The Dictionary of Bible Themes defines self-denial as “the willingness to deny oneself possessions or status, in order to grow in holiness and commitment to God.” The words Jesus used in the original language for “deny yourself” were strong terms similar in meaning to Paul’s wording in Philippians 3:7–8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. The Lord Himself exemplified self-denial (John 13:1–17). Jesus called upon those who wish to be His followers to reject the natural human inclination toward selfishness. Denying yourself is an essential part of the Christian life. Jesus taught that to be His disciple-His follower-the spiritual discipline of self-denial is required: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’” (Matthew 16:24, ESV).
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