Text: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
When Paul preached, he was not going to be able to convert everyone. But whether they were converted or not, those who heard would have a reaction to the message and it would be perceived one of two ways. The same is true today.
Always in Triumph (v. 14)
- Important – Paul is going to be discussing the fact that some will reject the gospel; some who reject it will respond with attacks & persecution against Christians
- We will face difficulties when we try to faithfully serve the Lord (1 Peter 4:12; 1 Corinthians 15:19)
- But in the end we will be victorious (Romans 8:36-37; Revelation 17:14) – remember this when studying this passage
Fragrance of Christ (v. 15)
- The “fragrance of Christ” is the “aroma of the knowledge of Him” (v. 13)
- Knowledge of the truth leads to life (2 Peter 1:3; 1 Timothy 2:4) – what is truth? … the word of God (John 17:17)
- Therefore, knowledge of the Scriptures leads to life – contains words of eternal life (John 6:68), power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16)
- Teaching must be done – a fragrance is something that is noticed by others
Two Responses to the Fragrance of Christ (v. 16)
- “Life to life” – message of salvation (Romans 1:16), liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17), and reward (John 6:68)
- “Death to death” – message of condemnation (John 12:48; Hebrews 4:12), restrictions (Titus 2:12), and punishment (Matthew 22:13; Revelation 21:8)
The Message Does Not Change (v. 17)
- Not “peddling the word of God” by adding to it (2 John 9), subtracting from it (Acts 20:27), or changing it (Galatians 1:6-9) – not even to accommodate the “perishing“
- Speak in “sincerity” – purpose simply to save people through the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22-23)
- Speak “as from God” – accurately represent His word (1 Peter 4:11)
- Speak “in the sight of God” – knowing that we will each give an account before Him (2 Corinthians 5:10)
