Verses 5-11, were a digression from the subject matter Paul had been dealing with in verse 4. He returns to it in verse 12. He had been speaking of his great affection for the church at Corinth, verse 4. He returns to it in verse 12.
The incident he refers to in verse 12 illustrates further his love for them. His love is seen in the anguish of heart that he endures as he ponders the state of the church and waits for news via Titus.
He was unable to settle to do anything until he heard regarding them.
I. TROUBLE IN THE CHURCH TENDS TO DIVERT ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE CHIEF ISSUE OF LIFE
1. His anxiety caused the forfeiture of a wonderful opportunity. Verse 12, a door was opened by the Lord. Notice that doors of opportunity are opened for specific persons. Because others have opportunities given them does not mean that we all can expect such opportunities.
2. How powerful are the distractions that we may face. Paul had a deep interest in Troas, Acts 16:8, 20:6. But for the moment he had to forfeit the opportunity for his spirit was distracted by the problem in Corinth. He could not ignore Corinth.
3. We must look to the Lord to remove distractions. Paul was able to say — Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, verse 14. From doubts and restlessness of spirit Paul was brought to singing in triumph. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning, Psalm 30:5.
II. THE SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON EARTHLY CIRCUMSTANCES BUT ON THE POWER OF GOD
1. The essence of a successful Christian life. It matters not whether you are a preacher, a missionary or just a member of the congregation — success is to send forth the savour of Christ. 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, verse 14. The victorious life sends out an odour of Christ, John 12:3.
There is an allusion to the practice of the heathen when processing to one of the celebrations, to burn incense and so fill the air with sweet perfumes. So it is with us only it is Christ that we should perfume the atmosphere with.
Note the use of the word knowledge. The sweetness of Christ is preeminently diffused by witness to the truth of the gospel.
The life that is under the control of God’s power will diffuse such sweetness.
2. The spreading of the knowledge of Christ is a sweet savour in heaven. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish, verse 15.
3. The sweetness of Christ is sensed in heaven irrespective of how men react to the gospel. Let this temper our sense of disappointment whenever sinners reject the message of Christ. At least heaven was pleased with the message an lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Matthew 3:17.
Let sinners ask themselves why they reject that which is pleasing to heaven.
4. The gospel that men put away as unpleasing will one day be the basis of their rejection by God. The witness of the Christian shall condemn rejecter. Like the bee, a bearer of honey to some and of a sting to others.
5. What an arduous task preaching is in truth. Such great consequences result from it — eternal life or eternal death. That is what we are dealing in this day!
6. Only a faithful ministry is sufficient. There are many which corrupt the word of God, 17. The word corrupt is derived from a word that is linked with the deceitful watering of wine. Beware of those who water down God’s truth. It is only the unadulterated Word of God that will sent forth the savour of the knowledge of Christ.