Cause and Effect

2 Cor. 2:14-17

Theme: A relationship with Christ should be the only source of direction for our conduct and service.

Intro: It’s no secret that some people today are working hard to manipulate God’s word. They pervert it into a social gospel in order to provide personal gain, power or position. The Book of 2 Cor. tells us this practice isn’t new to our generation. Paul was dealing with this in his day along with the false accusations of being associated with it. In our text, Paul takes time to remind the Corinthians who he represents, what he stands for and what they should be standing for. There are lessons for us as well. What we should stand for, why we should stand for it and the results of standing for it. Most everyone has heard of the cause, effect cycle, for every effect there is a cause, and for every cause, there is an effect. Let’s look at the Spiritual evidence of cause and effect.

I. Our service is recognized V. 14

As service to one of two masters, either Satan or God. The lifestyle we live is visible evidence of the master we serve, it provides proof...

A. Of our source

1. Through Salvation

2. Through Service

B. Of our triumph

Christian service is spiritual warfare; those triumphant will lead a parade of captives. Some are captive to servitude while others are captive to death.

C. Of our testimony

Our testimony will reveal our experience, either worldly or Christian.

“Knowledge” is spoken of objectively, referring to salvation.

“Every” speaks to “totality of the whole,” our great commission.

I. Our service is recognized.

II. Our influence is realized V.v. 15-16

A. Through position

By salvation, we are the fragrance of redemption

B. Through Proclamation

The witness of edification and evangelism

1 “death” unto death” eternal death to the spiritually dead

2 “life unto life” eternal life to the redeemed.

C. Through qualification

1. Not individual competence

2. by relationship through Jesus Christ.

I. Our service is recognized

II. Our influence is realized

III. Our reputation is characterized V. 17

A. From our handling of the gospel

B. From truthful proclamation

Truth is proclaiming that which is real

1. in purity

2. As Gods word

3. Is under Gods watchful eye.

Conc. We have heard how service, influence and reputation are a direct result of the lifestyle we live. That lifestyle will manifest itself in one of two ways. It can testify of a religious influence on a worldly life or it can testify of the life changing experience that comes through knowing a resurrected savior. That’s a decision each one of us must decide for ourselves. God knows as long as we are in these old bodies we cannot live a sinless life. However, God does ask us to be the salt of this world, we know that salt does several things and one of them is to make you thirsty. Our lives should make others thirsty for what we have. We owe to the lost and misled of this world the truth of what Jesus can do in their life.