Do you remember the first time you came to River? The first time you stepped foot in this building? Maybe you came with a friend…perhaps you were brought up here as a kid & been here ever since. I know some of you have been part of River since long before the church met in this space – and I love to hear those stories. Perhaps today is your first day…Welcome; I remember that weakness well.
I’d like to tell you about my first experience: I was a freshman at a college I really didn’t want to be at. Back then, Wichita State wasn’t the cool school…especially for local kids like me. It was largely a commuter school. Thought “I’ll use my scholarships and then look elsewhere.”
I first stepped foot in this building for Christian challenge – and was uncomfortable. I didn’t know anyone – I wasn’t used to that. And it was exhausting to get to know new people…
On top of that, it sure seemed like everyone else knew each other – and knew each other well. I was so uncomfortable I formed this habit of looking busy…get a drink of water; walk around; get another drink; but after a few trips to the water fountain, I’d go to the bathroom; and that became my go to hideout; the bathroom.
I wasn’t super motivated to get to know people either; I had family in town, I attended another church & had a girlfriend and lot of good friends from high school. I didn’t feel like I needed to make the effort.
I never would’ve said this, but I lived like “if I don’t need you – if I don’t see how you’d add value to my life; why would I spend time & energy trying to build a relationship with you?”
It sure is good for us that God doesn’t take that approach – right? Because God needs nothing & no one to add value to Himself and his eternal existence. He is completely self-sufficient; the doctrine of the Aseity of God. He is sufficient in and of himself, needing no one else or anything else to accomplish all He pleases.
While we need air, water, food, relationships with others, and much more in life – God needs nothing.
So, Ben, back to your story…why’d you keep coming back?
I wanted to grow. I didn’t like how it felt, but by the grace of God, I wanted to grow.
The Lord used a handful of men to change my life over the next few years. A few men who faithfully invested in me. Over that freshmen year, two guys started getting 1 on 1 time with me, I was thinking “Why do they want to spend time with me?” It was a good time, but it was really simple: talk about life, walk with God, pray together. But that, and my small group, are what kept me coming around for my whole freshmen year. Because even with my growing respect for these few men, the Challenge gathering on Thursday night continued to feel awkward even into my 2nd year.
Guess what? Halfway thru my 2nd year there, I finally liked it.
And it wasn’t because the environment/dynamics had changed; but I had been changed.
This pattern repeated year after year, decision after decision (leading group – “no.” then 1 week later said yes) …and continues to this day.
God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
I said the Lord used a few men…and He did; but what I see now that I didn’t see clearly until years later – really, the Lord used this whole church. Because that’s the consistent direction – the culture – of this church. And I pray – and labor – towards that being true of Orchard as well.
Today, our passage begins in 2 Corinthians 2. But we must first understand Paul’s relationship with this church. If you find my story of hiding out in the bathroom awkward; it’s nothing compared with the relational difficulty presented in 1 & 2nd Corinthians.
Here’s the gist:
Paul planted this church – and wrote 3 other letters we know of prior to this one. In his 2nd letter (we know as 1 Corinthians) he addressed all sorts of issues in the church.
The Corinthians were like an ignorant and arrogant teenager – ya, that’s a terrible combo: they didn’t know much, but always seemed to think they knew better than everyone. All churches have issues, but they’re not always so clear and severe as the Corinthians’ issues. In short, they really needed to grow up…but they thought they were the picture of maturity). And Paul loved them enough to call them to grow up. Apparently they didn’t like Paul’s spiritual parenting and offered some resistance that made Paul’s most recent visit “a painful” one & then a severe letter from Paul.
That relational tension is the lead up to 2 Corinthians…and Paul is waiting to make another visit so that the relationship has the best possible chance of moving forward together.
That’s the background; now here’s the foreground:
Later in the letter (ch 7), we find that Paul got a good report from Titus: the church is repenting! They’re changing & making progress. But Paul sends this whole letter because while they’re heading in the right direction, there is still a significant threat – which is the driving occasion for the whole letter: the “super apostles.” This group of false teachers had some level of sway in the Corinthians hearts and minds. They seemed to be impressive. This group sought to undermine Paul’s influence in the church by posturing themselves as superior to Paul; in speech, appearance, reliability (Paul changed his plans, you can’t count on him!), and value (they charged for their services, whereas Paul didn’t – and you get what you pay for, they’d argue…right?).
Paul’s big warning is this: do not take a step forward with them because that is NOT the way of Christ.
In this letter, he shows & tells them the way forward; how to grow.
That’s the context we need for today’s passage.
I invite you to follow along as I read 2 Cor 2:12-3:6
12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
14 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.
3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
the super-apostles invited the Corinthians to this way of living: “be strong, in order to impress”
Whereas Paul taught the way of Christ: “be weak, in order to bless”
I know what you’re thinking: But I want to be strong in order to bless…
Not an option; Because God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
In midst of all the difficulty they faced, Paul modeled that God’s power made perfect in their weakness. This morning we’ll touch on 4 ways Paul did that from this passage
In v12-13 He’s waiting for news of them from Titus; ch 7 he meets Titus in Macedonia…
REMEMBER, Paul got the news before he sent this letter – but he still includes it here! Why? Because he’s taking the opportunity to model
1st way we see Paul modeling God’s power through the weakness of waiting; THIS is PATIENCE; it’s LONG-SUFFERING
We aren’t given all the details, but apparently Paul had this great ministry opportunity in Troas. But instead of staying there, Paul went to Macedonia in order to hear from Titus; who was carrying news of how the Corinthians were doing.
12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
Shortly before Orchard was planted, I heard that it was a good idea to ask others for financial support – went to 2 other churches that I had some connection to…one of them were looking for how many baptisms – how many people in X amount of years? Message I heard was “We’re looking to invest in big movements.” It seems to me like maybe they were looking for a Troas church.
Now, don’t misunderstand – God called somebody to be faithful at Troas; but Paul’s model, the Lord Jesus’ model is we aren’t to go seek out the new shiny and impressive opportunity. Because we are not to engage in credentialing ourselves and racking and stacking ourselves in the Kingdom – that’s what the super apostles were doing. Our call is to be faithful over time; no matter if you look/feel strong or weak.
The Lord persuaded Paul that faithfulness looked like investment over a long time (remember, this is letter #4; he’s preparing for visit #3; endured much anguish).
Here’s how fundraising went at River: I never even had to ask because as a church you said “here’s what we’ll give” and individuals gave without us EVER asking for a dime.
BUT that’s just derivative of the relationships – which was & still is priceless.
I said earlier, it was not just a couple of men; it was this church that Christ used to form me
Faithful investment over time; LONG-SUFFERING with me. Most prominent Engineer, Educator, artist, salesman, some businessmen; yes, there another who later became & is serving as a full time missionary & a couple of pastors played important roles.
But who developed in them? Of course is was the work of God, but it was the church!
I’m so thankful for their long-term investment.
Speaking of long-term investment; Orchard is named after John 15 & Ps 1; like River.
One imagery I’ve been challenged by is that it takes an Orchard 7-10 years from seed to fruit.
The Lord has called us to a long term work – and I know that’s what the Lord has done & is doing here.
So as we continue to do that work, let’s remember God’s patience toward us:
Rom 2:44 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
Right after Paul describes his weakness of waiting; He breaks out into a praise…but with a picture you might not expect…
14 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.
2nd way Paul models God’s power in our weakness is by losing (14-16)
What do you mean, by losing? Ben, surely you heard the text you just read?
Paul is invoking the Roman triumphus: which celebrated the victorious Roman general.
This Conqueror would lead A HOST OF PEOPLE (captives and soldiers and others) in his procession. It was a big deal; communicated: “look at this victorious general; he’s a big deal! This is all for his glory!”
God’s word is abundantly clear: Jesus is the Conquering King. He ultimate reason for all of life. Col 1:16 all things are created through Him and FOR HIM.
Paul wrote: whatever gain I had I count as loss for the sake of Christ, indeed I consider everything a loss compared with the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ my Lord.
To follow Jesus is to lose your whole life; and find it in Christ alone.
We live in an age where most people are pursuing “their best life now” often under guise of that being a Christian slogan.
Here’s the biblical slogan: we ought to pursue the best life…period Jesus is the life that is truly life.
Jesus is not the best life because the church building is full – or we like the music – or the programming is just right for our family – or because he’s blessed us with job, family, etc; but because this life is all about Jesus – and by grace we are HIS!
So if Jesus is the triumphant one…then where does Paul see himself (& all other Christians)?
Roman triumphus was marked by strong smells of incense which reinforced the reality of the conqueror’s supremacy and what that meant: for some, life; for others, death.
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?
That’s how Paul described his identity & prescribed to them byway of modeling: THE AROMA OF CHRIST to everyone, everywhere.
Think about this in your life: Does your willingness to identify with Christ and speak of him depend your setting?
v15: we spread the fragrance everywhere; and yes, it’s done with your life, but also your words.
Biblical evangelism is SHOW & TELL. But if we don’t tell, we’re never evangelizing.
Move towards this, and you’ll experience your weakness…might even want to hide in a bathroom for a little bit.
But good news: God’s grace is sufficient for you; His power is made perfect in our weakness.
Recently I attended a chaplain training on religious liberty – important matters were discussed.
You want to know the best way that you can promote religious liberty? Make the most of every opportunity to exercise your faith. And do so with gentleness and respect.
V16 ends with the key question of today’s text – and supports this idea that Paul modeled power in weakness by LOSING. V16 asks: Who is sufficient for these things? (to be the aroma of Christ);
implied answer: NO ONE. Not Paul; not the Corinthians; definitely not the super apostles. Not you, not me; NO MERE MAN.
There is but one victor, and we have no rightful claim – no boast – in and of ourselves.
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The third way Paul models power in weakness is by actively waiting while being doubted;
Paul doesn’t wait PASSIVELY…
17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word (who sell it for profit, hinting at the super apostles), but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
As Christians, we’re not selling; we’re telling. What we speak, we should speak before God in Christ.
Like someone who swears to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth before testifying in a court of law. Except on the highest possible level.
Now what’s he going to say next?
he gives a direct answer to those who doubted him in that church
Paul flashes his credentials to them NOT TO IMPRESS, BUT TO BLESS.
He’s modeling here again: don’t miss what his credentials were – it was his relationship with them.
THIS RELATIONSHIP WAS ON THE MEND; BUT DON’T MISS HOW AWKWARD THIS IS.
What are your credentials, Paul? It’s you.
But if we’re it, shouldn’t we know? Ya, you should know. It’s God’s work of making you a new creation – it’s plain as day to everyone.
While Corinth questioned Paul’s place; I’m happy to report that’s the opposite relationship Orchard has with River. Incredibly high trust.
I am your letter; I am a result of God’s faithfulness in and through you all. Orchard is.
In fact, one of the most encouraging comments is “this reminds me of River when it was getting started.” Credit to God’s Spirit at work in His people there.
While God’s power in our weakness might sometimes feel/seem awkward to us; it’s not.
This is normal Christian living, biblically. Not consumer Christianity, but co-laboring. It might feel awkward, but you know what’s far worse than awkward? Is to claim Christ and repeatedly, unrepentantly not do what He says.
According to Mt 28, we’re to make disciples, baptize them & teach them to obey everything he said (which includes making disciples, baptizing them & teaching them to obey everything
You’ll know His authority & presence in unique ways as you’re faithful.
Think about the application of this to your life: Whose letter of recommendation are you?
And who is your letter of recommendation?
Asked another way:
Who are you letting invest in you? Who is doing spiritual good to you on a personal level?
And who are you investing in? Who are you intentionally doing spiritual good to on a personal level?
I imagine there’s some here who have tried to bypass that because you don’t want to feel weak. You’re missing out on God’s power in your life.
Feel what you feel: believe what’s real; whether you FEEL WEAK or strong – HERE’S what’s TRUE: you are weak; and God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
Or as the kids are singing upstairs: we are weak, but He is strong.
Teaching the kids at river: that was another iteration of me not wanting to do something because it made me feel weak. But God’s power through that experience continues to change my life.
The fourth way Paul models power in weakness By trusting the Sufficient One, NOT HIMSELF; 4-6
Listen, as Paul finally answers the question: “Who is sufficient?”
4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
THIS IS OUR CONFIDENCE: nothing about ourselves, not our experiences/education/reputation
We are sufficient to be new covenant ministers (all of us) NOT because of anything we do (that’s what this letter is about; the letter of the old covenant); but because of what Christ has done.
He was crucified in weakness and he now lives by the power of God.
It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, or your age/stage of life:
What God has done in Christ is completely sufficient for all we do. Sufficient to save us from our sins; and sufficient for any and every good work.
The Lord is all-sufficient.
SO WHAT? How does someone actually do this?
Repent & Believe. That’s the only fitting response to the good news.
And that response is fleshed out by Walking with God & walking with people. That’s exactly what Paul did. [points 1 & 3 were how he walked with the Corinthians; points 2 & 4 how he walked with God.] He’s doing what the Conquering King said: Love God with all your being, and love people.
As we do this, we should expect God’s power to be made perfect in our weakness.
I’ll give you some time to pray now:
Repent & believe; cherish Christ as your all-sufficient Treasure.
If it’s your first time, tell someone after.
Or perhaps you’ve not been walking with people in that weak way & commit to tell someone.
Talk to the Lord about what you do what’s coming up this week – trust Him to be your sufficiency in that.
Ask Him show you how to exercise your confidence in Him among people (saved & lost).
Expect His power to be known in your weakness
Praise Him as the All-Sufficient God that He is as we keep coming to Him in our weakness