To Be the Fragrance of Jesus Christ
Randy Krahn teaches that believers are called to embrace the suffering and surrender of Christ’s cross, becoming the fragrant aroma of Jesus in the world through faithful endurance and holy living.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering our will to God, following the example of Jesus who allowed himself to be crushed to bring out sweetness. It discusses yielding our free will to become bond slaves of Jesus, choosing to be marked by Him. The sermon also delves into the consequences of pride and rebellion, drawing parallels between Lucifer's fall and the need for humility and obedience in our lives.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Example of Christ’s Suffering
- Jesus as the crushed rose producing fragrance
- The necessity of being pressed to reveal Christ’s sweetness
- Yielding our will as Jesus yielded His
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II. The Call to Surrender and Discipleship
- Choosing to serve Christ willingly
- Bearing the cross daily in life
- Surrendering all aspects of life to God’s will
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III. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare and Judgment
- Recognizing false prophets and deception
- Judging within the church by fruit of character
- The final judgment and accountability before God
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IV. Endurance and Holiness in the Christian Life
- Enduring discipline as God’s loving correction
- Pursuing holiness and perfection in Christ
- Pressing on despite trials by God’s strength
Key Quotes
“The best way for us to have a good fragrance of Christ is when we get pressed.” — Randy Krahn
“The cross is something that is on your back that you're carrying.” — Randy Krahn
“When we see these attitudes of the heart, the selfishness coming out of our hearts, that we repent of these things.” — Randy Krahn
Application Points
- Embrace trials and suffering as opportunities to reflect Christ’s character and fragrance.
- Daily surrender your will to God, choosing to follow Jesus’ example of obedience.
- Evaluate your spiritual fruit under pressure and repent where selfishness or pride appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be the fragrance of Christ?
Being the fragrance of Christ means living in such a way that others experience the love, sacrifice, and presence of Jesus through our lives, especially as we endure suffering and surrender to God.
Why is suffering important in the Christian life?
Suffering is important because it refines believers, produces spiritual fruit, and follows the example of Jesus who was pressed and crushed to bring forth sweetness and salvation.
How do we know if someone is truly following Christ?
True followers of Christ are recognized by their response to trials and pressure—their 'fruit'—such as humility, love, and surrender, rather than by spiritual gifts or outward appearances.
What role does surrender play in discipleship?
Surrender is central to discipleship as it involves yielding our will to God’s, embracing His purposes, and following Jesus’ example of obedience even in hardship.
How should Christians respond to discipline from God?
Christians should accept God’s discipline as a sign of His love and a means to grow in holiness, understanding it helps prevent condemnation and shapes us into Christ’s likeness.