The Power of the Message

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

The power is not from us, but is in the gospel message.

1. PAUL HAD AN ANXIOUS MIND (2 Corinthians 2:12-13)

   1. God opens a door for the gospel to be proclaimed in Troas
   2. Paul is rendered combat ineffective because of the stress of the church in Corinth and expecting Titus to be there, he is absent Paul obviously needed the encouragement
   3. Paul is so worried about Corinth he fails to launch the gospel in Troas.
   4. Thankful this shows Paul has struggles that cause weakness.
   5. Proper concern is admirable and shows that someone cares.

2. God has an overcoming grace (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)

   1. As Paul was thinking about these disabling concerns, the thought of a conquering Roman general is brought to mind.
   2. A conquering Roman General would get a parade on his return. He would ride in a golden chariot, followed closely by his sons, then his officers, then a priest with burning incense.The incense smelled like to those allied with the General, but would be an odor of death to the captives who were being led to be throne into the arena with the wild animals. This place was called Circus Maximus.
   3. Jesus is the conquering general, we are his family, invited to be in the procession even though we did not contribute to the victory. It is only by grace we are in the procession
   4. Imagine if you were to carry another flag while marching in a parade of conquered slaves

3. God expects us to perform an overwhelming task (2 Corinthians 2:17)(2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

1. Who is sufficient? Verse 16 Greek hikanos, competent, ample, or fit. enough, good, great, large, many, sufficient, or enough in size, time, length. worthy.
2. We carry the aroma of our conqueror
3. Are we enough? No. (feeding of the 5,000)
4. We are not those that use the gospel to get our way

What about you?

1. Talk to one person this week about Jesus Christ.
2. Rejoice you are in God’s family.
3. The task is simple but very, very difficult.