SELF DENIAL PT.1

SELF DENIAL

Part 1

Matthew 16:26

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

I want us to really look at this concept of salvation as it is first being introduced by Jesus. We must all agree that the instructions given here are intended for those who would eventually be born again.

Luke 9:23-26

23. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

24. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

25. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

26. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.

Here, we are introduced to the concept of “self” and its role in salvation. The dictionary defines self as one’s essential being, the bible defines it as soul. It is the place of personality, likes, dislikes, love and hatred, imagination and will.

The overall theme of Christ’s discourse is self-denial. The term ‘deny’ simply means to refrain from doing that which satisfies oneself. But Jesus goes even further by saying a man has no advantage when he gains the entire world, but loses himself; or rather his “self.”

For the purposes of this lesson, let us focus on the basics in the concept of self-denial. It is evident Jesus is advocating the death of self. But could it be true that he really means for us to surrender all of our desires, hopes, dreams, loves, hatreds, likes and dislikes, imagination and will? Well to answer that question would be to say that a dead man has none of these things. How is it that the old man is dead, yet his hopes and dreams, desires and will are still alive and well? That is an impossibility. Once again we look at scripture that seemingly has no bearing on the Christian life for some.

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Once again the Lord speaks to us in a language we are able to comprehend. The flesh we know refers to the body: the affections, according to the dictionary, is a mental state or emotion. However, lust is a sinful, passionate desire or appetite. Nevertheless, Paul said the flesh and the emotions of the old man have been crucified. They supposedly live no more. Now this is the acid test. If you are to move forward with God, you must believe the scripture at face value and not assert your experiences as the authority here.

In other words, there are some that would refute this teaching of Paul by citing how they feel about situations or circumstances. They argue that no one has the right to deny them of their right to feel a certain way about a thing; even God himself. Let me remind you of what Jesus said in the verses cited at the beginning of this lesson. He said, “for whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed.”

If the truth be told, those who present such an argument, walk after the flesh and not after the Spirit. Furthermore, the words, ways and commandments of God pertaining to negative encounters with the unrighteous elements of this world, are repulsive and offensive to those who walk after the flesh. Every situation or circumstance is judged according to their feelings instead of the instructions of the Lord. In fact, their feelings become a high thing in the presence of the Lord; and he is indeed denied the life he desires to live in their flesh.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF SELF

“Self” can be an idol you worship above God. When this is the case, then you have chosen to walk in rebellion against the Holy Ghost. It is your way, your emotions and your reasoning that are exalted above God and man. You are in no wise willing to deny satisfying your “self” with your own thoughts and fleshy responses. This is a very dangerous place to walk. It is carnal, sensual and evil. It denies Christ and puts him to an open shame. It is an act of blasphemy for those of us who are in Christ to willfully deny him of his right to be loving and kind through us. It is our walk in the Spirit that will allow him full access to the people of the world.

“Self” can only see what it likes or dislikes. It is blinded by what it feels or what it wants. It will totally ignore (sometimes ignorantly) the sacrifices of others. When I say, sometimes ignorantly, it is because it may not be your heart to be unappreciative of the efforts of others, but in the face of what we feel or want, these things can easily escape being considered. Which brings us to another revelation of “self.”

“Self” is lacking in consideration. Because “self” is not patient, it does not always consider with compassion the natural or spiritual disposition of others. When we are motivated by our own self-interests, we can fail to see why others elect to do the things they do, or make the decisions they make.

Selfishness is not considerate of the self-interests or needs of others. The reason that people do the things they do might not be a heart-felt concern or consideration when it conflicts with what “self” wants or feels.

• “Self” oftentimes can become very resentful of God’s instituted authority. “Self” sees it as an unwelcomed restraint. If it is unable to bend that authority to its will, then it will walk in either open or subtle soulish rebellion to it.

• “Self” is selective. It picks and chooses the times it will offer benevolence, patience, grace or humility.
• “Self” is subjected to the flesh, therefore it can be moody. Whereas we are instructed to always walk in the attributes of Christ.

But the truth about this is, many do not believe it is possible to live and walk in the character of Christ 24/7. If Christ were in a situation where he didn’t want to be bothered, as I am sometimes; would he be rude, snappy, abrasive or offensive? If not, then that means I don’t have to be either. I am one with him. I am not trying to be like him; I am joined to him as one Spirit.

I listed all these attributes of selfishness so that we might be able to judge ourselves as to whether or not we are walking in the Spirit. To know all the messages pertaining to God does not equate walking in the Spirit. It is the doers of the word who please God, not the knowers. The bottom line is to deny our “self.” Allow it to remain crucified with Christ. Walk in the power of the resurrected Christ in you. Let us pray for one another, that we might all be strengthened in righteousness.