2 Corinthians 2:14-17

1. Paul is using the imagery of a triumphant Roman military general returning home from victory. A victorious general would return home amidst burning incense and with captives.

2. Paul is placing Christ in the role of the military general. Specifically his passion procession seems to be in view here (Colossians 2:15, Ephesians 5:2). This is, obviously, a very different means to victory, triumph via death vs. triumph via killing.

3. We are now Christ's body. We triumph in the patter of Christ (Through sufferings). Many commentators see it differently. They think Paul is imagining believers as Christ's captives (willing slaves). I think, however, he is imagining believers in the very role of Christ (victorious, but in a very odd way, through suffering).

4. The non-converting will be disgusted by Christ-likeness. The converting will be pleased to see Christ.

5. It is our greatest privilege and responsibility that we represent Christ in this world.

Granting the above points, the church fails when it
1. Fails to see Christ as a different kind of victor
2. Fails to be willing to suffer for Christ
3. Fails to be different from the world (fails to offer a unique odor)