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2 Corinthians 2:12-17
12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
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? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: As we’ve learned, the Corinthians’ rejection of Paul and his ministry was very painful to him. He had planted the church, loved them dearly, and agonized over their spiritual welfare. As we see later in the letter, the majority of the church responded well to his severe letter (now lost to history). Titus, Paul’s fellow worker in the gospel, brought him the good news of their repentance, and II Corinthians is Paul’s response. In our passage this Sunday, Paul continues to fill in the gaps for this dear church, as to his whereabouts and travel plans. He won’t pick the travel narrative back up until chapter 7, verse 5. In typical Pauline fashion, he begins a theological defense of his message and ministry in 2:14, centered on the crucified and risen savior. Paul’s apostolic ministry embodies the Lord Jesus Christ, who willingly suffered and died in order to bring life to the dead. The message we preach is potent. Life and death are in the balance and our own lives should bear witness to it.
Review & Apply
How can you relate to the anguish of heart Paul experienced over the church in Corinth? How do you need to grow in your concern for the spiritual welfare of others?
How is God leading you “in triumphal procession” as a captive in his service? How have you seen God redeem the suffering you have endured? How has he spread the fragrance of the knowledge of him to others through the affliction in your life?
How would you assess the aroma of your life in the “noses” of others?
Who do you know that is “perishing”? Spend some time praying for them now.
Our insufficiency in ministering the gospel to others is obvious. Yet, Paul was not incapacitated by it. What truths helped him see his weakness in a new light?
If you feel insufficient in evangelism, how can you grow in this area?
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