Scripture Reading: Mark 8:34-38

Deny Yourself

Intro.

1. “Be your true self” is a catchphrase I’ve seen recently. It seems to especially serve the interests of the “woke” crowd. It centers attention on self, first, above anything and anyone else.

*[An aside: The culture shift from 60s-80s situation ethics (it is OK if it doesn’t harm someone else) to today’s narcissistic, self-absorbed attitude of self-promotion at the expense of others.]

2. Christians are not immune to similar thinking and conduct.

3. This is the exact opposite of what Jesus said is necessary to seek, find, and follow Him, Matt. 16:24-25; Luke 9:23.

4. Disciples of Christ wear the yoke of self-denial, Matt. 11:28-30.

I. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DENY SELF?

A. Definition, Matt. 16:24.

1. “To forget one’s self, lose sight of one’s self and one’s own interests” (Thayer, 54).

2. “Disregarding one’s own interests” (Vine, II:158).

3. Self-denial says “no” to self (indulgence, stubbornness…).

B. Application of Denying Self Means:

1. Give my life to Jesus, not myself, Matt. 16:25.

-New master is followed by faith, Gal. 2:20.

2. Priority of faith before family, life, and comfort, Luke 14:26-27; Matt. 6:33.

3. Obey Christ (truth) instead of indulging self in sin, Rom. 2:8; 6:12.

4. Passages that forbid anything require self-denial. (Ex. Lust, 2 Tim. 2:22; Lying, Eph. 4:25; Fornication, 1 Cor. 6:18; etc.)

5. Passages that command anything require self-denial. (Ex. Gentleness and patience, 2 Tim. 2:24; Love, Rom. 12:9-10.)

II. WHY DENY YOURSELF?

A. Because Temptation to Sin is Resisted by Denying Self, 1 Cor. 10:12-13 (cf. Joseph, Gen. 39:7-12; Moses, Heb. 11:25-26).

B. Because Refusing to Deny Self is Foolish and Worldly, James 3:13-18.

1. We must estimate ourselves as lowly, humble, Rom. 12:16.

2. Selfishness (self-seeking) does not deny self, Phil. 2:3-4.

3. Examples of self-seeking, of never denying self for anything, anyone, or any reason:

a. “I deserve to be first!” (First-graders) Who is the most important person in your life?

b. “Why should I have to share?” Problem: The selfish do not see themselves as being selfish! (2 Cor. 13:5)

c. “Isn’t it all about me?” Robert E. Lee to a mother who brought her baby to him to be blessed, “Teach him he must deny himself” (R. E. Lee, Freeman).

C. Because Denying Self Serves Others, Matt. 20:27-28.

-Are we ready to wash each other’s feet? John 13:12-17

D. Because Jesus Denied Himself, 1 Pet. 2:21-23.

1. Follow His steps. Deny self even when mistreated.

2. Christ did not please Himself, Rom. 15:2-3.

a. Pleased (benefited) others instead of Himself (v. 2).

b. The Father’s will before Himself, Luke 22:42.

Conclusion

1. “My way or the highway” leads to spiritual ruin.

2. Denying self is a personal choice by each individual.

3. Jesus: “Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37)

a. Self-seeker says, “I won’t give up myself” (loses his soul).

b. Self-denier says, “I will give up everything" (and is saved).

4. Invitation (Mark 8:34):

a. Lost: Deny yourself, come to Jesus in obedience and be saved.

b. Christian: If not daily denial, return to Jesus with repentant confession of sin.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted September 29, 2021