The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Marks of Thankful Privilege The Answer to the Real Question

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Marks of Thankful Privilege Being led by a sovereign God “thanks be to God who always leads us” He leads us in the good times. He leads us in the bad times. He leads us in our sufferings. He leads us in our own shortcomings. When God is seen as sovereign in our lives, there is always purpose and a plan. The result is unquenchable optimism!

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Marks of Thankful Privilege Finding promised victory in Christ “always leads us in triumph in Christ” Christianity never involves failure. Christianity always achieves its goals. This involves struggle, hardship, and tears. Even the opposition encountered ultimately serves the purpose of God in victory – Rom. 16:20; Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Col. 2:15.

Romans 16:19-20 (NASB) 19  For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. 20  The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

Hebrews 2:14 (NASB) 14  Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

1 John 3:8 (NASB) 8  the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

Colossians 2:15 (NASB) 15  When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Marks of Thankful Privilege Finding promised victory in Christ “always leads us in triumph in Christ” Christianity never involves failure. Christianity always achieves its goals. This involves struggle, hardship, and tears. Even the opposition encountered ultimately serves the purpose of God in victory – Rom. 16:20; Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Col. 2:15. This results in unvarying success!

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Marks of Thankful Privilege Having influence for Christ “and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” This is the Bible’s version of aroma therapy. Leave a lingering scent of real, authentic, passionate Christianity – Rom. 10:14-15

Romans 10:14-15 (NASB) 14  How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15  How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Marks of Thankful Privilege Having influence for Christ “and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” This is the Bible’s version of aroma therapy. Leave a lingering scent of real, authentic, passionate Christianity – Rom. 10:14-15 In the Roman Triumph, this fragrance for some meant life, for others death. This results in unforgettable impact.

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Marks of Thankful Privilege Pleasing God in Christ “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.” Sincere – true to beliefs and passionate, real Purpose driven with an end in view Open and transparent Authority that comes from and is in Christ This results in unimpeachable integrity.

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Marks of Thankful Privilege Empowered in Christ “Who is adequate for these things?” No one can offer adequate service to God. We, as human beings, will always have flaws. Our sincerity, purpose, transparency, and authority only come from Christ. Displaying real change in our lives that can only be explained in the supernatural This results in undeniable reality.

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Answer to the Real Question “Who is adequate (sufficient) for such things?” Paul answers this question in 2 Cor. 3:4-6.

2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (NASB) 4  Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. 5  Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6  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.

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Answer to the Real Question “Who is adequate (sufficient) for such things?” Paul answers this question in 2 Cor. 3:4-6. There can be no confidence in ourselves. Confidence comes from God who is trustworthy. To live with nothing coming from us and everything coming from God is to live in the Spirit! Are you living and walking in the Spirit or in your own strength?

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 The Answer to the Real Question What does it mean to live in the New Covenant? To come to Christ with nothing to offer Him To be forgiven by the application of the blood of Christ alone for your sins To walk in submission to the Holy Spirit who now lives inside you To recognize that in your weakness He is strong

The Real Deal 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Application Are you the Real Deal? Are you being led by the Sovereign God? Are you finding promised victory in Christ? Are you having influence for Christ? Are you pleasing God in Christ? Are you empowered by Christ or by yourself? Are you sufficient for these things?