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  TRIUMPH AND VICTORY IN CHRIST
  by William MacDonald
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes that God is always leading us in triumph
in Christ, and that He is glorified in both the salvation of the
repentant and the judgment of those who refuse the Gospel.

Topics: "Victory in Christ", "The Aroma of Christ"
Scripture References: Matthew 7:13-14, John 3:16, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Ephesians 2:8-9, Philippians 3:18-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation 20:11-15

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DESCRIPTION
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William MacDonald emphasizes the triumph and victory found in Christ,
drawing parallels between a military victory parade and the Christian
journey. He explains that while believers carry the sweet aroma of
Christ, it is perceived differently by others; to the faithful, it
signifies life, while to the unrepentant, it represents death. MacDonald
highlights that God is glorified in both the salvation of the repentant
and the judgment of the lost, underscoring the solemnity of these
outcomes. He challenges the notion of measuring success solely by
conversions, suggesting that rejection of the Gospel also serves to
glorify God. The sermon concludes with a poignant reminder of the weight
of this responsibility, echoing the Apostle's question, 'Who is
sufficient for these things?'

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

It is generally understood that Paul here borrows a figure from the
victory parade of a military leader just returned from a foreign
conquest. The general is at the head of the parade, savoring the sweet
satisfaction of victory. Behind him are his jubilant troops. Then behind
them are the prisoners-of-war, slated for punishment, perhaps death. All
along the parade route are incense burners, filling the air with aroma.
But the aroma means different things to different people, depending on
whose side they are on. To those who are loyal to the commander in
chief, it is the fragrance of victory. To the captives, however, it is
an omen of defeat and retribution.

The pathway of a servant of the Lord parallels this picture in several
respects. The Lord always leads him in triumph. Though it might not
always seem like victory, the fact is that he is on the winning side and
GodÂ's cause can never fail.

Everywhere he goes, he carries the aroma of Christ with him. But this
aroma means different things to different people. To those who bow to
the Lord Jesus, it is the scent of everlasting life. To those who refuse
the Gospel, on the other hand, it is the smell of death and destruction.

But in both cases God is glorified. He is glorified in the salvation of
the repentant, and he is also vindicated in the refusal of those who are
perishing. When the latter stand before Christ, at the Judgment of the
Great White Throne, they will not be able to blame God for their plight.
They had the opportunity to be saved but refused it.

We generally judge the effectiveness of Christian service by how many
people are saved. Perhaps there is a suggestion in this passage that it
would be equally valid to judge it by how many people, after receiving a
clear presentation of the Gospel, reject it and plunge into hell.

God is glorified in both cases. To Him there is the sweet incense of
grace in the first instance and of justice in the second.

Solemn issues! No wonder the Apostle asks, in closing, Â"Who is
sufficient for these things?Â"

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/william-macdonald/triumph-and-victory-in-christ/
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