What's All The Stink About?

2 Corinthians Chapter 2 

Scripture: 

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. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 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? 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.(2 Cor. 2:14-17) 

Observation: 

I chose this scripture today because I'd always liked the imagery but didn't know what Paul was referencing when he wrote it.  So I used this as my opportunity to do some investigation.  Here's the scoop: When Romans lead prisoners of war away, they would light incense for the victory march on their way home.  This distinctive scent was literally "the smell of victory" for them.  For the prisoners who were being lead away to slavery or to execution, this was the smell of death. 

So the metaphor being used here is that the message of the gospel is that fragrance. Does the gospel pull you in closer to God, do you find peace and wisdom there?  Or do you feel defeated, condemned?   

Paul asks the question: "Who is equal to such a task?" in reference to preaching the gospel.  He says he speaks before God with "sincerity" the Greek word is one that implies transparency of motive.  The great commission Matt 28:16-20 makes it clear that speaking the gospel is a command, we can't get out of it, just because it's scary.  But what we say should stand up to the light of scripture, speaking HIS words and not for our own profit. 

Application: 

The question is a haunting one because there is so much responsibility in speaking the gospel to people.  How we use our words, the manner in which we present the gospel, provokes very strong reactions in the people around us!   

Prayer: 

Lord right now I want to pray for those who speak the gospel to their neighbors, that they would be transparent with their motives when they speak, that the smell of their life is as true-to-you as possible. Amen!