The School Of Self Denial. ( By: Rev. Austin Usim)

Mathew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. Self denial is a real meeting point between God and man. It is the office in which we sign contract with God whether to be real or fake. Until we denial ourselves we are nothing but

fake and ravenous wolves that can not pass a fruit test of The Word of God: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
(Matthew 7:15-16). God's primary concern is who you are inwardly: "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1Samuel 16:7).
WHAT SELF-DENIAL IS AND IS NOT:
(1) It is not failure to look good and smell good. (2) It is not failure to shower and to care for the human body which when transformed becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit, which must be treated with honour. (3) It is not to allow the human body turn to home of skin diseases. The body is not the flesh that is said to be crucified along with Christ: "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (Romans 6:6).
God is talking about the spiritual base of corruption in man. "For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornication, thefts, murders, adulteries, coveting s, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, railing, pride, foolishness: all these evil things proceed from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7:21-23 ASV). God is talking about what the Bible describes as nature: "For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. (Romans 7:5).
Self denial is to live above self gratification and feeding the flesh with sinful desire (Col. 3:1-9). It means to "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices (Colossians 3:5-9)."
I. CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS:
who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (1Peter 2:24-25).
(A) To procure salvation for us: (Rom 8:1-2; Mt. 1:21).
(B) To procure forgiveness for us: (Acts. 10:43; Jn. 1:39).
(C) To reconcile us with God (2 Cor. 5:19-21)
(D) To empower us against the enemy: (Lk. 10:18-20).
(E) To work with us in the ministry (Acts. 1:8)
(F) To bring us home to the Father (1Cor.15:51-52; 1thess. 4:13-18)
II.THE SCHOOL SELF-DENIAL, IS COLLEGE OF DEATH TO SIN:
for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Rom. 8:13 ASV).
(A) We are dead to sin and the world: (Rom. 6:1,12-14).
(B) Put to death the deed of this world: (Col. 3:5-10).
(C) Be strong and put on the whole armour: (Eph. 6:10-13)
(D) Be a growing Christian: (2Pt. 1:5-10)
(E) Be irrevocable in the faith: (Cor. 15:58)
III. DO THE THREE THINGS WITH FOCUS:
(A) let him deny himself: (Gal. 5:19-21; Mk. 7:21-23) 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:12-13).
(B) and take up his cross: (Acts 9:16; 2Tim. 2:12)
37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mat.10:37-39)
(C) and follow me: (Mt. 11:28-30)
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34). Before glorification God must be satisfied that we qualified the three examination as given above.

Papa Austin Usim is is an international Speaker and Consultant,An Author, Leadership Expert and Life Inspiring coach. A father to Many all around the world. known for his prolific and undisputed revelations from the word of God, He has traveled round the world preaching, teaching and inspiring millions. He is Blessed with Mama Austin Usim and a wonderful Family. He currently resides in the United kingdom.

WAS THIS ARTICLE HELPFUL?
If this article was helpful to you, please consider linking it to your own blog, add your  comment to d the box below and use the social media buttons to share so others can be blessed through it.

Did you enjoy this post? Please share the wisdom :

SUPER INSPIRED BLOG
An inspirational source with many interesting and insightful articles for ambitious individuals who want to succeed in all areas of life with all the latest motivational,inspiring and insightful articles, pictures, videos and quotes. http://princeinspires.blogspot.com