14). • Believers move from mere rule-keeping to Spirit-empowered living (John 3:6). Why This Matters for Us Today • Assurance: Eternal life is certain because its source is God’s Spirit, not our fluctuating effort. • Daily dependence: Scripture becomes living and active (Hebrews 4:12) only as the Spirit applies it to our hearts. • Ministry outlook: We serve not by persuasive fleshly skill but by Spirit-given competence, confident that He alone gives life to listeners and communities. |