It Will Be Noticed
2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Memory Verse: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 1 Corinthians 3:17
The Apostle Paul’s life was so connected to the Lord that theology rolled off his pen like snow balls in an avalanche. As you read the Scripture today, bear in mind Paul is continuing in defense of his actions. Primarily he is defending his decision to bypass Corinth on his trip to Macedonia. From his passing statements, the windows of heaven are opened into the life of one sold out to Christ. The evidence is overwhelming in persuading the readers to believe that the spreading of the Gospel brought the greatest sense of purpose to the leaders in the early church. Paul’s greatest encouragement came from the response of others to the Gospel whether spoken or demonstrated in his life.
In verse 15 the Bible says Paul was a fragrance. In modern day terms it is saying that he smelled. There is smell to the Gospel. The metaphor is simply to teach us the presence of strong believers proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ will never go without notice. It will be noticed by the unbeliever as well as the believer. For the unbeliever, it may create the rise of discomfort or even anger because it is the smell of death. For those who are being saved it is the smell of life and salvation causing rejoicing. Either way it will be noticed.
Continuing his defense in verse 17, Paul speaks for the authenticity of his ministry. He had told the Corinthians in his prior letter of his refusal to take any offerings from them for his salary and this verse gives a better explanation. Evidently, some had charged him with being less than honest with finances. He reminds them that he does not peddle the Gospel. If Paul had been peddling the Gospel he would have been indebted to those who provided the money. In order to have the greatest freedom to prophesy among the people, he refused to be paid.
The primary conclusion for me today is this, “be satisfied with the work of the Gospel both when it causes rejoicing to those who believe and dissatisfaction or anger in those who do not. Most of the people we know rejoice in the Gospel. Paul’s transparency gives us a model to emulate. If we follow this example of his life we can be more like Christ because he is a good example of following Christ.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
