018 RIC Biblical Articles - O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me?
O wretched man that I am!
21-02-2025
Greetings, precious soul,
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24).
Paul’s words are sharp and direct. He exclaims: ‘O wretched man that I am!’ This is not merely a superficial cry, but a deep struggle. He wants to do what is good, yet time and again he feels the pull of sin. He longs to serve God, but he is confronted with his own weakness. This is a struggle that every believer knows.
We desire to walk in obedience, yet we stumble over our own flesh. We long to live in holiness, yet we see how deeply sin is rooted in us. 'For that which I do, I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I' (Romans 7:15).
Paul asks a question: ‘Who shall deliver me?'’ Notice that he does not ask, 'How can I improve myself?' or 'What must I do to become stronger?' No, he is not looking for a what, but for a who.
And then, in the next verse, he gives the answer: ‘I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ That is where the key lies—not in ourselves, but in Christ.
In this struggle, there is only one solution: to turn away from yourself and look to Jesus. Just as the Israelites in the wilderness were not healed by their own efforts but by looking at the bronze serpent, so we find healing and deliverance by looking to Christ.
Jesus did not come for those who could save themselves; He came for those who cry out for deliverance. He says: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28).
What is holding you back from coming to Him? Is it your sin? He has paid for it. Is it your weakness? He gives you strength. Is it your doubt? He remains faithful.
In Romans 8:1, Paul proclaims: ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’ That is our hope. Yes, the struggle remains. Yes, we still stumble. But there is no condemnation anymore. The penalty has been paid by Jesus. The prison door is open. We may live in freedom—not in fear, but in assurance.
The battle is not yet over, but the victory is certain. Paul says: ‘I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Hold fast. Do not let sin discourage you. Keep looking to Jesus. For one day, the only cry that will remain will be: ‘Hallelujah! Te Lord reigneth!’ Amen.