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Sermon Notes of Rev.Dr.I.J.W.Oakley (10-5-1998 Guisborough Evangelical Church)
Having spoken of suffering, and of what the Holy Spirit
does in the Christian’s life, Paul now speaks of the glory of the Christian
life as we see how Christ gives such meaning and richness to it. The background
is important, as it provides a valuable backcloth by which to see the glory of
the jewels.
In this troublesome and
difficult church, some were rejecting Paul’s authority and forever criticizing
him. He made a flying special visit, but it only made matters worse, and nearly
broke his heart. Therefore he had written a severe and stern letter of rebuke,
concerned that the ringleader should be disciplined. Then he heard good news
about the ringleader’s penitence, so Paul wants to stop further discipline and
show him mercy. Till this news came, Paul was very restless and could not settle
down to work. Then Titus told him the good news and he was at peace.
One troublemaker or quarrelsome
person can cause enormous difficulties in the work of the Gospel. C.f. in
society, a tiny minority can greatly disrupt society and the country. One person
can absorb time, energy and money which is urgently needed elsewhere. Difficult
and half-consecrated people can be a terrible drag on a church though they do
not realize it, and cause difficulties when they do not pull their weight. How
often a minister wishes people would grow up and mature in their Christian life.
So much emotional energy, distress and time are used up, which ought to be
devoted to reaching outsiders. Sometimes the trouble is not so much what people
do, but what they do not do.
But Paul had at last got over this hurdle. Now there is a change in the tone of the letter. Up to this point, he has given a rather depressing account of his ministry – suffering, criticism, personal pain and restlessness. Now to balance the picture Paul strikes a positive note. He shows how God always and everywhere enabled him to carry out an effective ministry despite all the problems and difficulties. This very positive and thrilling side of Christian work becomes our concern now. It is a wonderful life being in Christ, and He enriches it, making it meaningful and so very worthwhile.
Thanks be to God who causes
us to triumph in Christ (A.V. 2 Corinthians 2:14). Thanks be to God who
always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ (N.I.V.). Here is a
picture of a Roman triumph. The victorious Roman general is honoured by a
triumph after a victorious campaign. The conditions of this award – to have
completed the campaign, to have pacified the region, to have won some territory
and killed at least 5000 men in one engagement. The triumph involved a
procession through the streets of the city of Rome. The state officials would be
there. Trumpeters would play. The spoils of war would be displayed, as well as
pictures of the conquered land. A white bull would be sacrificed. Then the
wretched captives he had conquered would be led out in chains, soon to be
executed. They would be followed by officers, musicians and priests. Then the
victorious general, clad in purple with golden palm leaves, crown and sceptre,
would come in a chariot drawn by four horses. He would be followed by his
family, and then all the soldiers with their decorations, amidst shouting and
triumphant cries. Cheering crowds lined the route from the Roman forum to the
great Temple on Capitoline hill in Rome, where the sacrifice would be offered.
It was a tremendous day, which most people could only expect to witness once in
a lifetime.
In Paul’s picture, the Lord is
the conquering general triumphantly marching through the world. Paul himself is
part of the procession, either as one of the Lord’s soldiers or one of the
captives, conquered by Christ, but now enabled to live triumphantly in Him. Even
though there are setbacks in the Christian life, it is essentially triumphant
and victorious. Not because of tremendous personal strength and willpower, but
because God leads us in triumph. He has taken us, entered our lives with power,
and leads us on and enables us. He leads us in Christ is the key to it
all. We need to be aware of this important relationship and enjoy it, make it
vital and real in the life.
Life will not be trouble-free,
but in the troubles God will comfort us, i.e. not only sympathize, but make us
adequate, overruling adversities for our good.
“Since
all that I meet shall work for my good,
The
bitter is sweet, the medicine is food.”
(John
Newton)
A mass of texts rush into the
mind about this. Hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed but
not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken (2 Corinthians 4:8). Nothing
can separate us from the love of Christ… tribulation, distress, persecution,
famine, nakedness, peril or the sword (Romans 8:35). If God is for us,
who can be against us (Romans 8:31).
We will face difficulties and
troubles, but as we realize our position of being “in Christ” God can turn
the situation around, and it can become a stepping stone leading us higher and
closer to Himself. He always (pantoe)
does it. In the Philippian jail, after a beating, when their feet were put in
stocks, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (Acts
16:25), such was their resilience. In Rome, as a prisoner, alone, deserted by
those he counted on, Paul could testify, The Lord stood with me and
strengthened me (2 Timothy 4:16,17). And we all know others from our
personal experience who can witness to the same strengthening and sustaining
power in the midst of suffering.
But it is only when there is personal submission to Christ that we share in His triumph. It is easy to sing the old hymn, “On the victory side”, but it is only if Christ is within can we claim to win the fight. He has first to triumph over us and bring us low before we can triumph in life.
And through us spreads
everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of
Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To one we
are the smell of death; to the other the fragrance of life (2 Corinthians
2:14-16). We go back to the procession going through the streets of Rome. The
priests in the procession swing their censors with sweet-smelling incense
burning in them. To the general and the victorious soldiers, the perfume of this
incense is the perfume of joy and triumph, a reminder of the victory. But to the
wretched slaves, the smell of the incense is a reminder of defeat and coming
death, either by execution or in the arena where they would be the victims of
wild animals or cruel gladiators.
Paul’s point is that there
should be a fragrance or aroma about the Christian, which arrests and compels
attention. Christ is reigning in the heart, and that should be felt, people
should be aware of it like a fragrance. To fellow believers, it is a delightful
perfume in which they rejoice because it reminds them of Christ. But to the
perishing the aroma is like the stench of death and doom, a reminder of what
they have not got and what they have rejected, and what will therefore be their
end. One group is encouraged, the other group is depressed. It is either
welcome, or it is an embarrassing, disturbing irritation.
Christ, His Cross and His people
have a divisive effect. They force people to a crossroads. The same heat which
hardens clay, melts metal. The same sunlight which gladdens the healthy eye
irritates the diseased eye. The Gospel which appeals to some, will raise
opposition in others. Some are drawn to Christ, while others close their hearts
against Him and stiffen their wills against His invitations. The Gospel is our
salvation or our ruin. Men could never be neutral in Jesus’ presence, nor
nowadays in the presence of His followers from whom the same fragrance comes. This
is the condemnation that God has come into the world and men love darkness
rather than light (John 3:19). Whenever the Gospel is preached, however poor
the preaching, some will rejoice because Christ is preached. It can be seen in
earnest contented smiles on faces. And there will be those who will reject the
message.
So there is this fragrance from
the Lord to His people. What is it? It is not just about being correct, orthodox
and upright. Nor is it cringing, crowning or servile. But it is a sweetness,
attractiveness, grace that compels attention. God’s grace, as well as power,
seen in life. The lowliest life, when Christ is leading in triumph, will speak
persuasively for Him. There will be new strength and tenderness which is deeper
than neutral affection.
Do we not find this embarrassing? There may be much about us which seems straight and orthodox, but we would not describe ourselves as fragrant and attractive. Why? It is not that we don’t try hard enough. The real root of the problem is in our self-will – something within us which has not yet made complete surrender to Him. “Not till He leads us unresistingly in triumph will the sweet savour go forth” (James Denny)
We do not peddle the word of
God for profit… we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God (2
Corinthians 2:17). Paul pleads his integrity and genuineness as Christ’s
servant. He is not in the business to make a living out of it, like many bogus
preachers at that time. The word for peddle, kaphleuw,
was used for tavern keepers or traders who used various devices and deceived
customers for profit. Like those who water down wine, some preachers water down
the Gospel for their financial advantage. They compromise the message.
This can happen in any form of
Christian work or service. Some avoid mentioning certain truths because they
make them unpopular or lose the support of influential people. The main concern
can become money, or feeding personal vanity, or parading learning to win
applause, to gain a following. Thus making the Word minister to them, instead of
ministering to the Word. It is sin to put any interest other than God in first
place.
Paul was not going out of his
way to be objectionable and ungracious, but he was determined to be faithful. He
was aware he had a message from God to pass on intact and complete. The Holy
Spirit within wanted to make known truth through him and his life. So this kept
him true to his commission, whatever the cost, and whoever was upset. He spoke
from the heart and was utterly sincere. A burden had been laid on him by God,
and he preached as in His presence so that others felt it.
“You can take the story of my life and write it across the sky – I have nothing to hide” (C.H.Spurgeon). Hudson Taylor reminded every C.I.M. missionary that the secret of living for Christ was not found in effort and struggle, but “in complete surrender of whole being to Him, and constant looking to Him for grace.” Even when men reject the Gospel, they know when the messenger is utterly sincere and convinced of his message.
No wonder Paul asks who is sufficient for such a calling and living such a life. The answer is “no one” – only a man who has turned away from himself and who has been made sufficient by Christ. Shortly in the next chapter Paul goes on to disclaim any competence in himself, only the competence of God, His grace, His Holy Spirit, calling and direction (2 Corinthians 3:5). All we need is in Him. Take eyes of self, and put them totally on Him.
