2 Corinthians 2:14-17

2 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. 

Do we spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him (Jesus Christ) or do we spread the acrid aroma of a wild beast, unable to be tamed even by God, expressing our will, doing our own thing, even though we have been a Christian for many years?  In our personal lives are we still unable to say I am sorry in a dispute?  Are we still unable to take the role of a servant, one who is under the complete authority of our Lord?  Do we as Christians not know that our lives have been purchased by the blood of Christ, and as believers our commitment is to follow Christ (our beloved brother) and HIM ALONE, NOT ALLOWING OUR OWN LIVES TO SUPERSEDE HIS LIFE IN ANY DECISIONS WE MAKE OR IN ANY INTERACTIONS IN WHICH WE PARTICIPATE?  Paul is telling the Corinthians that God always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ when we spread the knowledge of Christ to the world, when we portray his likeness in everything we do.  Paul is saying when we are obedient to GOD'S WILL, we give off a sweet aroma of sacrifice just as Jesus, God's son, gives off that fragrance.  The smell of Jesus Christ is pleasing to the nostrils of the Father God.   

Notice, Paul states that some Christians live for Christ for their own sake.  They live Christian lives for personal gain, for profit, and sometimes for their own EGOS.  These Christians are bringing the gospel of Christ under THEIR OWN AUTHORITY for their own purposes, not bringing their lives under the authority of God, for HIS PURPOSES.  Paul says, he is not like those, for he brings the gospel of Christ with sincerity, as if sent THAT VERY DAY directly from the throne of God as his personal ambassador.  Paul is telling us always to be sensitive to our mission.  We also are CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS.  We carry the very words of God to people; we are God's living message, his epistles to the world.  When we claim to be ambassadors but live lives of derision, discord, hatefulness, or negativity, we bring a Christ of reproach to people.  We bring a Christ of anger and darkness.  However, when we bring hope, long-suffering, concern, kindness, and peace to people, we bring a Christ of love and light, one who can heal the sickness and sin of the world.  

We are the fragrance of God when we obey his command, for we display HIS CHARACTER, HIS BEAUTY, HIS PERFECT WILL.  However, when we are uncontrollable and wayward Christians, unable to captivate and to control our passions and desires, we are like untamed animals, wandering the deserts of this world for their own purposes and gain.  Paul asks us, who is equal to such a task of bearing the fragrance of God?  WELL, WE ARE, IF OUR LIVES ARE HID WITH CHRIST IN GOD!  If we daily die to our own self-will and seek God's will in everything we do, THEN WE ARE UP TO THE TASK.  We will carry His fragrance of life to a sick and dying world.  We will bring hope and strength to people who desperately want a change in their lives, but to those who are contented with their lives without God, WHO DEFINE LIFE AS EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY, we bring the fragrance of death for we will remind them there is a God, and someday they will have to give an account of their willful lives.  Today, thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ.  May we give forth the sweet fragrance of our Lord and bring many souls to life in him.  Love, Dad (Cliff)

(It is good to be back after a break.  Our son, Doug, told my wife that he was hungry.  I pray the Lord blesses you in this study of his Word.  You are all a blessing to me, and I appreciate your continued support and encouragement.)