(Audio Book) Denial of Self-will (Clip)
Derek Prince teaches that true Christian maturity is achieved through the painful but necessary process of denying self-will and learning obedience by following Jesus' example.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving beyond basic principles of faith to maturity, focusing on the obedience and sacrificial prayers of Jesus as the ultimate example for believers. It highlights the necessity of learning obedience through suffering, denying self-will, and following Jesus' model of 'not my will, but yours, be done.' The message underscores that true obedience is demonstrated through self-denial and a continual surrender of the ego, ultimately leading to maturity as sons of God.
Full Transcript
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God. Hebrews 6 to 1 the distinctive function of an Old Testament priest was to offer sacrifice. Thus, being a priest, Jesus had to offer sacrifice.
Since he was not a Levite, he could not offer the sacrifices of the law, so he offered his own specific priestly sacrifice, which was prayer. He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to him left square brace God the Father right square brace who was able to save him from death, and was heard because of his godly fear, though he was a son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered. Hebrews 5,7,8 Jesus' reverent obedience caused the Father to hear his prayers.
He learned obedience through suffering. Jesus had to learn obedience, and we have to learn obedience in the same way. We find out what obedience is by obeying.
We do not find it out by listening to sermons on obedience. Those may help us, but obedience has to be worked out, step by step, by obeying. Obedience brings suffering because it demands denial of one's self-will.
The key phrase in the obedience of Jesus was, not my will, but yours, be done Luke 20 to 42. Every step of obedience in the Christian life is one of self-denial. Jesus said, If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself Matthew 16,24.
That is painful, for the old ego does not like to be denied. Ego says, I want, I'm important, this suits me, I feel good, I don't want, and the like. Following the Lord requires a continual denial of that ego.
In the above passage from Hebrews, God was talking to us about coming into maturity as sons through obedience. Jesus is the pattern. God brought him to maturity through obedience.
This is the pathway for you and me, too. This is the new and living way.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Foundations of faith and repentance
- Jesus as the ultimate priest and sacrifice
- Prayer as Jesus' priestly offering
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II
- Jesus' obedience learned through suffering
- The necessity of obedience in the Christian life
- Obedience requires denial of self-will
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III
- The key phrase: 'Not my will, but yours be done'
- Self-denial as a continual process
- Ego's resistance to denial
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IV
- Maturity as sons through obedience
- Jesus as the pattern for spiritual growth
- The new and living way of obedience
Key Quotes
“Jesus had to learn obedience, and we have to learn obedience in the same way.” — Derek Prince
“Obedience brings suffering because it demands denial of one's self-will.” — Derek Prince
“The key phrase in the obedience of Jesus was, not my will, but yours, be done.” — Derek Prince
Application Points
- Practice obedience daily by choosing God's will over personal desires.
- Expect and embrace suffering as part of growing in spiritual maturity.
- Continuously deny the ego's demands to follow Jesus more closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is obedience important in the Christian life?
Obedience is essential because it leads to spiritual maturity and aligns believers with God's will, following Jesus' example.
How did Jesus demonstrate obedience?
Jesus learned obedience through suffering and prayer, submitting His will to the Father's will even unto death.
What does denying self-will mean?
Denying self-will means rejecting the ego's desires and choosing to obey God's will instead, which is often painful but necessary.
Can obedience be learned without suffering?
According to the sermon, obedience is learned step by step through active practice, which often involves suffering and self-denial.
What is the 'new and living way' mentioned?
The 'new and living way' refers to the path of spiritual maturity through obedience and self-denial, modeled by Jesus.