THANKFUL FOR THE VICTORY (2)

“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” – 2 Corinthians 2:14

Believers are called to be THANKFUL for the VICTORY and TRIUMPH in Christ, and Grace to share the fragrance of His knowledge: “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” (2 Cor.2:14). Believers are the most blessed people on earth, for in Christ we have become victorious in life – and through Him we have been declared triumphant over death. We are enriched to Walk in Triumphant Thankfulness, knowing that all of the Ability and Glory belong to God for all that He has called us to. We can be thankful that through each step of our journeys of faith, God is faithful to order our steps and use our lives to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. We must heed this passage in a response of thankfulness and attitude of gratitude.

Paul sought to fortify the believers to stand firm in faith among one another. He encouraged them to forgive, comfort, and care for each other in order to resist Satan and his devises (vv.10–11). Vulnerable in his writing as he prepared to visit the people, he shared with them his own turmoil and struggles, demonstrating compassion and understanding. He explained that although the Lord opened the opportunity for him to share the gospel in Troas, he was too troubled, not finding his brother Titus, and so proceeded to Macedonia (vv.12–13). These words set the stage for the encouragement to give thanks to God who uses the lives of believers to spread the fragrance of His knowledge everywhere.

Understood in context, our key verse is more than just a simple statement of passively sharing the gospel. It was through Paul’s inner turmoil, personal distress and distractions, that he was able to confidently give this Word of Thanks. He saw how his journeys were not through his own strength, but that everywhere he went was in the path that Christ already prepared, having already triumphed over every aspect of what He called Paul to. It was through His Power and Spirit alone that Paul was able to spread the fragrance of Who God is everywhere he went.

Today all believers are all called to something, someone, or somewhere. Whether as a missionary, pastor, doctor, technician, or teacher, God has prepared a path for each one to spread the aroma of who He is. Additionally, we can take comfort in knowing that Christ is victorious. He has already triumphed over every obstacle, and He works in and through His people to proclaim His gospel. Rather than focus on the difficult circumstances that entangle and distract, we must acknowledge the triumph of Christ and walk in it as we live life daily so that we can be most effective in allowing Him to use us.