In what ways can we ensure our "fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon"? The Promise in Hosea 14:6 “His shoots will sprout, his splendor will be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.” Why the Cedars Matter • Towering evergreens that keep their pleasant scent year-round • Wood prized for its durability and resistance to decay (1 Kings 5:5-6) • Symbol of stable, godly influence—an aroma that lingers and blesses Roots First: Return and Remain Hosea’s entire chapter is a call to repent (Hosea 14:1-2). No enduring fragrance appears without: • Honest confession—naming sin instead of excusing it (1 John 1:9) • Whole-hearted turning—renouncing idols of heart and culture (1 Thessalonians 1:9) • Receiving mercy—“I will heal their apostasy” (Hosea 14:4) Stay Saturated in the Word • Delight in Scripture daily; cedars draw from deep springs (Psalm 1:2-3) • Let the Word dwell richly, shaping speech and choices (Colossians 3:16) • Obedience releases the aroma; knowledge alone does not (James 1:22-25) Abide in Christ’s Victory “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” (2 Colossians 2:14) Practical ways: • Morning surrender—invite His rule over the day (John 15:4-5) • Ongoing conversation—pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Quick confession—keep fellowship unbroken (Psalm 32:5) Walk by the Spirit • The Spirit produces fruit that smells like Jesus: love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23) • Yielding, not striving, brings the fragrance (Galatians 5:25) • Grieving the Spirit muffles the scent (Ephesians 4:30-32) Live a Life of Sacrificial Love “Walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) • Serve quietly where needs appear • Forgive quickly—bitterness is spiritual body-odor (Hebrews 12:15) • Speak grace, not gossip (Ephesians 4:29) Guard the Atmosphere Around You Cedars can be tainted by surrounding rot. Protect: • Your mind—filter entertainment and input (Philippians 4:8) • Your companions—choose iron-sharpening friends (Proverbs 13:20) • Your rhythms—honor Sabbath rest to keep the scent fresh (Mark 2:27) Persevere Through Trials Pressure releases cedar oil; hardships release Christ’s aroma when met with faith (2 Colossians 4:16-17): • Praise in pain (Acts 16:25) • Trust God’s pruning (John 15:2) • Testimonies born in fire carry the strongest scent (1 Peter 1:6-7) Share the Scent • Hospitality that opens doors to the gospel (1 Peter 4:9-10) • Words seasoned with salt and grace (Colossians 4:5-6) • Good works that point upward, not inward (Matthew 5:16) The Result Those rooted, saturated, and Spirit-led will display “splendor like the olive tree” and spread a godly fragrance “like the cedars of Lebanon”—an unmistakable, lasting testimony to the Lord’s renewing power. |
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