Self- Denial

Let us take a moment to consider the reality we, the sons of God, face. Though we are divine beings, we are subject to this earthen realm and called to manifest Christ in order to gain entrance into our true home, the Kingdom of Heaven. Furthermore, this world to which we are subjected is ruled by spiritual wickedness. The forces of darkness are actively and resolutely working to divert the sons from their purpose. Yet, God commands us: “Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

For God to be so confident that the evil of this world would not hinder our ability to obey Him, He first had to ensure we were fully equipped to honor Him, even in the harshest of experiences.

2 Peter 1:3

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

The truth is, God has given us the power to obey Him, even when facing the enemy's strongest temptations. But where does this power come from?

1 Corinthians 6:17

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Our souls have been united in oneness with the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Therefore, we possess His power over sin and share in His divine nature. Yet, the devil seeks to convince the Body of Christ that this is not a reality. If he can persuade us to believe we are powerless against him and that, deep down, our true nature is sinful, he will succeed in keeping us trapped in a lifelong struggle against him. However, this is not the reality testified of in Scripture. The truth is, we have been given power over all the power of the enemy.

Take a moment to reflect on how you truly see yourself. Do you genuinely believe it is natural for a son of God to always reject sin? Or do you expect unrighteousness from yourself before you expect sinlessness? If you expect the latter, it is clear you have been seduced by your own wants and the lies of the enemy.

Matthew 16:24

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Jesus instructs us to deny ourselves, but what does true self-denial look like? It is a reality the sons of God must fully understand. First, we must grasp and accept that at salvation, we willingly surrendered our right to the flesh—to use our bodies for our own desires.

Man was created a living soul, meaning the soul was given the body as a vessel for self-expression. When the soul uses the body for his own purposes, he is serving himself. However, Jesus commands us to deny ourselves, which means recognizing that the Holy Ghost is now the rightful owner of our vessels. Though we remain present with Him in these bodies, we must present them to Him entirely, allowing Him to use them as He wills.

Therefore, self-denial is not merely a situational rejection of sin's temptations, but a heart posture—an acknowledgment that we have forfeited all rights to use our bodies according to our own will, coupled with a firm resolve never to do so. Yet, it goes even deeper.

True self-denial brings the awareness that after salvation, there is no longer a “self” apart from the Holy Spirit—the two have become one. The very nature of “self” has been transformed.

2 Timothy 2:24-26

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

After salvation, when we sin, we oppose ourselves, for our nature is now godly. Therefore, self-denial for the son of God is the awareness that "self" has been completely submerged into the Holy Spirit and regenerated into His divine nature. It is to accept and believe this truth fully. Thus, the idea of separation from God is what is denied.

If we truly believe in our oneness with the Holy Spirit, we will never attempt to use the flesh for any purpose other than His. Moreover, we will refuse to manifest any form of apparent “evidence” suggesting a divide or separation between us and God.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I am crucified with Christ:

“Self,” or we, were crucified with Christ. Our selfish goals, agendas, and desires were destroyed at salvation.

Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:

Though self has been revived, it is not as it once was, but as a being now one with God. The life and expression of the soul are now in and through Christ. His nature is godly, and the soul has been hidden in Christ, so that He may freely use our vessels to glorify God.

The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God:

Now, all who witness our lives should see the evidence of our oneness with God. Though they see us in the flesh, they behold the Lord Jesus Christ through our lives. Let us fully embrace our oneness with God and refuse to contradict our divine nature through sin. For truly, as Jesus is, so are we in this world.