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2 Corinthians 2:14-17
The Apostle Paul states a truth in 2 Corinthians 2:14 that is necessary for everyone to understand, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” God always leads us in triumph in Christ – always – in triumph. And He diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. The knowledge of God is everywhere – the sweet-smelling aroma – of God’s knowledge.
Paul wants the congregation of the church at Corinth to know that they are the representatives of Christ Jesus to the whole city of Corinth, and to everyone in which they may come in contact. As the gospel is shared, the knowledge of salvation is a sweet-smelling aroma that leads to life; but to those who refuse the gospel, it is an aroma that leads to death. Jesus teaches us in John 3:18 (NKJV), “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Paul then gives some insight as to the false teachers of the day as he states in 2 Corinthians 2:17, “For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.”
This is a promise that we are a light unto the world – in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 5:1-2 declares, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” And in Philippians 4:18 the Apostle Paul states, “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” In Christ we are the sweet-smelling aroma of life to all that we share the gospel with as we are His representatives in the world today. We cannot choose life in Christ for them, but in sincerity, and from God, we can speak in the sight of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:17).
Dear LORD,
Please help us to realize and understand the importance of being your representatives in the world today. As Christians, we need to seek and follow Your guidance through Your Holy Spirit working in our lives so that others too may experience Your great love in salvation– in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.