As Paul writes 2 Corinthians he feels enormous responsibilities. Enemies plague his life and work, as proved again by severe trials in Ephesus and Asia.
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself (2 Corinthians 1:8).
True, God “spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him [Christ] everywhere” through Paul (2 Corinthians 2:14). But look how people react. To some, Paul is the aroma of life. To others, he is “the smell of death.” Paul asks, “Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:16). Who can withstand such pressures? Who can handle such responsibilities? He answers frankly in 2 Corinthians 3:5 that he and his fellow workers are “not sufficient” – not equal to the task, not adequate, not capable – within themselves. But, thank God, the answer does not end there for Paul, or for us.
Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).
Like Paul, we are not competent in ourselves. We cannot rely on our own ability. The demands and pressures would overwhelm us. But our competence comes from God.