What Does It Mean To Deny Yourself?

[Walter]

Wednesday 4-5-23 4th. Day Of The Weekly Cycle Nisan 13, 5783 17th. Spring Day

To deny yourself for Christ means to renounce yourself as the center of existence and to recognize Jesus Christ as your new and true center. It means to give up your own desires, goals, and ambitions for power and glory, and to put yourself at the service of others. It means to end the pursuit of any good and righteousness in yourself and to look to Christ as the eternal good and ultimate satisfaction. It means to follow Christ's example of dying to self and living for God, even if the road is hard

Jesus taught that to be His disciple—His follower—the spiritual discipline of self-denial is required: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’” (Matthew 16:24, ESV). Denying yourself is an essential part of the Christian life. Jesus called upon those who wish to be His followers to reject the natural human inclination toward selfishness. The Lord Himself exemplified self-denial (John 13:1–17).

The Dictionary of Bible Themes defines self-denial as “the willingness to deny oneself possessions or status, in order to grow in holiness and commitment to God.” The words Jesus used in the original language for “deny yourself” were strong terms similar in meaning to Paul’s wording in Philippians 3:7–8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (ESV, emphasis added). The purpose of self-denial—counting as “loss” all earthly gains—is to become more like Jesus in holiness and obedience to God.

Denying yourself includes overcoming the persistent fleshly demands of the body, also known as the carnal self or the natural man, and bringing them into submission to God’s Word so that you don’t give into sin: “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24, ESV).

Self-denial for the Christian means renouncing oneself as the center of existence (which goes against the natural inclination of the human will) and recognizing Jesus Christ as one’s new and true center. It means acknowledging that the old self is dead and the new life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3–5).

From the moment of our new birth into Jesus Christ, self-denial becomes a daily exercise for the rest of this life on earth (1 Peter 4:1–2). With the Holy Spirit now indwelling us, we are thrust into a conflict between the divine Spirit of God and the carnal self. Paul describes this ongoing struggle in Romans 7:14–25. Only by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit can we learn to deny self: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11–13).

Through daily self-denial and crucifying the flesh, our life in Christ grows, strengthens, and develops more and more. Christ now becomes our life. These famous words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer help us understand the meaning of self-denial: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” A follower of Jesus must be prepared to die if death is where the path of discipleship leads: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20; see also Romans 6:1–11).

Fasting is one of the disciplines of self-denial that Jesus practiced Himself (Matthew 4:1–2). Giving to the poor and needy is a form of self-denial that Jesus encouraged (Matthew 5:42; Luke 11:41). Watching in prayer is another way to deny yourself in service to God, as Jesus demonstrated (Matthew 14:23; 26:41). Likewise, living modestly rather than indulging in excessive luxury is an area in which believers can exercise self-denial (Matthew 8:20; 10:10; 1 Timothy 2:9).

Perhaps the most significant way we practice self-denial is in how we love and esteem our brothers and sisters in Christ. Self-denial is the basis for Christian fellowship and service within the church: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:4–8, ESV; see also Matthew 5:38–48; Mark 10:42–45).

Denying yourself means seeking the good of others before looking out for yourself (1 Corinthians 10:24). When Ruth followed Naomi, she practiced self-denial for the benefit of her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:11). When Esther put her life at risk to save her people, she demonstrated self-denial (Esther 4:16). Scripture teaches us to deny ourselves for the sake of those who are weak in the faith (Romans 14:21; 15:1–3; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 9:23). When you are willing to sacrifice your time, energy, rights, position, reputation, privileges, comforts, and even your very life for the sake of Christ, you exemplify what it means to deny yourself: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39; see also John 12:24–26; 2 Corinthians 6:4–5).

Love, Walter and Debbie

 

[Pilgrimshope]

You can always find elaboration on what Jesus said in Paul’s writings


“if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.


Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

we’re called to repentance to put away the sins of the past the selfish person we were to deny those lusts

It’s a call to a change to repentance to deny one’s self and Tom pick up the cross and follow Jesus

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:8-10, 12-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬


Denying lust and ungodliness is part of what the gospel teaches us

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-12‬ ‭

We’re called to deny the sinfulness we knew and walk after Jesus as his disciples

“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:24-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We have to start denying those sinful lusts and desires is the idea of the old person before Jesus

 

[Pilgrimshope]

The place we can overcome those things is here where the issue remains

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭7:21-23‬ ‭

And so we have the gospel of the kingdom to hear and believe in our heart to give us discernment

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The gospel we believe is able to change that wickedness in us in our hearts and minds from corruption seeking lust and wicked worldly desires to desire the better things of God to come

The word can cleanse a corrupt heart and fill us with spirit and truth And light and life to give us power here in this battle within

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:3-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The gospel can change our nature give us life and strength if we hear and believe

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

…For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:

but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:1-2, 5-6, 12-14‬ ‭

In man’s mind we have good and evil the propensity for both from north we can do good or evil desire good or evil

This condition makes us sinners we aren’t supposed to have the evil in us the law of sin isnt supposed to be in us it came when they were the fruit of good and evil

“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:21-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

as we hear and learn and believe the gospel our mind is being restored to what it’s meant to be before they are the fruit no longer are we being made to desire food and evil but only very good things

 

[Beckie]

Written by my Dad about 1980'''

When you are forgotten, rejected and purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt wiht the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy and you count it worthy to suffer for Christ -- That is dying to self!

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise i your heart of even defend yourself, but take it all in patient loving silence -- That is dying to self!

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, and annoyance, when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility and endure it as Jesus did-- That is dying to self!

When you are content with any food, any offering , any raiment, any climate, any society, any fallacy, any interruption by the will of God -- That is dying to self!

When you never care to be referred to yourself in conversation or record your own good works, or if after commendation when you can truly love to be unknown---That is dying to self !

When you can see your brother prosper, and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy or questions God while your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate circumstances --- that is dying to self !

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart -- that is dying to self!

 

[2ndTimeIsTheCharm]

I agree with everyone and I feel I really should fast more often and give up some other stuff. But I'm wondering about how much self-denial is too much?

I'm asking this because I'm subscribed to a Christian person on YouTube as far back as 2008. Over the years though, I'm wondering if he's going too far in self denial?

But a little about his background: he's from a well-to-do family with some level of clout. He himself is a lawyer. But he got saved in his 20s. He is kind and caring and loves God very much. However, he doesn't trust in the institute of church. I kind of understand - he lives in Russia where the Orthodox Christian Church is predominant. But I think there are some godly Christian churches there too.

For a time, he wouldn't celebrate Christmas, but now he does because he now sees it as a time to celebrate Jesus coming to earth and being born.

But over the years, he's been denying self more and more. First, he shaved his hair - I'm not sure why. Maybe because he had nice hair - a source of pride to him? Then a few years later, he stopped sleeping on a regular bed and now sleeps on the floor. Not because he wants to apply some Asian tradition of sleeping on floors, but because he thinks regular beds are too much comfort and luxury for himself. I mean, he didn't even want to sleep on an uncomfortable bed. No, he wants to sleep on the floor.

Now he wants to deny himself delicious food! I've noticed he's lost some weight. He already fasts once a week and now he wants to buy cheaper food for himself. It's nice why he's doing that - it's because he feels that the Lord is convicting him for not helping the poor enough. But I'm wondering....

So what do you guys think? I'm at a loss for words - and also what to think? I'm praying for him, but I'm not sure what to pray. It's just that it is all so unsettling to me, but at the same time, maybe he is called to be different like John the Baptist was?

Please give me feedback? I am concerned for him.

❧

 

[Fundaamental]

The best form of denial is to deny anyone who can corrupt your walk.

And the second best denial is to deny temptation with absolute silence, I love that one to bits.

Love Jason,

 

[Cameron143]

To deny yourself means to renounce any claims to your life and to submit yourself to the direction and guidance of God.
Done completely it is tantamount to walking in the Spirit.

 

[Beckie]

I agree with everyone and I feel I really should fast more often and give up some other stuff. But I'm wondering about how much self-denial is too much?

I'm asking this because I'm subscribed to a Christian person on YouTube as far back as 2008. Over the years though, I'm wondering if he's going too far in self denial?

But a little about his background: he's from a well-to-do family with some level of clout. He himself is a lawyer. But he got saved in his 20s. He is kind and caring and loves God very much. However, he doesn't trust in the institute of church. I kind of understand - he lives in Russia where the Orthodox Christian Church is predominant. But I think there are some godly Christian churches there too.

For a time, he wouldn't celebrate Christmas, but now he does because he now sees it as a time to celebrate Jesus coming to earth and being born.

But over the years, he's been denying self more and more. First, he shaved his hair - I'm not sure why. Maybe because he had nice hair - a source of pride to him? Then a few years later, he stopped sleeping on a regular bed and now sleeps on the floor. Not because he wants to apply some Asian tradition of sleeping on floors, but because he thinks regular beds are too much comfort and luxury for himself. I mean, he didn't even want to sleep on an uncomfortable bed. No, he wants to sleep on the floor.

Now he wants to deny himself delicious food! I've noticed he's lost some weight. He already fasts once a week and now he wants to buy cheaper food for himself. It's nice why he's doing that - it's because he feels that the Lord is convicting him for not helping the poor enough. But I'm wondering....

So what do you guys think? I'm at a loss for words - and also what to think? I'm praying for him, but I'm not sure what to pray. It's just that it is all so unsettling to me, but at the same time, maybe he is called to be different like John the Baptist was?

Please give me feedback? I am concerned for him.

❧

Some folks are proud of their humbleness.

 

[2ndTimeIsTheCharm]

Some folks are proud of their humbleness.

Ah, that makes sense! I think I can better pray for him now. Please pray for him too if the Lord leads you.

❧

 

[Komentaja]

I agree with everyone and I feel I really should fast more often and give up some other stuff. But I'm wondering about how much self-denial is too much?

I'm asking this because I'm subscribed to a Christian person on YouTube as far back as 2008. Over the years though, I'm wondering if he's going too far in self denial?

But a little about his background: he's from a well-to-do family with some level of clout. He himself is a lawyer. But he got saved in his 20s. He is kind and caring and loves God very much. However, he doesn't trust in the institute of church. I kind of understand - he lives in Russia where the Orthodox Christian Church is predominant. But I think there are some godly Christian churches there too.

For a time, he wouldn't celebrate Christmas, but now he does because he now sees it as a time to celebrate Jesus coming to earth and being born.

But over the years, he's been denying self more and more. First, he shaved his hair - I'm not sure why. Maybe because he had nice hair - a source of pride to him? Then a few years later, he stopped sleeping on a regular bed and now sleeps on the floor. Not because he wants to apply some Asian tradition of sleeping on floors, but because he thinks regular beds are too much comfort and luxury for himself. I mean, he didn't even want to sleep on an uncomfortable bed. No, he wants to sleep on the floor.

Now he wants to deny himself delicious food! I've noticed he's lost some weight. He already fasts once a week and now he wants to buy cheaper food for himself. It's nice why he's doing that - it's because he feels that the Lord is convicting him for not helping the poor enough. But I'm wondering....

So what do you guys think? I'm at a loss for words - and also what to think? I'm praying for him, but I'm not sure what to pray. It's just that it is all so unsettling to me, but at the same time, maybe he is called to be different like John the Baptist was?

Please give me feedback? I am concerned for him.

❧

I have encountered similar people and I have been called "worldly" and "jew" (ironically I got jewish blood from my mom's side actually) because I am not a fan of asceticism. I believe it does more harm than good, the book of Ecclesiastes tells us to enjoy the fruits of our labours, drink and eat with gladness that which God has given. This obviously does not mean you eat yourself to 600 pounds, but the point is: Enjoy life.

What do you have to deny yourself then? The worldly EXCESS, pride of life and SIN.

I believe it can potentially be dangerous to go too deep into asceticism. We see whats happening in the catholic monasteries, I believe its largely because they are just too deep into it. Its like tightening a rope and eventually it will snap and odds are you are going full swing back to sin and the world

 

[2ndTimeIsTheCharm]

I have encountered similar people and I have been called "worldly" and "jew" (ironically I got jewish blood from my mom's side actually) because I am not a fan of asceticism. I believe it does more harm than good, the book of Ecclesiastes tells us to enjoy the fruits of our labours, drink and eat with gladness that which God has given. This obviously does not mean you eat yourself to 600 pounds, but the point is: Enjoy life.

What do you have to deny yourself then? The worldly EXCESS, pride of life and SIN.

I believe it can potentially be dangerous to go too deep into asceticism. We see whats happening in the catholic monasteries, I believe its largely because they are just too deep into it. Its like tightening a rope and eventually it will snap and odds are you are going full swing back to sin and the world

Good to know! He's a lawyer and does work hard. It's not like money just jumps into his lap without him earning it.

I'm concerned about his health. He's already kind of thin now. I don't want him to get thinner.

It's just that he's cut himself off from going to church and doesn't have a lot of people to which he can be accountable to.

Thank you and Beckie so much for helping me find words and verses that better explain my concerns. Your posts really help.

What you wrote is something I can pray about too concerning him. I may have to talk to him directly as well, but he's pretty stubborn. I mean, do you know how long it took for him to come around to celebrating Christmas??? YEARS and YEARS. I learned not to argue with him. Prayer without him knowing about it seems to work the best.

❧

 

[Pilgrimshope]

I agree with everyone and I feel I really should fast more often and give up some other stuff. But I'm wondering about how much self-denial is too much?

I'm asking this because I'm subscribed to a Christian person on YouTube as far back as 2008. Over the years though, I'm wondering if he's going too far in self denial?

But a little about his background: he's from a well-to-do family with some level of clout. He himself is a lawyer. But he got saved in his 20s. He is kind and caring and loves God very much. However, he doesn't trust in the institute of church. I kind of understand - he lives in Russia where the Orthodox Christian Church is predominant. But I think there are some godly Christian churches there too.

For a time, he wouldn't celebrate Christmas, but now he does because he now sees it as a time to celebrate Jesus coming to earth and being born.

But over the years, he's been denying self more and more. First, he shaved his hair - I'm not sure why. Maybe because he had nice hair - a source of pride to him? Then a few years later, he stopped sleeping on a regular bed and now sleeps on the floor. Not because he wants to apply some Asian tradition of sleeping on floors, but because he thinks regular beds are too much comfort and luxury for himself. I mean, he didn't even want to sleep on an uncomfortable bed. No, he wants to sleep on the floor.

Now he wants to deny himself delicious food! I've noticed he's lost some weight. He already fasts once a week and now he wants to buy cheaper food for himself. It's nice why he's doing that - it's because he feels that the Lord is convicting him for not helping the poor enough. But I'm wondering....

So what do you guys think? I'm at a loss for words - and also what to think? I'm praying for him, but I'm not sure what to pray. It's just that it is all so unsettling to me, but at the same time, maybe he is called to be different like John the Baptist was?

Please give me feedback? I am concerned for him.

❧

“I agree with everyone and I feel I really should fast more often and give up some other stuff. But I'm wondering about how much self-denial is too much?”

its only part of a process of change it’s not self denial it is trying get to this place in truth where we are submitted and he is alive in us

“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.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬


There is much about us hat he loves and wants to cultivate and make flourish also we’re only meant to deny the selfish part the lusts and desires that we know inside aren’t for us the children of God

a there is a lot about us individually God loves and adores me are just naturally great fathers and mothers , they nurture and love and have a lot of grace and mercy as parents truly need to have

they surely aren’t perfect but lot of qualities we have like being good parents a good friend good son , some people are truly loyal , some are always helpful , some leads encourage and lift others up with joy and peace in them nonmatter the situation some give and share and do good ect

Alot of humans have a lot of good in them and it often comes out just naturally before they ever even hear about Jesus they are kind and helpful or they are just a good person in general , like everyone were all sinners but this doesn’t mean we’re all wicked and evil

“sinners “ are those caught between good and evil we have both inside us and an opportunity to embrace either who have transgressed the good before

God is trying to save sinners through the gospel and Satan is trying to destroy and condemn them by keeping them from it

instead of self denial we need our cup to be filled up when we clean the glass so we have a change inside and do t always need to keep denying self but can change and become who we’re meant to be and express our self born in Christ as a child of God denying sin lusts and ungodliness , but letting who we are be changed by what we’re filling up the spaces with

See there’s this part repentance

“that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

( then this part the changing of us )

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

self denial just to deny submitting to the sinful things we desire in our mind and heart and body the things we know aren’t right we know we need to stop doing

But if we don’t allow the gospel to fill up the soaves in us to create new desires and hopes for good things of God then eventually we’re going to relapse back to what we used to do we have to let the gospel change how we think and how we look at life

 

[ForestGreenCook]

Wednesday 4-5-23 4th. Day Of The Weekly Cycle Nisan 13, 5783 17th. Spring Day

To deny yourself for Christ means to renounce yourself as the center of existence and to recognize Jesus Christ as your new and true center. It means to give up your own desires, goals, and ambitions for power and glory, and to put yourself at the service of others. It means to end the pursuit of any good and righteousness in yourself and to look to Christ as the eternal good and ultimate satisfaction. It means to follow Christ's example of dying to self and living for God, even if the road is hard

Jesus taught that to be His disciple—His follower—the spiritual discipline of self-denial is required: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’” (Matthew 16:24, ESV). Denying yourself is an essential part of the Christian life. Jesus called upon those who wish to be His followers to reject the natural human inclination toward selfishness. The Lord Himself exemplified self-denial (John 13:1–17).

The Dictionary of Bible Themes defines self-denial as “the willingness to deny oneself possessions or status, in order to grow in holiness and commitment to God.” The words Jesus used in the original language for “deny yourself” were strong terms similar in meaning to Paul’s wording in Philippians 3:7–8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (ESV, emphasis added). The purpose of self-denial—counting as “loss” all earthly gains—is to become more like Jesus in holiness and obedience to God.

Denying yourself includes overcoming the persistent fleshly demands of the body, also known as the carnal self or the natural man, and bringing them into submission to God’s Word so that you don’t give into sin: “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24, ESV).

Self-denial for the Christian means renouncing oneself as the center of existence (which goes against the natural inclination of the human will) and recognizing Jesus Christ as one’s new and true center. It means acknowledging that the old self is dead and the new life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3–5).

From the moment of our new birth into Jesus Christ, self-denial becomes a daily exercise for the rest of this life on earth (1 Peter 4:1–2). With the Holy Spirit now indwelling us, we are thrust into a conflict between the divine Spirit of God and the carnal self. Paul describes this ongoing struggle in Romans 7:14–25. Only by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit can we learn to deny self: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11–13).

Through daily self-denial and crucifying the flesh, our life in Christ grows, strengthens, and develops more and more. Christ now becomes our life. These famous words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer help us understand the meaning of self-denial: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” A follower of Jesus must be prepared to die if death is where the path of discipleship leads: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20; see also Romans 6:1–11).

Fasting is one of the disciplines of self-denial that Jesus practiced Himself (Matthew 4:1–2). Giving to the poor and needy is a form of self-denial that Jesus encouraged (Matthew 5:42; Luke 11:41). Watching in prayer is another way to deny yourself in service to God, as Jesus demonstrated (Matthew 14:23; 26:41). Likewise, living modestly rather than indulging in excessive luxury is an area in which believers can exercise self-denial (Matthew 8:20; 10:10; 1 Timothy 2:9).

Perhaps the most significant way we practice self-denial is in how we love and esteem our brothers and sisters in Christ. Self-denial is the basis for Christian fellowship and service within the church: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:4–8, ESV; see also Matthew 5:38–48; Mark 10:42–45).

Denying yourself means seeking the good of others before looking out for yourself (1 Corinthians 10:24). When Ruth followed Naomi, she practiced self-denial for the benefit of her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:11). When Esther put her life at risk to save her people, she demonstrated self-denial (Esther 4:16). Scripture teaches us to deny ourselves for the sake of those who are weak in the faith (Romans 14:21; 15:1–3; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 9:23). When you are willing to sacrifice your time, energy, rights, position, reputation, privileges, comforts, and even your very life for the sake of Christ, you exemplify what it means to deny yourself: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39; see also John 12:24–26; 2 Corinthians 6:4–5).

Love, Walter and Debbie

Denying yourself is humbling yourself in admitting, that by your own entelect, you could never understand the doctrine of Jesus

Any revelation of the scriptures must be revealed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which is given as part of the born again spiritual birth.

If a person believes eternal salvation is gained by their good works, they are not humbly denying themselves.

 

[ForestGreenCook]

You can always find elaboration on what Jesus said in Paul’s writings


“if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.


Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

we’re called to repentance to put away the sins of the past the selfish person we were to deny those lusts

It’s a call to a change to repentance to deny one’s self and Tom pick up the cross and follow Jesus

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:8-10, 12-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬


Denying lust and ungodliness is part of what the gospel teaches us

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-12‬ ‭

We’re called to deny the sinfulness we knew and walk after Jesus as his disciples

“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:24-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We have to start denying those sinful lusts and desires is the idea of the old person before Jesus

The inspired scriptures are directed to the born again children of God, for instructions on how God wants his children to live their lives, as they sojourn here on earth. The scriptures you have quoted are such instructions.. Sadly, none of us following the instructions as much as we should.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

The inspired scriptures are directed to the born again children of God, for instructions on how God wants his children to live their lives, as they sojourn here on earth. The scriptures you have quoted are such instructions.. Sadly, none of us following the instructions as much as we should.

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, ( born of water ) he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him spirit ) and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, ( water )

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ( spirit ) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38-41‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Born again is a biblical concept that comes when we hear and believe the word of God in the gospel it’s a process described here

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. ….But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:22-23, 25‬ ‭

its a concept an end to the sinners life and new beginning of the child of Gods life


At he whole “ everyone’s already saved thing “ and Gods commands are optional isnt something that’s for me

 

[The_Watchers_2017]

on a lighter side, to deny oneself, is to refuse that third scoop of ice cream even when you have enough change for it in your pocket

 

[Fundaamental]

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, ( born of water ) he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him spirit ) and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, ( water )

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ( spirit ) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38-41‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Born again is a biblical concept that comes when we hear and believe the word of God in the gospel it’s a process described here

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. ….But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:22-23, 25‬ ‭

its a concept an end to the sinners life and new beginning of the child of Gods life


At he whole “ everyone’s already saved thing “ and Gods commands are optional isnt something that’s for me

When Jesus talked about unless a man be born of water, was Jesus referring to living water which is Jesus, ?. So where it says water and spirit is that not implying the same thing.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

When Jesus talked about unless a man be born of water, was Jesus referring to living water which is Jesus, ?. So where it says water and spirit is that not implying the same thing.

and this is your opinion right ?rhetorically I mean

 

[Pilgrimshope]

When Jesus talked about unless a man be born of water, was Jesus referring to living water which is Jesus, ?. So where it says water and spirit is that not implying the same thing.

my opinion is that this is baptism

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water,

he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬


when we’re talking about being born again that’s the process you are baptized for remission of sins in Christs name , and you receive the holy spirit because you believe the spirit can come first like this

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:44-48‬ ‭

Notice even though they received the soirit and began to speak in diverse tongues like at pentocost , the first command Peter gave them is for water baptism ( for remission of sins in his name )

We try to change it saying “ water has no power it doesn’t mean anything “ yet Jesus , and all his disciples were baptized for remission of sins in water both before and after he died and rose they were baptizing in water for remission of sins in his name

the thing is the Bible teaches us about baptism from the beginning of the gospel forward it’s the main subject that starts the New Testament repentance and remission of sins . we learn from th e baptizer sent by God that it’s done in water by submersion regarding confession and repentance burial and resurrection in Jesus name

but then we say water baptism isn’t what he’s talking about it’s sort of the equivalent of reading about communion like this

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:23-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

then we conclude “we don’t need to take communion the bread is meaningless the drink is meaningless “

domyou see what I’m saying it just means what it says it means communion why do christians partake of it ? what’s it mean according to faith ?

“took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. ( the bread of communion now becomes significant )

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. ( the drink of communion now important tonus it has meaning by faith now )

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. ( that’s the significance of communions bread and wine )


Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord”( warning )

I’d we would just realize everything gnis really well explained in tbe epistles but there’s just one baptism one communion one faith one lord ect then we could learn about each subject knowing what it all means by faith

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬


modern Christianity seems to be all about explaining why Christian’s don’t actually need to do anything we’re told to do by the lord because well we have faith instead

it’s frustrating sorry to rant

 

[Fundaamental]

my opinion is that this is baptism

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water,

he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬


when we’re talking about being born again that’s the process you are baptized for remission of sins in Christs name , and you receive the holy spirit because you believe the spirit can come first like this

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:44-48‬ ‭

Notice even though they received the soirit and began to speak in diverse tongues like at pentocost , the first command Peter gave them is for water baptism ( for remission of sins in his name )

We try to change it saying “ water has no power it doesn’t mean anything “ yet Jesus , and all his disciples were baptized for remission of sins in water both before and after he died and rose they were baptizing in water for remission of sins in his name

the thing is the Bible teaches us about baptism from the beginning of the gospel forward it’s the main subject that starts the New Testament repentance and remission of sins . we learn from th e baptizer sent by God that it’s done in water by submersion regarding confession and repentance burial and resurrection in Jesus name

but then we say water baptism isn’t what he’s talking about it’s sort of the equivalent of reading about communion like this

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:23-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

then we conclude “we don’t need to take communion the bread is meaningless the drink is meaningless “

domyou see what I’m saying it just means what it says it means communion why do christians partake of it ? what’s it mean according to faith ?

“took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. ( the bread of communion now becomes significant )

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. ( the drink of communion now important tonus it has meaning by faith now )

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. ( that’s the significance of communions bread and wine )


Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord”( warning )

I’d we would just realize everything gnis really well explained in tbe epistles but there’s just one baptism one communion one faith one lord ect then we could learn about each subject knowing what it all means by faith

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬


modern Christianity seems to be all about explaining why Christian’s don’t actually need to do anything we’re told to do by the lord because well we have faith instead

it’s frustrating sorry to rant

Rant on lol. It's understandable I can see this means a lot to you. i saw your post and I recalled scripture that say Jesus is the living water also, so when it say you must be born of water and spirit, I thought this would mean the same thing.