Denying Self
The concept of "denying self" in the Bible primarily refers to the act of relinquishing one's own desires, ambitions, and ego in favor of following Christ and living a life aligned with God's will. This idea is most prominently articulated in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in Matthew 16:24, where He states, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." This statement emphasizes the necessity of self-denial as a prerequisite for discipleship, suggesting that true followers of Christ must prioritize their commitment to Him above their personal interests or worldly attachments.In a broader biblical context, self-denial is linked to the themes of humility, sacrifice, and servanthood. For instance, Galatians 2:20 articulates this idea by stating, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me," indicating a transformation where one's own life is surrendered to the leading of Christ. The act of denying oneself is not merely about abstaining from certain pleasures or comforts, but rather about a profound reorientation of one’s life towards serving God and others, exemplified in passages like Philippians 2:3-4, where believers are encouraged to consider others' needs above their own. Thus, denying self is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship, calling for a life characterized by love, humility, and obedience to God's will.
Denying Self3
Denying Self - Eph. 4, Col. 3
By Phil Beach Jr.3054:00EPH 4:17Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of denying oneself to truly follow Christ, drawing from Ephesians 4 and Colossians 3. He highlights the importance of putting off the old self and embracing a new life in Christ, which involves rejecting earthly desires and excesses that lead to spiritual discontentment. The preacher calls for a deep introspection and repentance for covetousness and indulgence, urging believers to allow the Holy Spirit to govern their lives. He stresses that true love and forgiveness require self-denial and a willingness to be vulnerable, just as Christ demonstrated through His own suffering. Ultimately, the message is a call to live a life that reflects the love of God, free from the chains of self-centeredness and excess.
Are You Following Jesus - Part 4 - Are You Denying Yourself - Tape 2
By Phil Beach Jr.231:21:28JER 31:34MAT 16:24MRK 14:66LUK 14:33JHN 8:32JHN 17:17ROM 12:12CO 10:3GAL 2:20PHP 3:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of denying oneself to truly follow Jesus, urging believers to seek truth and be taught by the Lord. He explains that God's love remains constant even during severe dealings in our lives, and that true freedom comes from abiding in His Word. The preacher warns against the dangers of modern Christianity that promotes self-indulgence rather than self-denial, and he calls for a return to the Scriptures as the ultimate authority. Beach encourages the congregation to reflect on their relationship with Christ and to actively deny their own desires in favor of God's will, highlighting that true discipleship requires a commitment to learning from Jesus and living according to His teachings.
Are You Following Jesus - Part 3 - Are You Denying Yourself
By Phil Beach Jr.261:10:29MAT 16:24LUK 14:33Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of self-denial in following Jesus, urging believers to confront their pride and self-sufficiency that hinder their relationship with God. He calls for genuine repentance and brokenness, highlighting that true discipleship requires forsaking worldly pursuits and embracing a life of humility and obedience to Christ. The preacher stresses that following Jesus means laying down personal agendas and desires, and instead, being led by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's will. He warns against the dangers of making excuses that prevent true discipleship and encourages a deep longing for God's presence in our lives and communities.