The Aroma of Christ

1. Further details on the course of Paul's ministry (vv. 12-13).

We need precision in our theology.

2. The triumph of Christ (vv. 14-16a).

Paul's central image of the Roman military triumph.

The gospel has two effects:

To the unsaved it is the aroma of death. "Here is this intoxicating aroma and to them it smells like pig-slop, like a rotting body."

To the saved it is the aroma of life.

3. Sufficiency in the ministry (vv. 16b-17).

Paul asks, "And who is sufficient for these things?" (v. 16b).

His answer is the sufficiency of God in Christ (see 3:5-6).

Paul here attacks any false motivation that might drive us to Christ.

Closing challenge: Is Christ the aroma of death to you or of life?