A SLICE OF APOSTOLIC LIFE -- Tomorrow:
"Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place." (2 Cor 2:12-14)
Devotion 20 of 24
MAKETH MANIFEST, #1
" . . . and maketh manifest . . . "
Other versions read, "diffuses" (NKJV), "spreads everywhere" (NIV), "spreads in every place" (NRSV), and "makes clear" (BBE).
The word translated "makes manifest" means to show, make known, cause to be plainly recognized, make thoroughly understood" (STRONG'S), "to make known, cause to be seen, show, to be revealed" (THAYER).
I want to emphasize that this is something GOD HIMSELF is doing – making manifest. It is NOT something He is making known TO Paul, but what is being revealed THROUGH the Gospel that Paul preached. This is an example of the Gospel being "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom 1:16).
Because of the corruption that so dominates the modern church, it is essential that this point be emphasized. It is God who causes the proclaimed Gospel to be understood. The understanding of reference is not the result of human expertise, communication skills, and the likes. It is the result of being "taught by God" (John 6:45, NKJV).
This understanding comes by means of the Gospel. God simply does not reveal, or manifest, things through "the doctrines of men"(Col 2:22). "Spiritual understanding" does not come by means of religious creeds and sectarian positions. Religious cliches and slogans are not the means God uses to open the truth to the hearts of men. A better understanding of Divine objectives cannot be obtained by means of human wisdom. Furthermore, where God does not work, all religious activity is in vain. It is pointless, and even competes against the knowledge of the truth.
This is "learning Christ" (Eph 4:20) – coming into an acquaintance with the Lord. This acquaintance produces an understanding of both God's Person and what He is doing. It is the necessary prelude to becoming "laborers together with God" (1 Cor 3:9). This is not to be confused with academic learning. It is not the result of "study," as ordinarily perceived. Rather, "this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes" (Psa 118:23).
THE SAVOR OF HIS KNOWLEDGE
" . . . the savor of His knowledge . . ." Other versions read, "the fragrance of His knowledge" (NKJV), "sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him" (NASB), "the fragrance of the knowledge of Him" (NIV), "the fragrance that comes from knowing Him" (NRSV), and "the value of the knowledge of Him" (BBE).
The word "savor" means "fragrance, pleasant odor, aroma, and sweet smell" (THAYER). This speaks of a spiritual perfume that is pleasing to both God and man – but especially to God. It is to preaching what the incense was to the tabernacle service (Ex 30:1,7). It also parallels a phrase used by Solomon in his song: "Because of the savor of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth . . ." (Song of Sol 1:3).
The particular "savor," or "fragrance," involved is "His knowledge," "the knowledge of Him" (NIV), or "knowing Him" (NRSV). This is man's knowledge of God – a knowledge that comes by means of the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel, God's power unto salvation, provides the most thorough view of God's Person and purpose. When that Gospel is believed (Acts 15:7; Eph 1:13) and obeyed (2 Thess 1:8; 1 Pet 4:17), Jesus comes to dwell within the individual (John 14:21,23). In this regard, it is the particular ministry of Jesus to expound the Father, enabling the believer to "know" Him. Jesus spoke of this when He said, "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Mat 11:27-29, NKJV).
This is the "knowledge" to which our text refers – a knowledge that is appropriately referred to as "the savor." This is the "knowledge" that brings great pleasure to God Himself, as well as the one possessing it. This is expressed by the prophet Jeremiah. "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD" (Jer 9:23-24).
The expression "in these things" is better translated "in these" (NKJV/NIV). The objects of Divine delight are those who know and understand Him. If you choose to use the word "things," the "things" are knowing and understanding "the LORD." In both cases, the conclusion is the same: those who know and understand the Lord are a source of great delight to Him.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to be a delight to You.