The Second Epistle to the Corinthians

1. 2 Corinth 2:14 – “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.” This section is a transition from what Paul has just addressed to the believers in Corinth regarding local trials from within, forgiveness and love. Is Paul simply reflecting on the fact that Titus and he touched based (v. 13), or that the church at Corinth had hearkened to the counsel of his first letter and/or his joy to go to Macedonia was real; or is there a much deeper truth here? A promise from God – He always leads us in triumph in Christ. A better translation is to triumph. What kind of triumph is this? How is this manifested? The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corinth 2:14-17, Christ's Life & Ministry is Triumphant 1 March 5, 2016 Bob Eckel

2. Gill– ‘triumph peculiar to ministers of the Gospel, who are made to triumph over men and devils, over the world, the reproaches, persecutions, smiles, and flatteries of it; over wicked men, by silencing them, stopping the mouths of gainsayers, refuting false teachers, and preserving the Gospel pure, in spite of all opposition; and by being made useful to the turning of many souls from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God: and this is In Christ.’ Col 2:15 - And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Could this triumph be more than that? diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge (gnosis) A better translation is makes manifest the savor of His knowledge Eph 5:2 - And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. 2 Corinth 2:15 – “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corint 2:14-17, Christ's Life & Ministry is Triumphant 2 March 5, 2016 Bob Eckel

3. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ – present indicative! Positional or conditional? And notice how pervasive this is – to the saved (being saved) and unsaved (perishing). Remember, we were, are and will be saved. The odor of life and/or of death. 1 John 2:27 - But the anointing which ye have received of Him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. 1 Corinth 1:18 - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Gal 3:21 - Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 2 Corinth 3:6 - Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit giveth life. How does the letter kill and what examples are before us? The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corint 2:14-17, Christ's Life & Ministry is Triumphant 3 March 5, 2016 Bob Eckel

4. Hal – ‘you may be the only Bible people ever read!’ 2 Corinth 2:16 – “To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? Death unto death, like unto life - how is this manifested in our daily lives? How is this perceived by all who are around us? And who is sufficient for these things? Somewhat rhetorical? We are - how are you doing here? 2 Corinth 3:5,6 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 1 Cornth 15:10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corint 2:14-17, Christ's Life & Ministry is Triumphant 4 March 5, 2016 Bob Eckel

5. abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 2 Corinth 2:17 – “For we are not, as so many (the rest), peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.” What does peddling the word of God mean? Only NT use 2 Peter 2:3 - And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingered not, and their damnation slumbered not. Like a retailer, making money by selling anything. Isaiah 1:22 - Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water: Who do you think Paul is referring to when he says the rest? False teachers within or outside the body who peddle or corrupt the word of God? 2 Corinth 11:13 - For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corint 2:14-17, Christ's Life & Ministry is Triumphant 5 March 5, 2016 Bob Eckel

6. 2 Corinth 4:2 - But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. Examples today? but as of sincerity Equated with being from God and in sight of Him in Christ! It's the view from the throne not ours’! 2 Corinth 12:19 – Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. 2 Corinth 1:12 - For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Corint 2:14-17, Christ's Life & Ministry is Triumphant 6 March 5, 2016 Bob Eckel