Confidence in the irresistible advance of the gospel is based neither on the ideal circumstances of the preacher nor on the ideal response of the hearers but on the confidence that Christ has conquered the world and we now share in his victory as God is at work through us spreading '...everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.'
Such a victory is not implemented by physical force but continues to bear the hostile rejection of many but the delight of others bears graphic witness to its ultimate outcome – the fragrance of life over against the stench of death. Paul saw the outworking of this victory in the context of much suffering and weakness but because his confidence was based on what Christ had accomplished and not on any power or adequacy he saw in himself meant that he was not disabled by opposition and difficulties along the way.
Only such a conviction can explain Paul's confidence – 'But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.'!
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John DUNKLEY BTh, Dip.Min. and Dip. Pastoral Studies. He is an ordained Baptist minister and has pastored a number of Baptist churches. He has also ministered at Westcare Baptist Mission - an inner city ministry and served as a voluntary Police Chaplain.
