Sunday, March 16, 2025

A Distinct Fragrance

Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Main Points:

The Power of a Distinct Fragrance

• They stand out, demand a response, and linger.

• Our lives as believers are meant to carry the distinct fragrance of Christ.

• Jesus calls us to abide in Him (John 15), and in doing so, we bear His fragrance to the world.

1. A Fragrance that Divides

• In ancient Rome, a triumphal procession carried a distinct scent—one of victory for the conquerors and of death for the captives.

• Paul uses this imagery to illustrate the gospel: to those who receive Christ, it is life; to those who reject Him, it is death.

• We have been conquered by a better King—Jesus—who brings true life and freedom (Ephesians 2:1-6).

2. A New Identity in Christ

• We no longer belong to ourselves but to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Galatians 2:20).

• The world tells us to craft our own identity (through career, relationships, success, image), but these containers are exhausting and never enough.

• In Christ:

  1. We have belonging: God so loved the world that He gave Himself for us to be reunited to His family! We are no longer orphans but children of God. I no longer look to earn love because nothing can separate me from His love!

  2. Captive to a better story: Our past is renewed! Given a new purpose that fits our calling. Someone else is guiding our story, I am not the sole maintainer of it, I can rest and find hope in times of struggles.

3. How to Build This Distinct Fragrance in Your Life

• Acknowledge Him in all your ways (Proverbs 3:6)

• Start your day in surrender – Invite God into your daily routines

• Invite Him into your work and relationships – Seek His wisdom in decisions, interactions, and challenges.

• Trust Him with your struggles – Acknowledge His sovereignty over your life instead of striving for self-sufficiency.

Discussion Questions

1. Can you recall a moment when you sensed someone carrying the distinct fragrance of Christ? What stood out about them?

2. Why do you think some people find the message of Jesus offensive, while others find it life-giving?

3. Which "container" (career, relationships, success, perfection, materialism.) do you find yourself relying on for identity? How does that impact your spiritual life?

4. What would it look like for you to Acknowledge God in all your ways? How might it change your daily perspective?

5. How can we practically carry the fragrance of Christ in our workplaces, families, and communities?

Closing Prayer

• What areas of your life are you still holding onto instead of surrendering to Christ?

• Surrender: Ask God to help us release control and self-sufficiency, trusting His leading and live as those belonging fully to Him.

• Transformation: Ask the Holy Spirit to refine us so that our lives reflect Jesus’ love and truth.

• Boldness: Pray for courage to stand out as the distinct fragrance of Christ, even when it is countercultural.

• Impact: Pray for our presence to be life-giving to those around us, drawing others to Jesus.