You Smell Good to God!
For we are the aroma of Christ to God...
Text: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Kenneth Boa, writing of our identity in Christ, tells the story of Joe Louis, the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1937 until he retired in 1949. During his time of service in the Army, Louis was driving with a fellow GI when he was involved in a minor collision with a large truck. The truck driver got out, yelling and swearing at Louis, who just sat in the driver’s seat, smiling. “Why didn’t you get out and knock him flat?” asked his buddy after the truck driver had moved on. “Why should I?” replied Joe. “When somebody insulted Caruso, did he sing an aria for him?” 

The truck driver didn’t know the identity of the person he was cursing, for if he had, he would have treated him in a dramatically different way! But Joe Louis knew who he was—the best boxer in the world—and therefore he had nothing to prove. Many other men in his position would have been tempted to fight back or at least return insult for insult. But Louis was secure enough in his identity to understand that such a response would only be degrading. The truck driver’s opinion of him was irrelevant to Joe’s self-understanding.

The deeper we allow our union with Christ to define us, the less we have to prove ourselves. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). No one!

Many Christians forget what Christ has done for them or have never really grasped what it means to be a child of God. But look what Paul says! He says that we are a sweet aroma to God (verse 17)! This means that God delights in us and in our lives.

We don't have to be intimidated by anyone. We can fearlessly and boldly proclaim Jesus. This is freedom. This is confidence. This is truly living.

“Once you have your eyes opened to this concept of union with Christ, you will find it almost everywhere in the New Testament.” 
-Anthony Hoekema 

Do you take God at His word?

• Christ is leading us in a triumphal procession (v. 14).
• He is leading the procession because He is the King of Kings!
• Through us, He spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.
• We have been commissioned by God Himself (v. 17).
• We are to be diffused into every space we enter for the glory of Christ! 
• We speak with Christ's authority (v. 17).

I join Paul in asking, "Who is adequate for such a task as this" (v. 16)? Not me! Not Christ and me. But, Christ in me makes it possible! All glory to Him!

While we live on this earth, the world, the flesh, and the devil will continually battle for our affections. But we are more than conquerors! You can say, "No!" to sin by remembering your deepest identity. Allow Jesus to rule and live through you.