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In Week 4 of Gospel People, we step into one of the most defining (and hardest) marks of Christian community: forgiveness. From 2 Corinthians 1:12–2:4, Paul shows us that gospel-shaped relationships don't avoid conflict, pretend pain isn't real, or retreat into bitterness. Instead, forgiveness brings us face to face—with each other, with the reality of sin, and with the grace of Jesus. We'll see how forgiveness outwits Satan's schemes to isolate and divide, and how it makes the church smell like Jesus to a world that's desperate for something better than condemnation or avoidance.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.org Connect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity! Instagram: @integrity_church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
What can we learn about the purpose and limitations of discipline from Paul and the Corinthian Christians?Why would Paul consider himself led in triumphal procession in and a sweet aroma of Christ?Sweet Aroma of Christ | 2 Corinthians 2:5-17 | Paul's Second Letter to the CorinthiansOutline | ConversationBut if anyone has caused sadness, he has not saddened me alone, but to some extent (not to exaggerate) he has saddened all of you as well. This punishment on such an individual by the majority is enough for him, so that now instead you should rather forgive and comfort him. This will keep him from being overwhelmed by excessive grief to the point of despair. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. For this reason also I wrote you: to test you to see if you are obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone for anything, I also forgive him – for indeed what I have forgiven (if I have forgiven anything) I did so for you in the presence of Christ, so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes). Now when I arrived in Troas to proclaim the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord had opened a door of opportunity for me, I had no relief in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and set out for Macedonia. But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and who makes known through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place. For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing – to the latter an odor from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like so many others, hucksters who peddle the word of God for profit, but we are speaking in Christ before God as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God (2 Corinthians 2:5-17).
Date: 12/14/25Speaker: Brooks KimmeyTitle: The Aroma of ChristScripture: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
What if God's Power Shines Most When You Stop Pretending? Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians 11-13: Why does Paul spend so much time "boasting" about his sufferings and weaknesses in chapter 11? What point is he making? In 2 Corinthians 12:2–4, Paul mentions being "caught up to the third heaven." What does this mean, and what might Paul have experienced or seen there? Why do you think Paul refers to himself in the third person when describing this heavenly vision? What does this tell us about Paul and his purpose in sharing it? What do you think Paul's "thorn in the flesh" might have been? Why do you think God allowed it to remain? Read verse 9. What does it mean for God's grace to be sufficient for you? How can you practically "boast in weakness" so that Christ's power may rest on you? Read verse 10. Reflect on this paradox: "When I am weak, then I am strong." What does this look like in real life? Can you think of a time when God's strength showed most clearly through your weakness? Read 13:5. What is the true test of salvation according to this passage? How does that differ from assessing our works or inspecting our fruit?
Are You Being Built Up—or Just Impressed? Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians 10-11: What are some "earthly weapons" people rely on today, and how do they differ from the spiritual weapons Paul describes? How do we practically "take every thought captive"? What does that look like in a day-to-day mental battle? When have you seen someone use their leadership position to build others up rather than tear them down? Why do we often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others in life (or ministry), and what exactly can shift our focus back to God's unique calling for us? What does it mean to be "betrothed to Christ"? How does that shape our daily choices and loyalties? In what ways do "false apostles" or modern spiritual distractions pull believers away from the simplicity of Christ today? How can we discern the difference between charisma that may draw larger crowds and genuine Christ-centered power in teaching today?
23 October 2025 Daily Devotion: "The Aroma of Christ" 2 Corinthians 2:15 New Living Translation 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. This verse invites us to reflect on our role as Christians in the world. Just as a pleasing aroma can fill a room, our actions and faith should spread the love and light of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we carry His presence with us, impacting those around us—believers and non-believers alike. Consider how you can be an aroma of Christ in your daily life. Are your words and actions uplifting? Are you showing kindness and compassion, even in challenging situations? The way we live can draw others to God or push them away. As you meditate on this verse, ask God to help you reflect His love and grace. Remember, our lives can be a testimony to the transformative power of Christ. Let your faith shine brightly, so others may come to know Him through you. Embrace the mission, and be that sweet aroma in your community!
What's That Smell? (Grace Giving and Grace Living!) Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians: Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. What does it look like to “be separate” without being isolated or legalistic? How are you “different” in this world? Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-10. What is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow? Explain in your own words. Read 2 Corinthians 8:12-15. What do we learn about how the early church was invited to share with each other to meet needs? Read 2 Corinthians 9:5. Why did Paul send someone to go ahead of him? What does that show us about Paul's heart? Read 2 Corinthians 9:6. React to this statement: If we invest in the gospel, we're going to see a harvest: transformed lives! Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. What four expressions here show exactly what a healthy motivation for giving looks like? How is this different from the “give until it hurts” mentality? What meant the most to you from Andrew's message today? Why?
Sermon on 2 Corinthians 2:1-17 By Pastor Max Park
What Died When You Did? Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians 5-6: Read verse 15. What does it practically mean to no longer live for ourselves? How might this reshape our goals and motivations? Read verse 16. How does seeing others “not according to the flesh” change how we treat other people, even those who frustrate or anger us? Read verse 17. What does it mean to be a new creation? What old things have passed away, and what new things has God brought you? When? Read verses 18–20. Why is it important to read these verses as a cluster (including verse 20) to avoid the idea of universal salvation? Note verse 20. What role does our response play in reconciliation with God? Read verse 21. What does it mean to become “the righteousness of God in Him”? How does this go beyond being merely forgiven? Read verses 6:14–16. How should our identity as righteousness and light shape the (marriage) partnerships and priorities we form in the world? Read verses 6:17–18. What does it mean to come out and be separate without becoming self-righteous or isolated? How does knowing you're God's child shape your confidence and compassion?
Do You Realize What Treasure God Put in You? Discussion Questions: Read verses 3–4. Why is it important to recognize that Satan (not God!) is the one blinding unbelievers? How does that understanding change the way we view God and people who reject the gospel? Read verse 6. Paul says God “shone in our hearts.” What does this verse imply about the nature of our hearts and what's inside them? Read verse 7. What do you think Paul means by “earthen vessels”? How does knowing about the treasure inside us shape how we see our weakness and our adequacy? Read verses 8–9. Paul lists hardships but never ends in defeat. What do these verses teach us about the difference between suffering with Christ in us versus suffering without Him? Read verses 10–12. Why is it freeing to realize that “carrying the dying of Jesus” refers to the apostles' suffering for the gospel's sake—not a call for all Christians to die more every day? How does verse 12 make this crystal clear? Read verse 15. How do you see “grace spreading to more and more people” in your circles today? Why is gratitude always the result of genuine ministry? Read verses 16–18. Paul contrasts the “outer man” decaying with the “inner man” being renewed. What does this say about where our real hope and beauty come from? How does it help you not to lose heart?
Are You Living by Rules or by the Spirit? Discussion Questions: Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. Paul says we are the aroma of Christ. How do people “smell” Christ through us—maybe without use even saying a word? Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. Where do you personally feel inadequate, and how might seeing your adequacy in God shift that? Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-9. Why do you think Paul calls the Ten Commandments “the ministry of death”? How does that challenge common assumptions about the law? Read 2 Corinthians 3:10-11. The new covenant is described as “more glorious.” What makes it more glorious than the old covenant? Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-15. The veil is removed in Christ. What veil do people still wear today when approaching God, and how does Christ remove it? Read 2 Corinthians 3:17. What kind of liberty or freedom does the Holy Spirit inspire in us? Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. How does seeing Christ IN you (“as in a mirror”) change the way you view growing in God's grace?
2 Corinthians 2:12-17 - Sermon by Trevor Hoffman
This service we were joined by a special guest to PAC named Dr. Jonathan Schaeffer, President of the Christian & Missionary Alliance in the US.
Series: Treasure In Jars Of Clay Passage: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Pastor Richie Cayabyab shares about the "Aroma of Christ" mentioned by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17. He explores who it is meant for, why it exists, and how and when we can release this sweet fragrance of Jesus that has the power to change someone's life.
2 Corinthians 2:12-3:6 - - May 4, 2014
Happy Monday of Holy Week! In today's Gospel (John 12:1–11), Mary anoints Jesus' feet with aromatic oil—and the entire house is filled with its fragrance. Fr. Jonathan Meyer challenges us to ask: What kind of aroma do we bring into the world? Do we bring the fragrance of love, kindness, and encouragement—or negativity and gossip? Inspired by the little way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, discover how even the smallest acts can leave a lasting scent of holiness. Let your presence be a blessing. Be the aroma of Christ. #HolyWeek #Catholic #FrMeyer #RiseUp #John12 #StTherese #AromaOfChrist #CatholicYouTube
This message continues the series II Corinthians, "The Aroma of Christ." April 6, 2025. Pastor James Lynch. 1st Service.
Message from Aaron Ingle on January 26, 2025
Series Finale -- How do I know if I have the Aroma of Christ? Putting a bow on our beloved Atmosphere Matters teaching series as we look at Paul's instructions in 2 Corinthians 2:12-17.
Send us a textTrinity Grace Church Worship Service - December 15, 2024: Rev. Michael Novak
Rheanna Arfsten // THE AROMA OF CHRIST
Rheanna Arfsten // THE AROMA OF CHRIST
2 Corinthians 2:12-17
From the series "2 Corinthians: A Letter to the People of God," Pastor Trent Senske preaches from 2 Corinthians chapters 2:12-17 on October 6, 2024.
We are commissioned by God to share our story and to be the fragrance of life to a dying world. For those who have eyes to see it, the difficulties of life reflect the Gospel. Our purpose is to spread the fragrance of life so others see the hope of resurrection!
2 Corinthians 2:14-17 English Standard Version14 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.English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.