April 13, 2024 -- II Corinthians 2:14-17 -- Quick. Check your breath.

 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.
II Corinthians 2:14-17 ESV

Recently I had to interact with a man on a project. The chairs at the table were set close to one another so that we could easily hear one another. However, the close proximity meant that I could smell his breath. There was a fresh smell of newly applied toothpaste, but underneath that as he breathed out, I could smell his very bad breath. It is a startling image that relates to this text.

Those who are not believers in and followers of Jesus Christ are those whose lives are in the grips of putrefaction. Sin and evil are like an infection running through all of their lives, slowly destroying health. No matter how much shampoo, antibiotics of any kind, or soap is applied, nothing can not stop the rot which originates in the heart and mind and radiates outward. Nothing that is, except the work of Jesus Christ.

One who belongs to Jesus Christ has had the stench of sin and the infection of death removed from him. The deep cleansing work of the Spirit addresses the hidden plaque and particles of wickedness which inevitably emit an odor of death. Whenever the Spirit works, the aroma of Christ prevails, a freshness of life, a vitality of heart, a joy in speaking about God’s Word. Believers are repellant to many because of their close association with Jesus. It is the life of Jesus, the joy and reward of the believer's soul, Who actually offends the unbelieving listener. To other people believers are compellingly interesting because of the purity radiating off of them through the accomplished work of Jesus.

If you are finding yourself intrigued by the life and vitality of a Christian, ask him about it. If you are blessed to know a Christian, ask to go to church with her. It is a matter of death and life.

Father in heaven, great and holy is Your Name. Marvelous is the life-giving work You have effected in Your people through the work of Jesus, Your beloved Son, our Savior. Spirit of God, thank You for the reviving work You are doing in us; continue to purify us until our lives continually spread the fragrance of Christ our King to all we meet. Triune God, hem us in so completely that our private life as well as our public life radiate the blessedness of Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/OH01enzQXpQ?si=N81K4yEVWgyzfPyR Shane and Shane “Psalm 51”

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