Denying Self Isn't Easy

N.T.#193 "Denying Self Isn't Easy"

Nov. 28, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Self-denial is not easy. I have previously shared our leaving family and selling our house so we could follow Jesus. Lately, we thought we had the rest of our lives together planned out-retirement and mission work. But Jesus had a better plan. He sent us to serve in a precious church filled with loving people. Our plans were not as good as Jesus' plans for us. What a joy it is to be doing the Master's will. Not everyone learns this. Peter had a hard time.

After Jesus rebuked Peter, He addressed the rest of the disciples with more teaching. What is involved in being a follower of Jesus? He reveals this in verse 24:

If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (KJV)

If anyone of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me. (NLT)

Let's take a look at the Greek meanings of important words in that verse.

Deny means to deny utterly; disown; abstain; cross is a stake or post (as an instrument of capital punishment; self-denial; atonement of Christ; follow means to be in the same with; to accompany (as a disciple).

Let me put this together. If we want to be a follower of Christ, a disciple, we have to utterly deny (disown) our self (self-denial) and accompany Him. Since Linda wants to be a follower and disciple of Christ Jesus, she must utterly deny herself and accompany (follow) Him wherever Christ leads and however He leads. 

LET IT GROW

In other words, we can't fully follow Jesus unless we die to self. Discipleship is the mission of Jesus' followers. Denying self isn't fun, nor easy. Our flesh wants to dominate us, which has been used to doing. As a believer in Jesus, we must disown self and let our spirit take over, yielding to Jesus' will and way. 

In order to experience the lordship and provision of Christ on earth, we must be willing to say "no" to self. (Tony Evans)

Jesus is our example of self-denial. He asked the Father to let death on the cross (cup) pass from Him, but nevertheless, His will be done. The Son of the Living God and God-man had to make a decision. So do we-daily. 

LET IT GO 

Lord, this is hard, as You well know. 

Keep us remaining, abiding, in You, Jesus.

We owe our life and salvation to You, so Jesus You deserve our following You.

Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.