God brings about some of His greatest victories out of our apparent defeats. As we consider our circumstances, we may grow discouraged. If we reflect upon the greatness of God however, then we can gain a new perspective. The Apostle Paul seemed somewhat disheartened in his visit to Troas and he stated that he had no rest for his spirit. When he shifted his focus to God; however, he broke through with a paean of praise:

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Discouragement and gratitude are mutually exclusive. We can dwell upon our sorrows, or we can experience the joy of thanksgiving. It is significant to note that Paul declared that God always leads us in triumph. This is a present tense verb that denotes a continual walk in victory. If we are following Jesus, then we will experience His victory.

Paul’s use of the word triumph would cause his audience to think of a Roman triumph in which the conquering hero would return to Rome after a great victory. Triumphs were awarded for a decisive victory that proved beneficial to Rome. This was the highest honor that was bestowed upon a Roman general.

The word manifest is also in the present tense and it literally means to bring to light or to cause to become visible that which was hidden or unknown. We are to manifest the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ where ever we go. When you interact with others, do they detect the fragrance of Christ in your life? This does not always mean they will like the fragrance; Paul goes on to explain that some will be encouraged and some will be convicted:

For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

We may be arrested by Paul’s question, “Who is adequate for these things?” The answer is none of us one in our own strength. Paul revealed later on that we are able manifest Christ to others as we walk in the power of His Holy Spirit:

Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, Who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)

Victory, not defeat, is the norm for the Christian. God views every believer as being in Christ, so we can be more than conquerors when we yield ourselves to the all victorious Christ.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University