2 Corinthians 2:14-16
Introduction:
1. On the heels of a very challenging series compelling us to pursue holiness over temporal happiness, it seems prudent to spend some time on the victory that awaits.
2. Like growth of any kind, it is necessary that we tear down before we build up.
3. This series will highlight the glorious victory Jesus secured in His death, burial, and resurrection to those who live life in pursuit of His holiness.
4. The aim is that we may overcome the challenges that lie ahead in our walk of faith.
Discussion:
I. The Certainty of Difficulties
A. All who have lived long enough to be truly aware of this world recognize its fallenness.
B. Though our biblical worldview removes the shock (Genesis 3:14-19; Romans 5:12), the pain remains.
C. Being a Christian ensures added layers of difficulty (Matthew 5:10-12; John 15:18-21; 2 Timothy 3:12).
D. In 2 Corinthians, Paul addressed some of his trials.
1. Near deadly troubles in Asia (1:8-11).
2. Criticism from detractors (1:15-2:2; 10:7-13). ).
3. Care for the offender’s sorrow (2:3-11).
4. Constant perplexity, persecution, etc. (4:7-12).
5. Battling false apostles (11:5-15).
6. A long history of mixed sufferings (11:23-29).
7. Some physical burden humbling him (12:7-10).
E. How did he find strength in weakness (12:10)?
II. Comfort, Comfort My People
A. In the opening of the letter, Paul highlighted God’s perpetual comfort for His people (1:3-5).
B. This still begs the question of the means by which God so comforts His people.
C. Paul’s answer is the eternal view which recognizes that, suffering affliction for Christ brings consolation through salvation (1:6-7; 4:13-5:8).
D. This is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to comfort His people in the aftermath of all their sufferings (2 Corinthians 6:2; Isaiah 40:1-5; 49:8).
III. Triumph in Christ
A. With this view in mind, our primary passage brings our theme to the fore (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).
B. Paul used the practice of the Roman triumphal procession to highlight ultimate victory in Jesus.
C. The conquering general with his army would be paraded through Rome to celebrate their victory.
D. A parade of conquered captives walked before the “triumphator” as a display of his triumph.
E. The message was plain to all; this is the victor.
F. The message for us is simple; in Christ, no matter the circumstances, we are always victorious.
IV. The Aroma of Death and Life
A. The conditional nature of this is highlighted in this final element of the illustration.
B. As the procession moved along, every temple in the land was opened and incense burned on every altar (Vincent’s word studies).
C. To the victor, this was the smell of victory, but to the captive, it was the smell of death (ibid.).
D. So it is with the gospel as, the one who embraces it in its fullness is assured victory in all things, but the one who rejects it is assured spiritual death.
Conclusion:
1. This knowledge empowers us to conquer every trial and have the abundant life Jesus came to provide for His sheep (John 10:10).
2. The question for us is, what aroma does the gospel emit in our nose?
3. Victory is ours, so long as we hold fast to it (1 Corinthians 10:1-4, 57-58).