Tag: Witness

The aroma of Christ

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HIGHLIGHT

2 Corinthians 2:15–16 (ESV): 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.

EXPLAIN

2 Corinthians is believed to be actually the fourth letter of Paul to Corinth Church. From his statements in the two letters we have, it appears that a first and third letter were written, but were not preserved.

Between 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul’s plans had changed. The letter he had written in between was very sharp, but necessary for the people to finally repent.

Now Paul defended his change of plans. He also urged the people to forgive the man who had sinned in their church and accept him back.

As Paul continued to explain his movements to Macedonia, he used the analogy of Christ as a conquering general leading the apostles as captives in a triumphal procession, through them spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere.

APPLY

This is an amazing idea – that we are the aroma, the smell, the fragrance of Christ. To those who accept Christ, we are a fragrance of life, but to those who reject him, we are the fragrance of death.

As the fragrance of Jesus, may people smell him, not me! To whatever degree I am seen, may my life promote Christ!

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, make of me a pleasing aroma for Jesus, drawing others to you by the smell of grace, love, and faith exuding from me. Amen.

A life not offensive to anyone

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HIGHLIGHT

1 Corinthians 10:31–33 (ESV): 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

EXPLAIN

In this chapter Paul gave a stern warning against idolatry. He warned the Christians they could not participate in the pagan sacrifices that were so much part of daily life and business.

But then Paul instructed them not to worry about where the meat they bought in the marketplace came from. Nor should they ask questions when they went to eat with someone. But if someone else were to raise questions, they should not act to violate that person’s conscience.

The guiding principle is simply to glorify God. In so doing, they should not do anything to offend others.

APPLY

Today, in contrast, we often assert our independence and freedom over the rights and concerns of others. Instead of being concerned for the conscience of other Christians, we insist on our way. Instead of valuing a blameless testimony before the world, we insist on our way.

How might our testimony go forward if we were more concerned about not giving offense to anyone?

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, please help me to live in the freedom you have given me, but may I not use that freedom to be offensive to others. May I be a conduit of your love, even if that means I must give up my rights to reach others for you. Amen.

Christ in all

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HIGHLIGHT

Acts 18:3–4 (ESV): 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

EXPLAIN

According to Bible-History.com, tents were in high demand in the first century, by not only those who used tents for their home but also travelers who needed a portable tent. Furthermore, at least in Alexandria, those worshipping in the synagogue were separated by guild. Therefore, Paul would have found an opening into the community simply by his trade.

APPLY

What openings do our jobs or careers provide for us? How can we leverage our everyday connections to share the Good News with others?

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, please open my eyes for ways to share the Good News with my community. May my life not be divided artificially into sacred and secular realms, but rather may Christ permeate all I do. Amen.