Victory through Loss

Victory through Loss: The Christian Perspective on Embracing Adversity

19th Sunday after Pentecost - 10/08/2023 | Philippians 3:4-14 ESV

Suffering Loss to Truly Win

Have you ever experienced a loss that felt like the end of the world? Maybe you lost a job, a loved one, or a relationship. Maybe you've been struggling with a chronic illness or addiction. Whatever your loss may be, you're not alone.

As Christians, we believe that God is with us in our suffering. He doesn't promise to save us from our immediate worldly pains, but He does promise to walk with us through it. Sometimes, in the midst of our greatest losses, we experience the greatest victories.

This sermon will explore the biblical concept of embracing loss for the sake of Jesus Christ. We'll look at examples of people who embraced loss and found victory. We'll discuss how we can apply this principle to our lives.

If you're struggling with any kind of a loss, I encourage you to read on. Today's sermon may offer hope and inspiration as you journey through the pain.

The Biggest Loser - A Different Perspective

As autumn paints the world in vibrant hues and temperatures begin to drop, we find ourselves immersed in the spirit of fall. For many, this season signifies the return of football, a source of immense joy and occasional heartache.

The Custer County Cowboys, our local team, have experienced a rollercoaster ride this season, facing both victories and defeats. However, in the midst of this unpredictability, there's a valuable lesson to be learned – that sometimes, losing can be a path to victory.

Remember the reality show "The Biggest Loser"? Contrary to its title, the show celebrated those who shed the most weight, turning their losses into victories. In a similar vein, the Christian journey can be seen as a race where winning often requires losing.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, eloquently illustrates this concept. He values knowing Christ above all else, even considering his past achievements as "rubbish" in comparison.

Our Christian Race

The Christian life, unlike a sprint, resembles a marathon filled with challenges. We don't choose this race; rather, Christ captures us and sets us on this path.

Paul himself experienced a dramatic encounter with Christ, which transformed him from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle. Like Paul, we've been captured by Jesus, drawn to Him by His Gospel and Baptism, setting us on a course of Christian living in a world often at odds with our faith.

The Cost of Winning

To secure victory in this race, we must be willing to count as the loss of all worldly attachments. Those who cling to worldly pleasures and achievements hinder their journey towards eternal life.

Paradoxically, the biggest winners in the Christian race are those who consider everything in this world as insignificant compared to knowing Christ. This sacrifice is not easy, akin to giving up beloved indulgences to lose weight.

The Temptation of Worldly Comfort

We live in a world where material comfort and pleasure are readily accessible, often leading us away from Christ. The fear of suffering and the allure of worldly happiness can make us hesitant to count our losses. However, eternal life with God is the ultimate prize, and it far outweighs any temporary worldly gain.

Suffering for Christ

In a world that often avoids suffering at all costs, Christians are called to share in Christ's sufferings. When we lose the things we hold dear in this world, we are participating in the suffering of Christ. This loss, though difficult, is a part of the Christian journey.

Self-Righteousness - The Toughest Loss

One of the hardest losses a Christian must face is the loss of self-righteousness. Many, like Paul, may boast of their achievements, but before God, all our human accomplishments are insufficient. Our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees, and only God's righteousness, received through faith in Christ Jesus, can save us.

Loss for Eternal Gain

In the end, embracing loss in this world leads to eternal gain. To stand before the Lord as the "biggest losers" in worldly terms, having lost everything for His sake, is a victory beyond measure.

Our earthly lives, good deeds, and accomplishments cannot secure our place in God's presence. Only by counting all these things as loss and relying on God's righteousness can we find salvation.

The Path to Ultimate Victory

Fellow Christians, I encourage you to embrace the losses in your life as an opportunity to grow closer to Christ. Remember that sometimes, losing is the path to ultimate victory. Embrace loss for the sake of knowing Christ, and you will find eternal life and the true prize – the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

So, fellow travelers on this Christian journey, press on toward the goal, for the sweet victory of eternity awaits us.