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"The fragrance of Christ..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:15

THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST

In ancient Rome, there were times when victorious generals would command a parade to be held in celebration of great victories. Incense would be offered to the Roman gods. Such victory parades however were rare. Paul, on the other hand, wrote of how God always leads in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14).

“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those
who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death,
and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.
And who is sufficient for these things?”
2 Corinthians 2:15-16

1. “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ”

a) The great Commander in Chief is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

b) The Lord leads His army in triumph to the holy City of God.

c) The sweet fragrance may be compared to prayers offered up to God.

d) The fragrance of Christ is strong and unmistakable.

2. Two groups of people highlighted:

a) To those who are saved

i) They belong to Christ Jesus.

ii) They are part of His entourage.

iii) With triumphant joy they march with Christ leading at the head.

b) To those who are perishing

i) Not all will accept the Lordship of Christ.

ii) They will oppose but they will be defeated.

iii) In any war there will be some who will perish.

3. The fragrance may be an “aroma of death leading to death”

a) To those who are defeated the fragrance symbolises their defeat and death.

b) If they battle on they would be slain.

4. The fragrance may be an “aroma of life leading to life”

a) To those who follow the triumphant Christ, the aroma symbolises life.

b) Christ had defeated sin and Satan and He offers life to all who follow Him!

5. “Who is sufficient for these things”

a) The victory is achieved by Christ Jesus the Lord.

b) We can never achieve this victory in our human strength.