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. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 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.
2 Corinthians 2:14-17, ESV (emphasis added)
______________________________
Paul didn’t pen “thanks be to God” in this passage during a season of ease. He wasn’t riding a church camp high. His bank account wasn’t overflowing. His barns weren’t overstocked warehouses. Quite the opposite, actually. These words were spoken in a season of affliction, when his life and ministry were being questioned. Motives for collecting financial support for the needy in Jerusalem were suspect (8:19-22). His authority was measured by earthly stamina rather than the power of Christ (10–12). His suffering was viewed as an indicator that God was invalidating his gospel labors (11). A beloved co-worker couldn’t be located (2:13), and a thorn—a messenger of Satan—wouldn’t be removed even after intensive pleading with the Lord (12:7-10).
Surely, “thanks be to God” is a typo, right?
Wrong!
The very circumstances intended to shipwreck Paul’s faith were sharpening blocks that made him more effective in the hands of the Lord. The very issues meant to move him to despair, instead, expedited his delight in the Lord and enflamed his passion for heralding the gospel. He had learned the secret to spiritual vibrancy in a fallen world: For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong (12:10).
When it comes to your own labors to make Christ known, do you maintain a “for the sake of Christ” mindset, as Paul did? Especially in seasons of difficulty? When a family member distances himself because you keep Jesus’ kindness in the path of his thoughts? When a coworker charges you with harassment for nothing more than an appropriate display of gospel care? What about the peer who illogically debates and besmirches the character and commands of God across a variety of social media platforms?
When our names are attached to the name of Christ and slandered, what will maintain our thanksgiving to God?
Consider what follows in our passage:
1. We are always led in triumphal procession.
v14a – But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession…
In Roman antiquity, a lavish parade would typically follow a great victory in battle. Dressed in expensive robes and showered with shouts of praise, the conquering military commander would offer sacrifices to the gods, broadcast Rome's superiority widely, display the spoils of war, and distribute gifts to those who had played a supporting role in the successful fight. To say it was a public spectacle is an understatement.
God is depicted here as leading His followers in a triumphal procession. He does so in Christ. This is the language of Colossians 2:15: He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. The “public spectacle” here is the failure of the enemy’s schemes to thwart God’s plan of salvation through Christ. The “battle” was won on the cross, and the prisoners for whom Christ came to liberate could no longer be held in the clutches of the powers of darkness. As Victor, then, Christ has marched through the centuries’ marketplaces, displaying his trophies—those captured by the grace of God and those joyfully enslaved to abide in Him (Jn 15; Rom 6:22). As Victor, He has been crowned with glory and honor (Heb 2:9). He is highly exalted and eternally the sole owner of the name above all others (Phil 2:9-10).
2. Through us, God spreads the knowledge of Christ everywhere.
vv14b-16a: …and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.
Believers are not just saved from their deadness in trespasses (Eph 2:5). We are saved to a life of maturing in the likeness of Jesus (Eph 4:17-32). We are also saved for an aroma-spreading ministry (2 Cor 2:14b-16). As we live and move and have our being in God (Acts 17:28), we, like Paul, either attract or repel those in the marketplace of life. As God marches us down the streets, some find our commitment to Christ sweet. They are moved from life to life as they see our spiritual worship, defined by sacrificial living (Rom 12:1-2). They are encouraged in the faith as they waft the fragrance of our love for God and others. Others find it pungent, foolish. Some link arms and strengthen Kingdom efforts. As a result of our spreading the knowledge of Christ, they want Him—even more of Him. Others sneer, dislodge themselves from our acquaintance and consider our ambassadorial work (2 Cor 5:20-21) foolish. They move from death to death. Psalm 14:3 is their description: They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
3. We are not sufficient for the work, but God is.
v16b: Who is sufficient for these things? 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.
Who is qualified for such a high calling—to herald the gospel and spread the fragrance of truth abroad? No one, obviously, in themselves. That’s the point. We are the spoils of Christ’s victory! He makes us sincere. He commissions us to go and make disciples (Matt 28:18-20). He holds us accountable for not peddling God’s Word. Standing on the authority of Christ, we implore others to be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:20).
Truly, thanks be to God for these realities!
I don’t know how your name being attached to Christ’s will be treated. Like Paul, many of us have experienced those drawn to the sweetness of our Savior. We’ve likely also praised God through seasons of slander. And I’ll be honest: there are moments when I question why thanksgiving is to be offered to God. In these moments, the Spirit is so kind as to correct my spiritual vision, showing me that:
I belong to the Conqueror of the greatest battle.
He leads me in triumphal procession.
God is not dependent on my earthly skills to spread the aroma of His glory.
He will save whom He will save, and those who delight in death are to be entrusted to Him.
My sufficiency is not me; it is Him.
I have the privilege of speaking the words of Christ, knowing I carry around such a magnificent treasure in such a frail jar of clay.
For the sake of Christ, let us endure hardship that in our death, many might have life (2 Cor 4:12).
Thanks be to God!
Comments