2 Corinthians 2:12-17
2 Corinthians 2:12–17 (ESV):
12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.
Who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
For Group Discussion:
Simple overview:
If you are in Christ, your entire life is captive to Him, and He is parading you through life as a trophy of His victory, using your entire life to spread the aroma of Christ.
The aroma of Christ is the gospel of Christ, and we are responsible to spread it wherever we go.
Discussion Questions:
Why was Paul’s spirit not at rest in Troas?
Answer: Because he was concerned about finding Titus (so that he could get a report about the Corinthian church).
Even though Paul would leave Troas to go find Titus, why can we be confident that God would continue to use him to spread the gospel?
Answer: Because Paul's life was captive to Christ, and everywhere Paul went God was using him to spread the ‘aroma’ of Christ. It didn’t matter whether he was in Troas, Macedonia, or any other place. Location was not an obstacle. What mattered was that Paul was a faithful witness of Christ wherever he was.
In a Roman triumphal procession, incense would be burned and everyone would smell it. To some, it was the smell of victory. To others, the smell of defeat (or death). How is the same gospel the smell of life to some and death to others?
Answer: The same gospel lands on different hearts differently. Some hear, repent and believe. Others hear, reject and bail.
Are we responsible for people’s conversion? Explain.
Answer: No. Salvation is God’s work, not ours. We are only responsible for getting the gospel out and letting God use it on hearts how He sees fit.
Paul said rhetorically, “who is sufficient for these things” (verse 16b). Do you ever feel insufficient to be the “aroma of Christ” to those around you? What truth can we lean on when we feel insufficient?
Answer: when we feel insufficient, we are correct: we are insufficient in and of ourselves. When we feel insufficient to live up to our calling, we must remind ourselves that God is sufficient to work through us to bring about His purposes. We rely on Christ working through us.
Verse 17 gives an outline of the way we should think of ourselves and our mission. List some of the things that should characterize us as we seek to spread the fragrance of Christ (the gospel) through our whole lives.
Answer:
1. We should never think of sharing a diluted version of the gospel (like a ‘peddler’ of cheap wine).
2. We should be sincere in our approach.
3. We should think of ourselves as being commissioned by God for this mission.
4. We should remember that we are under the watchful eye of God as we minister to others.
5. We should “speak” in Christ. The gospel needs to be communicated verbally, not just through our conduct (as though that were possible… see Romans 10:13-14 for further discussion).
If time allows…
As you wrap up, take a moment to consider this text as it uniquely applies to us as young adults:
Possible Discussion Points
Question: v. 12-14: Do you ever feel stuck when making big life decisions? How does Paul navigate decision making in v. 12-13?
Answer: As young adults, we may feel anxiety about our future– finding our “calling”, choosing the right path, or even fearing we’ll miss out on God’s plan for our lives. Note Paul’s confidence in verses 12-13 to change his plans. Even when doors are opened by the Lord, he has the freedom to go in another direction, and does so with thanksgiving unto God.
There is a freedom and joy to be in Christ who “ always leads us in triumphal procession” (v. 14). Therefore, we can take the pressure off of ourselves to choose the perfect plan for our lives and instead walk confidently within His will, knowing He is leading us and we can serve Him wherever we are.
Question: v. 15-16: Like Paul, wherever we go, we have the opportunity to be the ‘aroma’ of Christ? What does this look like in our everyday lives: at the beach, getting poke at Foodland, sitting in the lineup, or posting on social media?
Answer: At the beach: We can dress, speak, and act in ways that aim to glorify God and not ourselves. We can invite the people around us to SBCC.
At Foodland: Learn the names of the workers and clerks and pray for them regularly that they might come to know Christ. Even ask God to use us to witness to them!
In the lineup: We can show patience, be encouraging, and be considerate of others.
On socials: We can post with humility, integrity, and consideration. The person we are online should be the same as the person we are on Sunday mornings in Church.
Question: v. 17: When we do share Christ with others, what are some ways we can be sure to be “men [and women] of sincerity”?
Answer: Avoid ghosting. If you invite someone to Church or share the gospel, be sincere and follow up with them! Avoid giving someone your number and never connecting again.
Avoid FOMO. Keep your word and show your sincerity by committing to plans, regardless of what better or more exciting options might come up.
Remember eternity. The North Shore is full of fast and transient relationships, but remember that each person you meet is eternal. Do not disregard an opportunity to share Christ, even if someone you meet won’t be around for long. Although you may never see a person again on Earth, you could have the chance to reunite with them in Heaven!
How to Connect with SBCC
Before your group disperses, make sure you share the following information:
Follow us on Instagram. @sbcchawaii and @sbccyoungadultministry_
Use the Linktree in our socials to sign up to receive text messages. Make sure everyone in your group is on the bulk texting thread!
Invite them to fill out the Young Adult Response Form in the Linktree.
Invite them to the next Young Adult events and to join us on Sunday Mornings:
Beach Groups: July 6th, July 13th, 6pm
Chapel Night: July 20th, 6pm