2 Corinthians 2:14-17 - Homilies By E. Hurndall

The constant triumph of the faithful minister.

I. HE TRIUMPHS BECAUSE WHEREVER HE GOES HE MAKES KNOWN GOD AND CHRIST . This is a true triumph. If he succeeds in doing this he has a great success—the success of performance of duty and of fulfilment of the Divine will. Moreover, the kingdom of God is almost certain to be extended. Apparent failure, when more closely examined and tried by the test of time, will often be found to be success.

II. HIS TRIUMPH IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON THE RECEPTION OF HIS MESSAGE .

1 . To some his word is a savour from death unto death . The Christ proclaimed is to them a dead Christ, and his gospel lifeless and powerless, leading them only to denser spiritual death. This is very disheartening when viewed under one aspect. But Christ is preached, the work is acceptable to God, the Divine mercy is vindicated, and the responsibility of the disastrous issue rests solely on the rejecters. The excellence of the truth is demonstrated by its rejection on the part of the vile and sin-loving.

2 . To others his word is a savour from life unto life . Here the triumph is unquestioned by all. A tiring Christ is recognized, and one who has life-giving power.

III. HE TRIUMPHS ONLY AS HE IS FAITHFUL . For only so does he honour God and set forth the truth as it is in Jesus. The faithful minister:

1 . Does not corrupt the Word of God ( 2 Corinthians 2:17 ). Many do

(1) by false interpretation,

(2) bias,

(3) insinuation,

(4) omission,

(5) addition.

Prompted by

(1) gain,

(2) applause,

(3) carnal, preferences.

2 . But

(1) distrusts himself, crying, "Who is sufficient for these things?

(2) uses utmost sincerity;

(3) gets his message from God—"of God" ( 2 Corinthians 2:17 );

(4) speaks as in the sight of God;

IV. His TRIUMPH IS OF GOD . He is led in triumph by God ( 2 Corinthians 2:14 ). God has triumphed over him, and now God triumphs through him. His sufficiency is of God ( 2 Corinthians 3:5 ). He has no power when he only has his own; he has all power when he has God's.—H.