Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15
Whenever the Romans
won a major military victory they would celebrate with a spectacular parade.
The commanding general would lead the procession in a magnificent chariot,
followed by his soldiers, musicians, and other officials. Then, soldiers would
lead the defeated enemies through the city in . As a part of the celebration,
the Romans would burn fragrances on altars, filling the entire city with a
pleasant aroma. Even those who could not witness the triumphal procession could
hear the victory music and smell the pleasing incense. Everyone would know that
their army had been victorious. The special fragrance came to symbolize victory
to anyone who smelled it.
Paul used this vivid
imagery to describe the effect that Christians should have in the world.
According to Paul, God permeates our lives with the fragrance of the knowledge
of Christ. Everywhere we go, our lives should demonstrate to others that Christ
is victorious. As unbelievers observe our lives, they should become aware of
the victorious power of Christ. As other Christians witness the victory Christ
gives us over our sin, they can rejoice in the triumph of their Lord and gain
confidence that Christ will bring victory in their lives as well.
The most compelling
evidence that Christ is alive and triumphant is His activity in the lives of
His people. It is a privilege to be the fragrance of Christ by which others
learn of God’s life-changing power over sin. Your life ought to be convincing
proof that God continues to work powerfully in the lives of His people.
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