SELF-DENIAL

APRIL 6^TH, 2025

Text: Luke 9:22 – 24

Aim:

To help believers understand the meaning, importance, and practical application of self-denial in the Christian life.

Introduction:

self-denial is the willingness to give up personal desires, comfort, or gain for the sake of Christ and others. Undeniably, it is a key part of discipleship and spiritual maturity. In the world, self-gratification is promoted, but Christ calls us to a higher, sacrificial lifestyle (Matthew 16:24, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20). in this passage, Jesus didn’t make following him sound very easy. To his disciples who may have been hoping to have special positions in Jesus’ earthly kingdom (Matt. 22:24), these would have been hard words to hear. Denying one’s personal desires and taking up a cross in order to follow this man was not what most of them had bargained for. Putting aside one’s selfish ambition means a willingness to let go of selfish desires and earthly security. “Self” is no longer in charge; God is.

Study Questions:

1. What does it mean to deny oneself? (Luke 14:26–27; Philippians 3:7–8)
2. Why is self-denial necessary for following Jesus? (Mark 8:34–35; 2 Corinthians 5:15)
3. How did Jesus exemplify self-denial? (Philippians 2:5–8; Matthew 26:39)
4. What are practical areas in life where Christians are called to deny themselves? (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Romans 8:13)
5. What blessings or rewards come from living a life of self-denial? (Matthew 19:29; James 1:12)

Food for thought:

Self-denial is not about deprivation, it’s about direction. Sometimes, saying “no” to what you want right now is the deepest “yes” to who you’re becoming.

Conclusion:

Self-denial is not about deprivation but about transformation and obedience to Christ. It reflects a life fully surrendered to God’s will. Therefore, every Christian is to identify one area where we need to practice self-denial more faithfully. In doing this, the nature and beauty of Christ grow in us.

Memory Verse: Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”