In what ways can we offer our lives as a "pleasing aroma" today? Setting the Foundation “Walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) The image of a “fragrant offering” reaches back to the sacrifices of the Old Testament (e.g., Leviticus 1:9), yet Paul applies it to our daily walk. Because Jesus fulfilled every sacrifice, our task is to let His life flow through ours so that God still “smells” the sweetness of Christ in the world. Understanding the “Pleasing Aroma” Concept • Old-covenant sacrifices released a literal fragrance; God called them “a pleasing aroma” when offered in obedience (Genesis 8:21; Exodus 29:18). • Christ’s self-giving love became the ultimate fragrant offering (Ephesians 5:2). • Believers now spread “the aroma of Christ” everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). • Therefore, the scent God enjoys today is a life that mirrors Jesus’ love, purity, and obedience. Living Sacrifices in Everyday Life “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1) In place of burnt animals, we place ourselves on the altar: our thoughts, choices, bodies, schedules, possessions, relationships. The fragrance rises when the whole package is surrendered. Practical Expressions of a Fragrant Life 1. Loving Others Sacrificially • Forgive quickly, just as God forgave us in Christ (Ephesians 4:32). • Serve the marginalized—the orphan, widow, refugee, lonely neighbor (James 1:27). 2. Pursuing Holiness • Reject sexual immorality, greed, coarse talk (Ephesians 5:3-4). • Fill the mind with what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely (Philippians 4:8). 3. Practicing Generous Stewardship • Tithe cheerfully; give beyond the tithe to meet needs (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Open your home and table in hospitality (1 Peter 4:9). 4. Offering Praise and Gratitude • “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). • Replace grumbling with thanksgiving in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 5. Enduring Suffering Faithfully • “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:16) • Choosing joy and trust in trials releases a rare fragrance the world notices. 6. Sharing the Gospel • Speak the good news “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). • As people respond, God multiplies the aroma of Christ through new lives. Guarding the Aroma • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9) so the scent does not sour. • Stay filled with the Spirit, not dulled by worldliness (Ephesians 5:18). • Keep close fellowship with other believers for mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouragement to Continue God delights when Christ-like love rises from our ordinary routines. Each small act of obedience releases another wave of fragrance before His throne and offers the watching world a preview of heaven’s sweetness. |
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