What does "pleasing to God" mean in 2 Corinthians 2:15? The Setting of the Verse “Thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” The Picture Paul Paints - “Sweet aroma” echoes Old Testament sacrificial language: “The priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD” (Leviticus 1:9). - In Christ, the once-for-all sacrifice has already risen to God as the ultimate “pleasing aroma” (Ephesians 5:2). - Believers, united with Christ, now carry that same fragrance—His life, His gospel, His character. What “Pleasing to God” Means Here - God Himself delights in the Son. When we bear the scent of Jesus, the Father still “smells” His Son. - The pleasure is not about our personal merit; it is about Christ’s finished work manifested through us (Galatians 2:20). - The aroma is constant—“among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” Whether people embrace or reject the gospel, our Christ-centered witness remains equally delightful to God. Key Elements of a Life that Smells Like Christ 1. Proclaiming the gospel clearly (Romans 10:17). 2. Displaying sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:1-2). 3. Offering ourselves daily as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). 4. Walking in obedience that flows from faith (John 14:23). 5. Enduring hardship while trusting God (1 Peter 2:19-21). Why This Matters - God’s pleasure in Christ’s aroma gives confidence: our ministry is successful in His sight even when human responses vary. - It steers motivation away from approval-seeking and toward faithfulness. - It reminds us that holiness and evangelism are inseparable; both spread the fragrance. How to Cultivate the Aroma Daily - Start the day in Scripture, letting Christ’s words sink in (Colossians 3:16). - Confess sin quickly; unrepentant sin dulls the scent (Psalm 32:3-5). - Speak of Christ whenever opportunity arises—His name carries the fragrance. - Serve others selflessly; acts of love ascend like “a fragrant offering” (Philippians 4:18). - Persevere through trials with joy, showing that Christ is worth more than comfort (2 Corinthians 4:17). Takeaway “Pleasing to God” in 2 Corinthians 2:15 means living, speaking, and serving in such union with Jesus that God recognizes the fragrance of His own Son in us—and delights in it. |
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