The picture above depicts ancient ruins, standing as a powerful testament to the grandeur of past civilizations that once thrived, built monumental structures, and left their mark on history, only to ultimately succumb to decline and decay. Such imagery serves not only as a historical record but also as a profound and sobering warning about the consequences of unchecked moral and spiritual deterioration. When societies—or individuals—allow wretchedness, whether in the form of neglect, corruption, or a loss of purpose, to go unaddressed, the result can be devastating, leading to breakdown and ruin at both the collective and the personal level.

On our spiritual journeys, we inevitably reach pivotal moments that demand honest self-reflection on our faith, values, and the path we’ve chosen. These moments are turning points—opportunities to examine our commitment to spiritual principles and to put our progress into perspective. At such junctures, it is crucial that we are able to affirm, not just to ourselves but before God, that we are earnestly striving to live out the teachings of Christianity with genuine devotion, rather than mere outward display.

The apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8-9 offer crucial guidance, reminding us that our salvation does not come from our own efforts or achievements but is the result of God’s unmerited grace—a gift received through obedient faith. Yet, this grace calls not for complacency, but for continued growth, heartfelt service, and transformation. Recognizing and embracing this truth can help us resist the pull of wretchedness and apathy, steering us instead toward redemption, renewed purpose, and a life marked by lasting spiritual fulfillment.

This commitment encompasses every aspect of our daily lives; it involves diligently engaging in meaningful prayer, studying Scripture with intent and focus, and actively participating in a local church community that prioritizes fellowship, service, and spiritual growth. The compassion graciously bestowed upon us by the Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ, leads us to the true essence of being a Christian, characterized by a continual, lifelong journey of sanctification. This journey involves deepening our obedient faith for the transformation of both the heart and the mind.

One day, while listening to a compelling sermon by the renowned evangelist Billy Graham, who was famous for his clear and persuasive messages about salvation, he articulated a profound truth that significantly clarified this spiritual journey for me: “The closer you get to Christ, the more sinful you will feel.” Have you realized that every individual who has genuinely witnessed a reflection of God's perfect holiness—either through the pages of Scripture or through divine encounters—becomes acutely aware of their own fallen nature and sinfulness?” A poignant example of this dynamic can be found in the Gospel of Luke. During the miraculous catch of fish, when Peter experienced the overwhelming holiness of Jesus, he fell to his knees and exclaimed, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8). This reaction reveals a profound truth: when someone becomes aware of their own sinfulness and experiences genuine feelings of guilt or remorse, it is a key sign of spiritual awakening and true inner life. Such awareness should prompt self-reflection and an honest examination of personal shortcomings—often the first step toward spiritual growth. However, if these feelings and awareness are ignored or left unaddressed, they can fester and potentially cause further harm, leading to a sense of spiritual ruin or hopelessness. Thus, spiritual progress requires not only recognizing our failings but also taking active steps to address them and seeking guidance to move forward.

Guilt of the Wretched

Although feelings of guilt can sometimes be overwhelming, it is vital to understand that God can use them as a guiding light toward repentance and cleansing from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). When we sincerely confess our sins and seek His infinite mercy and forgiveness, we open the door to healing and redemption. Acknowledging the presence of wretchedness within us aligns perfectly with biblical teachings, acting as a cornerstone that keeps us grounded in sound doctrine about who God sent—His Son—to provide a pathway to redemption. The Apostle Paul vividly captures this struggle in Romans 7:24, stating, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” This recognition or being mindful of this, as stated in Romans 7:25, of our persistent sin nature is further reinforced through careful, daily self-examination, as Paul encourages in 2 Corinthians 13:5, urging believers to rigorously test themselves regularly through prayer and reflection of the life lived unto God through Christ (John 14:6).

Given the deeply rooted and pervasive nature of our fallen sinfulness, without deliberate effort—through consistent prayer, thoughtful study of Scripture, and reliance on God’s forgiving grace—our guilt when sinful actions have taken place, may become suppressed, ignored, or overlooked, leading to a seared conscious (1 Timothy 4:2). Thus, obstructing the transformational work that leads to genuine spiritual renewal, as Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2. 

I can genuinely attest that true believers acknowledge that this confession of sin is not merely an intellectual exercise; they recognize that it must be confronted and addressed through a lifestyle of obedient faith (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6). There is simply no alternative. It is ultimately God through Christ who accomplishes our salvation by His grace, and our obedience is the key that unlocks the depth of His immense love. This obedience aligns our daily desires with the will of the Father, guiding us toward a renewed, sanctified, selfless, transformed life that mirrors the righteousness of Christ.

Consider This

What good is a church filled with people who are zealous for God if they lack substantial knowledge that helps them to recognize the wickedness of their sinful nature, as Paul stated in Romans 7:24? Paul also writes in Romans 10:2 about Jews, who at the time had a zeal for God without knowledge, and the same thing is problematic for many Christians today. What good are pastoral sermons, Bible studies, both corporate and personal prayer, and worship music, if they fail to minister the truth that leads to genuine recognition of the wretch, conviction, and subsequent transformation? Much of modern Christian ethos often falls short in its portrayal of the Holy Spirit's presence in the lives of the redeemed, and we must critically examine this as believers. This aspect of modern church undertakings undermines the essence of true discipleship and the transformative power of the message we are meant to uphold.

Conclusion

Take time to reflect on whether you recognize yourself as a wretch. This introspective journey is exemplified by the Apostle Paul, who candidly acknowledged his flaws throughout his former life. His self-recognition began dramatically on the Damascus Road, where a profound encounter with the risen Christ transformed his life. Paul elaborates on this in several of his epistles, notably in Galatians 1:13-14, where he recounts, "For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it." 

In 1 Corinthians 15:9, he further confesses his shortcomings, stating, "For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God." Similarly, in Philippians 3:6, he describes his zealous past, emphasizing the depth of his prior convictions. In 1 Timothy 1:13, he acknowledges his past misdeeds, referring to himself as a "blasphemer and a persecutor," highlighting the weight of his transgressions.

The stories of many individuals throughout biblical history reflect a similar arc of selfishness followed by genuine repentance. These narratives serve as reminders and examples on our own spiritual journeys, illustrating that recognizing the wretched aspects of ourselves is not only a necessary step but also a crucial part of growth. Embracing this truth means recognizing that acknowledging our flaws can lead to redemption and deeper faith. So, I ask you, have you contemplated your own wretchedness and how it can guide you towards a more profound spiritual awakening? If not, don't stray from this understanding. Embrace it. The truth of it will set you free by way of his precious Word (John 8:31-32).

Grace and Peace to you and yours. 

Pastor Anthony