Link John 6:63 to 2 Cor 3:6.
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.

How can John 6:63 guide our daily reliance on the Holy Spirit?
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