What is self denial, in bible

 

381. What is self-denial? 

An, abstinence from things which we would like, for reasons which appeal to us as being right. 

382. How did our Saviour teach this subject? 

By precept (Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) and by example (Matthew 4:8; 8:20; 

Philippians 2:5-8). 

383. What is the foundation truth in self-denial? “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but 

whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:35). 

384. What importance does our Saviour attach to this subject? 

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 

9:23). “He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38). 

385. Is it a great task to deny ourselves for the sake of the Master? 

“My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). “His commandments are not grievous” (1 

 John 5:3). 

386. What is true of God’s children? 

“They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). 

387. What is the result of gratifying sinful lusts?

“If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die” (Romans 8:13). 

388. What duty therefore becomes plain? 

“Mortify . . . your members which are upon the earth,” etc. (Colossians 3:3-10). 

389. Are sinful things the only things to be denied? 

That is but the beginning of self-denial. 

390. Does self-denial pay? 

“There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or 

 lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time . . .; and in the 

world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29, 30). 

391. Who are the happy, prosperous, useful Christians? 

They who practice self-denial. 

392. Who are the Church-members whose Christian experience is unsatisfactory? 

They who float with the tide. 

393. What does the Bible say of such people? 

“Woe to them that are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1). 

394. What is the earnest Christian’s consolation? 

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which 

shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). 

395. Under what circumstances should we deny ourselves of Christian privileges for the sake of others?

When by leaving friends and home and other Christian privileges we may be more useful in the Master’s 

service, we should not hesitate to make the sacrifice (Mark 10:29,30). 

396. Is this the only way? “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy 

brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak” (Romans 14:21). 

397. Should we boast of our sacrifices? 

“Do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do” (Matthew 6:2). 

398. But people will not appreciate what we have done unless we tell them about it. “Thy Father whichseeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:4). 

399. What is the Christian’s promise? 

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).