Embracing Grace: The Aroma of Christ for All

Summary

Today, we gathered around the powerful truth that God’s grace is for everyone—both the reckless and the religious. We began by celebrating the work God is doing through our team in Ethiopia, reminding us that the mission of God is global and that every believer is called to carry the aroma of Christ wherever they go. Just as the scent of a delicious meal lingers and draws attention, so too should the presence of Jesus in our lives be evident to those around us. The aroma of Christ is not about religious performance or outward appearances, but about a life marked by love, joy, peace, kindness, and self-control—a life that reflects the heart of Jesus in every interaction.

We explored the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, seeing how Jesus seeks out both the rebellious and the self-righteous. The younger son represents those who have wandered far, squandering their lives in reckless living, only to find that the world’s pleasures are never enough. Yet, when he returns home, the father runs to him with compassion, embracing him and restoring him fully—not because he earned it, but because of unmerited grace. This is the scandal of the gospel: God gives good things to those who don’t deserve them. Many of us have experienced moments when we received love or forgiveness at our lowest, and we know how life-changing that can be.

But the story doesn’t end there. The older brother, who stayed home and did everything right, is just as lost in his self-righteousness. He is outwardly obedient but inwardly cold, unable to celebrate grace given to another. Jesus’ words challenge us to see that religion and moral performance cannot transform the heart—only God can. Whether our “flesh” looks reckless or religious, it is still separated from God apart from His Spirit. The Father’s invitation is for both sons to come home, to be restored, and to experience true transformation.

Our calling is to carry this message of grace to all people. We are not here to point fingers or highlight the dirt in others’ lives, but to proclaim that Jesus can make anyone new. We are all in need of the same grace, and our mission is to let the fragrance of Christ be released through us—so that others might be drawn to Him, not by our perfection, but by His love and transforming power.

Key Takeaways

- The Aroma of Christ Is Evident in Everyday Life
Spending time in God’s presence should leave a mark on us that others can sense, just as a strong aroma lingers after a meal. This “fragrance” is not about religious activity, but about embodying the love, joy, and peace of Jesus in every sphere—at work, at home, and in our communities. The way we treat people outside the church is a true test of whether we carry Christ’s aroma, and it is through this that God spreads the knowledge of Himself to the world. [58:36]

- Grace Is Scandalous and Life-Changing
God’s grace is unearned, unmerited, and often given when we least deserve it. Like the prodigal son, many of us have received love or forgiveness at our lowest, and that experience can radically change us. The gospel is offensive to our sense of fairness because it says Jesus came for the undeserving, the broken, and the outcast—He blesses the unblessable and loves the unlovable. [01:11:25]

- Self-Righteousness Is a Subtle but Deadly Sin
The older brother in the parable shows us that it’s possible to be outwardly moral and religious, yet inwardly cold, prideful, and unloving. Self-righteousness blinds us to our own need for grace and causes us to judge others harshly. True transformation is not about behavior modification, but about a heart changed by God’s Spirit—religion can clean the outside, but only Jesus can cleanse the inside. [01:24:53]

- God Seeks Both the Reckless and the Religious
The Father in the parable actively pursues both sons—He runs to the rebellious and pleads with the self-righteous. God’s mission is to seek and save all people, regardless of their background or behavior. Our mission is to represent Jesus to everyone, extending the same invitation of restoration and grace that we ourselves have received. [01:31:46]

- Our Mission Is to Proclaim, Not to Point Fingers
We are called to proclaim the excellencies of Jesus, not to highlight the failures of others. Instead of writing “wash me” on the dust of people’s lives, we point them to the One who can truly cleanse and renew from the inside out. The world doesn’t need more judgment; it needs the fragrance of Christ released through lives transformed by grace. [01:39:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[53:32] - Greetings from Ethiopia
[54:31] - Prayer for the Mission Team
[56:40] - The Aroma of Christ: What Do You Smell Like?
[57:52] - The Birria Story: Carrying the Scent
[58:36] - The Aroma of Jesus in Everyday Life
[59:58] - What the Aroma of Christ Is (and Isn’t)
[01:07:20] - The Prodigal Son: Reckless Grace
[01:09:02] - The World Is Not Enough
[01:11:25] - Grace for the Undeserving
[01:13:52] - The Power of Unmerited Favor
[01:24:53] - The Older Brother: The Danger of Self-Righteousness
[01:31:46] - God’s Mission: Seeking All People
[01:38:54] - Our Mission: Proclaim, Don’t Point Fingers
[01:41:31] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
[01:43:32] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life."

- Luke 15:11-32
(The Parable of the Prodigal Son)

- Matthew 23:25-28
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence... So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

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### Observation Questions

1. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, what does Paul say is being spread through us, and how does he describe the different responses people have to the "aroma of Christ"?
2. In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15), what are the main differences between the younger and older brothers in how they relate to their father?
3. According to Matthew 23:25-28, what is Jesus’ main criticism of the Pharisees and religious leaders?
4. The sermon described the “aroma of Christ” as something that should be noticeable in our everyday lives, not just at church. What are some specific ways the aroma of Christ is described in the sermon? [[59:58]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul uses the image of “aroma” to describe the effect of a Christian’s life on others? What does this metaphor communicate about our influence?
2. In the parable, why is the father’s response to both sons so surprising, and what does it reveal about God’s character? [[01:10:25]]
3. The older brother is outwardly obedient but inwardly resentful. What does this teach us about the dangers of self-righteousness and religious performance? [[01:24:53]]
4. According to the sermon, how can both “reckless” and “religious” people be equally separated from God? What is needed for true transformation? [[01:29:00]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said that the aroma of Christ is shown in love, joy, peace, kindness, and self-control—not religious performance. Which of these qualities do you find hardest to show outside of church, and why? What’s one step you could take this week to grow in that area? [[59:58]]
2. Have you ever received grace or forgiveness when you least deserved it, like the prodigal son? How did that experience affect you? Is there someone in your life who needs that kind of grace from you right now? [[01:13:52]]
3. The older brother struggled to celebrate his brother’s return. Can you think of a time when you found it hard to celebrate someone else’s blessing or forgiveness? What was going on in your heart? [[01:24:53]]
4. The sermon warned against pointing out the “dirt” in others’ lives instead of pointing them to Jesus. Are there ways you’ve been tempted to judge or gossip about others’ mistakes? How can you shift your focus to sharing hope and restoration instead? [[01:39:22]]
5. The father in the parable actively sought out both sons. Is there someone in your life—either “reckless” or “religious”—that you sense God is inviting you to reach out to with love and grace? What would it look like to take a first step? [[01:31:46]]
6. The sermon said, “We are not here to point fingers, but to proclaim that Jesus can make anyone new.” What’s one practical way you can let the “fragrance of Christ” be noticed in your workplace, school, or neighborhood this week? [[01:39:22]]
7. The message ended with an invitation to come home and be restored. Is there an area of your life where you need to accept God’s grace and let Him change you from the inside out? What’s holding you back from coming home to the Father? [[01:41:31]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person carry the aroma of Christ into their daily lives, to receive and give grace freely, and to be agents of restoration in their communities.

Devotional

Day 1: Carrying the Aroma of Christ into the World
A follower of Jesus is called to spend time in the presence of God so that the aroma of Christ—marked by love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—naturally flows from their life and gets the attention of those around them. This aroma is not about religious superiority or condemnation, but about loving God and serving neighbors, even those who do not share our beliefs, because all people are made in the image of God. The way we treat people outside the church matters deeply, as God desires to spread the fragrance of Jesus through us in every sphere of life. [58:36]

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (ESV)
"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?"

Reflection: Who in your daily life most needs to experience the aroma of Christ through your actions and words this week, and what is one specific way you can intentionally show them the love of Jesus?


Day 2: The Scandalous Grace of the Father
God’s grace is unmerited, unearned, and undeserved; He runs toward the reckless and rebellious, embracing and restoring those who have squandered their lives, just as the father in the parable welcomed home his wayward son with compassion and celebration. No matter how far someone has wandered or how deep their mistakes, Jesus came for the undeserving, offering forgiveness, acceptance, and new life to all who turn to Him. This grace is shocking and counterintuitive, but it is the very heart of the gospel: Jesus came to seek and save the lost, not the self-sufficient. [01:11:25]

Luke 15:20-24 (ESV)
"And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel unworthy of God’s love or forgiveness? How can you receive and celebrate His grace for you today, even if you feel you don’t deserve it?


Day 3: The Danger of Self-Righteousness
It is possible to be outwardly moral, religious, and obedient, yet inwardly cold, prideful, and unloving—missing the heart of God’s grace. The older brother in the parable, though compliant and dutiful, was blinded by self-righteousness, unable to rejoice in his brother’s restoration and unable to see his own need for grace. Jesus warns that self-righteousness is a sneaky, deadly sin that can keep us from loving God and others, and that true transformation is not about external behavior but a changed heart. [01:24:53]

Matthew 23:25-28 (ESV)
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

Reflection: When you hear about God’s grace for others, do you ever find yourself comparing or judging instead of celebrating? What is one way you can ask God to soften your heart toward those you find difficult to love?


Day 4: All Are in Need of Transformation—Not Just Behavior Change
Whether someone’s life looks reckless or religious, all are separated from God by their flesh and in need of a new heart; Christianity is not about mere behavior modification but about radical inner transformation by the Spirit. Outward compliance or morality cannot save or restore us—only being born again by the Spirit can make us new and bring us into true relationship with God. The invitation is for everyone: the unrighteous and the self-righteous alike, to receive a new heart and become a new creation in Christ. [01:31:46]

Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV)
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on outward behavior or religious activity instead of seeking true heart transformation from God? What is one step you can take today to invite the Holy Spirit to renew your heart?


Day 5: Living on Mission—Proclaiming Restoration for All
God’s mission is to seek and save all people—both the reckless and the religious—and our calling is to represent Jesus to everyone, releasing the sweet fragrance of Christ wherever we go. We are not here to point fingers or highlight others’ faults, but to proclaim the good news that anyone can be made new in Christ. As we go out, we are to invite others into the same grace and restoration we have received, knowing that Jesus alone can cleanse and transform from the inside out. [01:39:22]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: Who in your life might feel excluded or unworthy of God’s love? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week and share the hope of restoration and new life in Christ?

Quotes

In the same way, the aroma of Christ, beloved, it will get people's attention. Some people are going to be drawn to it, others not so much. It's going to produce different responses. But our responsibility is to spend time with Jesus, to be in the presence of God and then carry his aroma into every sphere of our life. [00:59:26] (00:00:23 seconds)  #CarryChristEverywhere Edit Clip

What is the sweet smelling aroma of Jesus? It is a life that is marked by love and joy and peace. It is a life of kindness and goodness and faithfulness and gentleness and self -control. That aroma. That aroma.of Jesus is loving your enemies and blessing those that curse you so it's pretty much the exact opposite of everything we are seeing in the world right now. [00:59:49] (00:00:29 seconds)  #FruitOfTheSpiritAroma Edit Clip

To be clear the aroma of Christ is not religion it is not condemning others it is not having a holier than thou attitude where we think we're better than other people the aroma of Christ is not tied to a specific political party the aroma of Christ is loving God and loving and serving your neighbors including our neighbors that don't believe as we believe because all people are made in the image and likeness of God. [01:00:18] (00:00:28 seconds)  #GraceBeyondReligion Edit Clip

But after all of that reckless living, we discovered that the things in this world, the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life, all of that have an expiration date. They don't last. They're not enough. Because after the music stops and the party finishes and everybody goes home, and after the thrill of a new relationship wears off, and after the novelty of the new car or the new clothes or the new house, after that fades away, after the really nice vacation passes, we discover that it's still not enough. It's still not enough. It's still not enough. [01:09:43] (00:00:37 seconds)  #LifeChangingGrace Edit Clip

Religious people like to diagnose everybody else's problem religious people like to call attention to everybody else's dirt the older son here in this parable he was so busy calling out the sins and the dustiness and the dirt of his reckless younger brother that he was blind to his own shortcomings and sins. [01:28:01] (00:00:23 seconds)  #BlindToOwnSin Edit Clip

Christianity is not about behavior modification on the outside it's about a radical transformation that god does on the inside now god's word shows us that all of us each and every last one of us here we are sinful by nature god's word says that we are flesh. [01:33:15] (00:00:20 seconds)  #RadicalInnerTransformation Edit Clip

We are here to proclaim that jesus came for everybody jesus came for the immoral you you you you you And he came for the moral. He came for the unrighteous. And he came for the self -righteous. He came for the party animal and the pious. The godless and the goody two -shoes. The little brothers and the big brothers. And our mission this week is to go out and to do the same. To represent Jesus to all people. To live a life in which the sweet, sweet -smelling fragrance of Christ, that fruit of the spirit is released. [01:38:38] (00:00:40 seconds)  #JesusCameForAll Edit Clip

We are not here to point fingers. This week go out and proclaim faith. Don't point fingers. We are not called to write wash me or I'm dirty on other people's name. Or family or reputation. We are called to go out into the world and say, hey, we're all dusty. We're all dirty. None of us by nature are clean and good. We all need to get washed. But I know a guy. I know a good car wash. And that car wash isn't just going to clean the outside. It's going to clean the inside. Right? Because Jesus will get us cleaned and detailed. Jesus, he will get the vacuums, the shampoo. He will clean out all the muck and the mire of our shame. [01:39:22] (00:00:50 seconds)  #ProclaimFaithNotJudgment Edit Clip

The beautiful gospel of God's grace, of Jesus coming for the undeserving and giving us the best. My wife and I, we were recently reminded of an old church saying that says this, I'm just a nobody here to tell everybody about somebody that can save anybody. I don't want to offend you, but that's what we are. We're nobodies here to tell everybody about somebody who can save anybody. [01:40:27] (00:00:35 seconds)  #CleanInsideOut Edit Clip