How can we discern if our witness is "pleasing to God"? The Sweet Aroma God Notices Key Verse “For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” — 2 Corinthians 2:15 Why Paul Chose “Aroma” Language - Ancient worshipers burned incense and sacrifices; God called the rising smoke “a pleasing aroma” (e.g., Leviticus 1:9). - Paul links that imagery to believers: our lives and words rise to God with the same fragrance when centered on Christ. - The focus is vertical first—“to God”—before it is horizontal toward people. Five Indicators Our Witness Pleases God 1. Christ, not self, is the centerpiece - “We do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Corinthians 4:5). - If people leave talking more about the Savior than about us, the aroma is right. 2. It flows from genuine love and gratitude - “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering” (Ephesians 5:2). - Love-driven witness smells sweet; duty-driven witness soon smells stale. 3. It aligns with Scripture in content and spirit - “If anyone speaks, he should do so as one speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11). - We refuse to “peddle the word of God” (2 Corinthians 2:17); accuracy guards the fragrance. 4. It is carried out with sincerity before God, not for human applause - “We speak as those approved by God, to be entrusted with the gospel, not to please men” (1 Thessalonians 2:4; cf. Galatians 1:10). - Hidden motives eventually leak out; God smells them first. 5. It produces spiritual effect over time - For some, the aroma leads to life; for others, to judgment (2 Corinthians 2:16). - Conviction, repentance, comfort, and growth are evidences the scent is reaching hearts. Practical Self-Checks • Content Check – Am I sharing the gospel’s core: sin, substitution, resurrection, faith? • Motive Check – Would I speak the same words if no one knew but God? • Character Check – Does my conduct back up my confession (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15)? • Fruit Check – Are people being drawn to Christ or merely to an event, personality, or cause? • Dependency Check – Am I praying and relying on the Spirit, or resting on technique (Zechariah 4:6)? Cultivating the Fragrance Daily - Offer your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). The whole life on the altar keeps testimony fresh. - Stay near the source: consistent time in the Word and fellowship with Christ saturates you in His scent (John 15:4). - Walk in forgiveness; bitterness spoils the perfume (Ephesians 4:31-32). - Welcome trials as opportunities for the aroma to spread (2 Corinthians 4:7-11). Closing Encouragement When the message exalts Christ, the motive is love, the method matches Scripture, and the life backs it up, heaven registers a pleasing aroma—even if the human noses nearby react in varied ways. Stay faithful. God is breathing it in. |
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