(2Co 3:2) “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:”  Notice closely: He didn’t say, “written on your hearts”, but “my heart”. The Holy Spirit enabled him to love them in such a way as to make them very much a part of himself. What does that mean? He would then give of himself for himself (them) in a way above what one can normally do. That….is seen in his entire ministry.

(2Co 3:1) “Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?” Shouldn’t be needed – right? I found people’s view of their pastor was from one of two things: did they see you as a hireling or as servant of God.

(2Co 2:17)  “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”   What keeps a person careful in the interpretation and sharing of Scripture (of sincerity), is being convinced that one is speaking for (in) Christ Jesus. That’s why it is dangerous to teach what someone has written “about” the Word of God instead of what the Holy Spirit has shown you.

(2Co 2:17)  “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”  Men corrupted the message. True then; true now. The message of salvation has been corrupted leaving out three things: first, there is a need of desire to turn from one’s sinful life (repent); two, true salvation births one spiritually, so not covering a period of time, but instantaneous; and third, it changes the person giving them a desire to please God. This will be evident in their life’s actions.

(2Co 2:15) “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: (16)  To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? (17)  For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”  The word “sufficient” here means among other things – “akin”. The question is, “Are you one of the born again, living for He Who saved you?” Do you smell “sweet” to your God?

(2Co 2:15) “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: (16)  To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?”   In a very real sense, the saved have only received half of what is promised in salvation. Even those who have gone before us have yet to receive their glorified bodies. Oh the things which eternity holds for those covered with the precious blood of Jesus!

DAILY DROP OF WATER  (2Co 2:15) “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: (16)  To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?”  Our Lord is glorified even in the lost as we understand He even died for them, (Joh_6:51) “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” 

(2Co 2:15)  “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:”   “in them that perish”? The lost who have heard of Christ yet rejected turning wholeheartedly to Him for forgiveness and the impartation of everlasting life, will be judged by Him (Rom 2:16). He bore their sins on the cross but now will judge their sins. Sad. Yet, God’s purpose is fulfilled; thus the sweet savour of Christ!

(2Co 2:15)  “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:”  The Lord especially loves His Own (Jn 14:21). That word “savour” goes back to the temple and in this case the sacrifice of incense where prayers were made as near to Him as possible. They represented Jesus Whose offering of Himself in love for His Father and for you and me please God, precious in His sight!

 (2Co 2:14) “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”   The knowledge of both the love and the precious judgment of our sins on Jesus’ cross, plus the glorious resurrection resulting in the impartation of salvation through faith and repentance, is a sweet aroma to those who rightly respond.