Tag: 2nd Corinthians 2
We are the Fragrance of Christ!
Scripture reading for July 29th: 2nd Corinthians 2
Key scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Corinthians 2:14-17 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.”
Paul, a man who was conquered by Christ, pictured himself and other believers as those led in a triumphal victory procession by their conqueror King. As they were led, these believers spread the fragrance of their conquering King among those along the way. To those who would be saved, the fragrance of Christ was the smell of life eternal. To those opposing Christ, they smelled like death. To God the Father, the believers were the fragrance of Christ Himself! Paul was not a hireling but a bond-slave of the Lord Jesus. Believers are sent or led by Christ in victory on their journey through this world to their glorious inheritance!
Observations for over-comers: Not everyone will love us as we are led by Christ, but we smell sweet to God! “How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your live than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice. Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, by bride’ milk and honey are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like that of Lebanon.” (Song of Songs 4:10-11)
We are the aroma of Christ!
Scripture reading for July 30th: 2nd Corinthians 2
Paul had a painful visit to the church sometime before he wrote this letter. (2nd Corinthians 2:1-2) Some of those in the church that should have been a source of joy to the Apostle, were instead a cause of distress! He wrote to assure the church of his love. “For I wrote to you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.” This is a pastor’s heart for those he loves and the heart of Christ for His Bride!
Paul encouraged forgiveness by the church towards the member that had been disciplined earlier. (1st Corinthians 5:1-2) This man was evidently repentant and needed the love and restoration to fellowship that he had lost earlier through his sin. The exercise of discipline and the grace to restore are needed in a healthy church!
Paul explained that he did not peddle the word of God for profit like many of the false teachers. He preached the Gospel with sincerity as one sent by God. God used him and all who would respond to Christ’s call to be special messengers. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; and to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?” (2nd Corinthians 2:14-16) None of us is adequate in ourselves, but carry this fragrance of the knowledge of Christ through His grace and stand between the living and the dead!