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Deny yourself and pick up your cross

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If you are joining us for the first time, please be sure to read the previous posts in this series:

One of the most important aspects of our walk with the Lord is denying ourselves, taking up our crosses daily, and following the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:23-24). That is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus; it is denial of self and placing Jesus first in our lives, which is quite frequently reflected in ministering to others without any notice among men that we are doing it. In fact, Jesus says as much in the following passage:

Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 “that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
(Matthew 6:1-4)

The word for “secret” in the Greek is κρυπτός (kryptos), and from this word is derived the English word “crypt,” which is a “grave.” Thus, what Jesus is saying is that we as believers need to do our ministry to others, in whatever form it may take, as though we were in a “grave,” and the Lord who sees in the “grave will Himself reward you openly.” What a wonderful promise, and indeed, as we grow in Christ, we begin to continually learn that our lives are not about ourselves, but rather our lives are all about Jesus, and what John the Baptist said about the focus being on Jesus, versus on ourselves, is absolutely true: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Interestingly, a more amplified translation of this verse would be, “He must continually increase, but I must choose to continually diminish myself.”

Thus, as we grow in Christ, we realize, as we continue to die to our own narcissistic self-centeredness and insecurity, that our lives are all about Jesus being seen, not us being seen for the sake of our egotistical self, and a very essential aspect of that realization and growth is found in these verses:

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
(Philippians 2:1-8)

Therefore, the above words I have highlighted are indeed in spiritual synchronization with Hebrews 6:10, and without question, our “ministering to the saints” is indeed a reflection of the eternal life we have received in Christ because it is Jesus ministering in and through us to others: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20).

As a summation of Hebrews 6:9-10, the author of Hebrews then writes the following in verses 11-12: “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” A more amplified translation of this patience would read, therefore: “And we continually desire that each of you continue to choose to demonstrate the same diligence and willingness that affirms and confirms the full assurance of the assured conviction of God’s promises to you from His Word until the end, in order that you all might not be sluggish and lazy on a day by day basis in your walk with and serving the Lord, but rather imitators of those who through faith, endurance, steadfastness, and patience are continually inheriting, possessing, attaining and acquiring the fulfillment of God’s promises to us through His Word.”

In other words, we once again see that God’s promises are already ours in Christ, and it is a day by day choice we make to either embrace those promises through the faith and endurance He has imparted to us in His Word, through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit, as we face discouragement, disappointment, disillusionment, distractions, and heartaches of all types and sizes, or whether we choose to give in, on a day by day basis, to our narcissistic bitterness and self-pity because of the discouragement, disappointment, disillusionment, distractions, and heartaches of all types and sizes that we face, and such self-pity and bitterness results in “laziness.” The choice, therefore, is ours, and in making that choice as a born again believer in Jesus Christ, we will either become the fourth soil described in Luke 8:15 that bears “fruit with perseverance,” or we will be as the third soil in Luke 8:14 that is “choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.”

I have discovered that as believers in Jesus Christ, it is when we come to the end of ourselves in trusting in and relying upon our own strength and power, in which we will ultimately fail, and we fall prostrate before the Lord, wholly and fully trusting in Him and His power, that we are then truly empowered, by His indwelling Holy Spirit, to walk in the unending power of our risen Lord and Savior, but coming to that end can be quite painful as Paul writes:

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
(II Corinthians 4:7-11)

Therefore, may each of us who is a believer in Jesus Christ begin to choose, day by day, to walk in Luke 9:23-24, and as we do, then we will truly begin to realize the “abundant life” (John 10:10) that Jesus came to give us: “And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 ‘For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it’ (Luke 9:23-24).

Comments

  1. The Holy Spirit has taught me this year what picking that cross really meant. What dying to self really means. What dying for others who spit on you feels like. What dying for a cause bigger than you had understanding for means. Without self in mind quitely in the back ground.

    Finally he taught me what living the prayer He spoke feels like and why He spoke it. Forgive them Father for they know not what they do. I can speak it now from a good heart but I had to carry that cross first.

    To actually walk, live, and be led by Him means self truly has to be crucified in all things, big and little, private and on stage. For example for me. Making every moment by moment decision based on what Christ would do has been quite the learning experience and I have felt my flesh mealt away as I have stood in obedidence, love, and honor of my savior in all different situations with the thought of selflessness in the for front.

    I have found by truly becoming part of His body mine truly had to die. All of me, that is the old me.

    Actually picking that cross up and walking toward public execussion with Him changed my complete outlook on everything.

    Try it for a day, deny yourself and submit to other people wishes and wants selflessly,quitely,graciously, honorably, and humbley, in everything and watch the flesh mealt away.

    Then the graciousness of who our Savior really is becomes all you can see. Then he becomes all they can see in you !

    In Love and Blessings

    • what a wonderful post….and I do know what you mean about dying to self…most christians don’t go that deep….I know I didn’t for many many yrs….God bless you!

  2. To Everyone~

    I pray that each of us will have a renewed spirit of thankfulness for all that God has done, is doing, and will be doing for us, in us, and through us for His glory. I hope that you and your families will have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

    Love,
    Barbara

  3. Thank you BLB and those that come here with an honorable spirit seeking truth…..have a great time of sharing and laughter as we each greet the sunrise tomorrow. Embrace family, make sweet memories is this season.

    Baruck atah, shalom alechem

    Mark (Cov)

  4. May you all be filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit in greater abundance than were the apostles.

    1Ti 2:3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
    1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
    1Ti 2:5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
    1Ti 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
    1Ti 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, [and] lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity
    1Ti 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

    Gal 1:3 Grace [be] to you and peace from God the Father, and [from] our Lord Jesus Christ,
    Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
    Gal 1:5 To whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    Phl 2:1 If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
    Phl 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.
    Phl 2:3 [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
    Phl 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
    Phl 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

    Tts 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
    Tts 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
    Tts 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
    Tts 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
    2Ti 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
    2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
    2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
    2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
    2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

    • Bob,
      What a wonderful word spoken over us All, To be filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit in greater abundance than were the apostles. I accept that Blessing with All my heart. Thank you!
      Psalm 134:3
      May the LORD bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth. In Jesus name.

  5. Steve M,

    May the God of All Creation Bless You and Keep You.

    My Father “YHWH” Yes Your Grace is Sufficiant.

    I am reminded by your word once again what picking up your cross really means and feels like.

    Thank you My King & Savior for your ” LIVING ” WORD !

    James 3:13
    Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
    James 3:14
    But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
    James 3:15
    This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
    James 3:16
    For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,there is disorder and every evil thing.
    James 3:17
    But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
    James 3:18
    And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

    In Word and In The Love Of Christ. Be Blessed and Thankful.

    My Father, hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom Come, You Will be Done,

    Rev 12:10
    Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.
    Rev 12:11
    “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

    Your Child, Donna

  6. Hi all
    Happy post Thanksgiving.

    I suppose here is where I want to ask for some feedback on some ideas that have been bouncing around my mind for the past year or so.

    I’ve been working through the ideas of God’s Grace, how it affects us, and our response to it.

    One of the ideas that have struck me was the “deny yourself, and pick up your cross.”

    Right now, my thinking here is that we deny ourselves– not JUST in our choices to “do it our way”, but in our thoughts.
    It’s my thinking that it’s our thoughts where our choices begin. I know that someone once wrote up a whole thing on– our thoughts lead to our feelings, our feelings lead to our choices, our choices lead to our actions, actions to character, character to………
    As I’ve looked over the passages below, and read the bible, I’m seeing this more and more clearly.

    I’m basing this on Romans 8:5, Col. 3:1-4, 2 Peter 1:2-4, Titus 2:11-14, John 14:26, John 16:13.

    So… please… your respective responses would be appreciated.

    Grace be with you.
    In Christ.

    • Steve~

      As you wrote, our eventual behaviors do begin with our thoughts. That is why we are to protect our eye gates and our ear gates, to refuse to allow anything into our mind that may lead to sin. One of the clearest verses on this is I Corinthians 10:5, which says, “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.”

      For much of my saved life, I didn’t think this was possible, and in fact, I wasn’t sure I even wanted it, but when I started getting real with the Lord, I found out that it is possible, and I truly desire it now. It does take discipline, but it is very much worth it, and I know that I will to continue to grow in this area as long as I seek the Lord first with all of my mind and heart.

      I pray that you will have a blessed week and that our Lord will continue to bless you with great wisdom as you seek to know Him.

      Yours in Christ~
      Barbara

      • Steve~

        After posting my comments, something happened in my house, and my immediate thoughts were contrary to what the Lord is doing in my life as well as to something about which I have been praying. He brought to my mind that I have gotten off track some myself. I appreciate your faithfulness in posting what you did because the Holy Spirit used it to convict me in this area.

        God bless you~
        Barbara

  7. This age, this era presses or urges believers to seek understanding.

    Jhn 5:19, 30, Jhn 6:33-48, Jhn 7:16-18

    Mat 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.
    Luk 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.

    The churches are not a nation but as the body of Christ, more like Him.

    1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

    1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
    1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
    1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
    1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
    1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

    Jhn 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
    Jhn 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.
    Jhn 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.