Are you qualified for such a task as being a captive of God?

Introduction

Why is it important? The gospel we preach and we ourselves are the pleasing aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Issue(s): 1) The lack of consistency in our doctrine and lives. 2) Therefore, we have a tendency to be unpleasant (stink). 3) Others peddle the word as a means of profit.

Paul’s plans

2 Corinthians 2:12–13 NIV

12 Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, 13 I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.

Paul highlighted specifics regarding his plans. The LORD had opened a door for Paul to preach in Troas. In Acts 16:8-10 this event is noted, as well as 1 Co 16:9. However, we find that Paul left due to not having peace of mind because Titus was not there, so he went on to Macedonia where he said he was harassed at every turn (2 Co 7:5).

God’s plans

2 Corinthians 2:14–17 NIV

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

verse 14: Paul gives thanks to God who, through Christ,

1) leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession

2) uses us to spread (reveal) the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere (gospel)

Through contextual understanding, Paul highlights. first, the unity between God and Christ, and second, God’s mercy and grace in that a captive, who would normally be executed, becomes an ambassador and herald of the good news.

verse 15: Now, Paul is saying they (apostles) are the pleasing aroma of Christ to God among two peoples. . . the being saved and the perishing.

pleasing aroma of Christ evokes OT imagery of burnt offering. Idea Paul give is one who is willing to give one’s own life for Christ.

Paul stated in 1 Co 1:18 what the message of the cross means to those that are saved (being saved) and those who perish.

verse 16: the gospel the messenger of God heralds will lead to eternal life or eternal damnation. It has the power to attract and convert those who are repentant and to repulse or harden those who are unrepentant. Who is equal to such a task?

Verse 17: There are those who peddle the word of God for profit. The idea of a retailer who sells merchandise which he has purchased from a wholesaler. To engage in retail trade. However, Paul highlights they are not like those who do but on the contrary, they, being in Christ, speak in sight of God with pure motives, as messengers sent by God.

Conclusion

Are you qualified for such a task as being a captive of God?

You must be:

Understand what it means to be a captive of God

Equally balanced in your life and the gospel (pleasing aroma and offering)

Uncompromising in your faith

Preach with pure motives (represent Christ and in the sight of God)