Triumphing in Christ, Part 1

II Corinthians 2:14-16a Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.

God is leading us in victory—always. Sometimes we think that maybe the victory hasn’t been won or purchased yet because it’s not evident everywhere yet. Don’t be fooled—it’s here!

This scripture says that we are on a path of triumph! Unless you know you’re living in unconfessed sin, do you know that the path you’re on is a triumphant one? Do you see it? Do you believe it? Are you experiencing it in your life? Because of His death and resurrection, the kingdoms of this world are becoming the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ! God is advancing!

To see the Lord first leading in triumph (and to understand the background Paul had in mind in writing this), let’s take a look at one of His triumphs in the Old Testament. The book of Joshua tells the story of “the inhabitants of the land [being] fainthearted because of [him].” The spies who’d been sent out returned and told Joshua, “Truly the LORD has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us.” A few chapters later, we have the resounding victory at Jericho (ch. 6).

We don’t have to be afraid! Satan is the one running scared! He’s the one who knows that time is short! (Revelation 12:12), and he’ll do anything to prevent us from living in that truth.

Does this mean that we can assume victory? Well, we can assume that as we follow Him, we follow a path of victory!

Does that mean that we can assume we know HOW the victory will be accomplished? No! “Aye, there’s the rub.” And we’ll get into that another day.

But His victory is guaranteed! We too often don’t even see that. We’re blind creatures when we move without faith, and we all need God to open our eyes to see His path of triumph!

So, does this mean we will move forward in continual victory, no matter what? Well, “of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7), so we know the Kingdom of God will always be moving forward. The question is whether or not we will move with it. Either way, His path is one of victory.

The Lord never “tries” anything, nor does He “make a stab” at accomplishing something. He knows what He’s doing every step along the way. He always has a victorious end in mind, and the paths of the Lord always lead to that end.

Prayer: Lord, I haven’t always seen that You are a victorious warrior. I believe in the “good end” of heaven, but don’t always see or understand Your victory here in this life before I get there. But Your word says that You always lead us in triumph in Christ. I believe Your word. I may not understand it, but I stand with You in what You say. Help me strengthen my faith here, and then open my eyes to see it.