By Doug Bell
2 Corinthians 2:
14 ¶”But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,
16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?”
*****
I remember someone asking the Reverend Billy Graham one time, “Didn’t he feel defeated that after all his years preaching, that so few believed, in relation to the population of the world.” Rev. Graham replied, “No, I’ve read the end of the Bible, and we’re on the winning side!” Billy Graham understood our first verse,
Vs. 14 “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession…”
No matter what happens, we have already won!
BUT, Our job is not over yet! There is work to be done, while we await the second coming of Christ. Look at what Paul says in Vs. 14b. “And through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” How is the Gospel to be spread? “THROUGH US!” Yes, a lot of people are saved in Church. But, I believe that happens because someone else had already plowed, planted, and watered the individual! (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8). A few years ago a book called “Radical” Christianity came out. It’s premise was that if a Christian is going to make a difference in the world, he must become ‘radical.’ I read the book, but didn’t find most of it compatible with the Bible. A few months later another book came out in opposition to ‘Radical,’ is was called “Ordinary. I read this book too, and it seemed more in line with scriptures. It’s emphasis was that the best way to witness to someone was by being yourself (in Christ), meeting people in your everyday, ordinary life.
It’s as the Apostle says;
9 ¶ “Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,
10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,
11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,
12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:9-12). And,
1 Timothy 2:
1 ¶ First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
So then, as we live ordinary quit lives, people will notice, and as we witness with our love, our lives, and our words then, “we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved…” And always remembering that; “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (1Corinthians 3:7). We are NEVER called to save anyone (Only God can save!) BUT, “through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” THIS IS OUR PRIVILEGE!
Will everyone believe us and accept this message (fragrance) of Jesus Christ? No! Vs.16 “to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?” Sadly, not everyone will believe, but Some will! To those who believe we are ‘a fragrance from (physical) life to (eternal) life. And those who ultimately disbelieve? We are a fragrance of (physical) death to (eternal) death! We have the words of Life and death. And we must share them with all who will listen No wonder Paul exclaimed: “Who is sufficient for these things?”
2 Corinthians 5:20 ¶ “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (cf. Matt. 28;18-20)