Romans 7:24-25

The Thrill of Victory or The Agony of Defeat

 

Introduction:  In ABC’S Wide World of Sports there was a man named Jim McKay who was known for saying, “The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat” as spoke of various teams, winners and losers.  The purpose of this sermon today is to encourage the saints that we can live lives of victory through Jesus Christ. 

 

“Most, if not all, of the great revivals and reformations in the history of the church have been directly related to the book of Romans.”  This epistle quotes the Old Testament some 57 times, more than any other New Testament book.  It repeatedly used key words – God 154 times, law 77 times, Christ 66 times, sin 45 times, Lord 44 times and faith 40 times.  The book of Romans answers many questions concerning man and God.  The book of Romans speaks to us today just as powerfully as it spoke to the early church.  “It speaks morally, intellectually, socially, psychologically, nationally, internationally, spiritually, theologically, and above all, it profoundly brings God Himself to us.” 

 

Paul is at a point of utter frustration and anguish.  He is in a soliloquy.  In this soliloquy we will notice a few things as Paul ultimately experiences the Thrill of Victory! 

 

I.                   His Despair (“O wretched man that I am!”) 24a

bulletThe word “wretched” carries with it a note of exhaustion because of the struggle.” 
bulletWretched could mean enduring trials, toils, troubles; a miserable and distressed condition.
bulletHis tone is that of desperation.  This humility of desperation comes as a result of his unsuccessful effort to please God under the principle of the law. (Paul’s very background of being a Pharisee could have well contributed to this level of desperation.)
bulletTo make this claim does necessarily mean that a believer is at a point of no return, but in fact, it could be mean that the believer is just where God needs him/her to be.  Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”  In other words, “Blessed are the spiritually bankrupt.”  

 

II.                His Dilemma (“…who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”) 24b

bulletDeliver – means to draw or snatch to oneself and invariably refers to a snatching from danger, evil, or an enemy. 
bulletThe basic idea of rescuing from danger is pictured by the use describing a soldier’s going to a wounded comrade on the battlefield and carrying him to safety (he runs to the cry of his comrade to rescue him from the hands of the enemy).
bulletThe question posed is a good spot to be in order to receive what God wants for each of us ultimately…total dependence on Him.  He is calling for HELP!
bullet“From the body…” – The body is the scene for the contest between the spirit and the flesh.  This is why Jesus says, “The spirit, indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Paul even makes mention of the war between the flesh and the spirit earlier in this same chapter.

 

III.             His Deliverance (“I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”) 25a

bulletI am glad came to the conclusion that only Jesus could give us the victory!
bulletThe law could give us a diagnosis of the sin problem, but Jesus could give the cure.
bulletOn Calvary there was a voice that echoed the Agony of Defeat-“If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.”
bulletOn Calvary there was another voice, but it echoed in response to a voice of desperation, “Remember me, when thou comest into thy kingdom” the Thrill of Victory – “Today, shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
bullet“Death, where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory.”