Matthew 16: Disciple Qualification, Self-Denial

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…”

Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

Certainly, Paul was a passionate man! He persecuted saints with great vigor. Then he pursued Christ with greater vigor. Consider the end of Romans 7. In a painfully honest confession, Paul shares his battles with self-denial.*

It's a war we all face: lust versus love; lust for the physical things in the world: food, drugs, drinks, s_x, porn, wealth, fame, looks, cars, homes, rules, titles, awards, applause and power...

Versus love for the Father and the Son, seen in a different set of choices:

  • Choosing to give instead of receiving,

  • Choosing sacrifice instead of gaining,

  • Choosing submission instead of strutting,

  • Choosing deference instead of contempt,

  • Choosing forgiveness instead of a grudge,

  • Choosing restraint instead of indulgence,

  • Choosing duty instead of carousing,

  • Choosing mercy instead of condemning,

  • Choosing kindness instead of cruelty,

  • Choosing loyalty instead of new thrills,

  • Choosing cottages instead of mansions,

  • Choosing the basics instead of trifles,

  • Choosing the climb instead of sliding boards,

  • Choosing correction instead of back pats.

  • Choosing contentment instead of desire,

  • Choosing abstinence instead of fast flings,

  • Choosing modesty instead of skin shows,

  • Choosing thriftiness instead of big buys,

  • Choosing sobriety instead of highs,

  • Choosing simplicity instead of luxe,

  • Choosing humility instead of pride,

  • Choosing God's grace instead of power trips,

  • Choosing God's path instead of easy streets,

  • Choosing God's Smile, instead of pleasing men,

  • Choosing God's Word instead of know-it-alls,

  • Choosing God's Son instead of dumb idols.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You’re affirming your Father in Heaven by denying selfishness in the world.

Matthew 16: Disciple Qualification, Self-Denial (Part 21)

* The Conflict of Two Natures, Romans 7:14-25: Romans 7:14-25 NASB - The Conflict of Serving Two Masters - Bible Gateway

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban