Scripture Post #421: *SELF DENIED, CHRIST APPLIED*

Luke 9:23: "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

[Disclaimer: The image here (in it's original form) was from an image search-engine. The original source of this image is unbeknown to me. I own no rights of this image.]

 

Denying yourself isn't a one time thing. It's not: "Look GOD, I deprived myself of my fleshly desires yesterday; therefore, today I can do what I want!" Scripture states that this thing is *daily*. This thing is ongoing. The word "cross" that's used here in Luke 9:23 represents death to the flesh. (Gal. 5:24: "And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." In order to crucify, a cross must be used.) So, to deny yourself and take up your cross means: to not do what your flesh wants, but to crucify it—die to it, and follow CHRIST, with you completely out of the way. 

When we come to CHRIST we don't make our own rules. HE's our Holy LORD—we do whatever HE commands. If there was a Ruler of some sort—a King for example, his servants wouldn't be able to do certain things being servants to their King. Like, if they didn't feel up to serving the King that day, they wouldn't be able to just up and not serve. It's in your job description! You're a servant! Same goes for us. HE's GOD. We're man. Who tells who what here? GOD. Exactly. For CHRIST to be applied in our lives, self must first be denied. JESUS ain't gonna take the wheel with your hand still on it! You must let go and let GOD! Seriously! So, in prayer it should be: "LORD, thy will be done." In Bible-reading it should be accepting of all Scripture (not just the prosperity ones). In life it should be: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30.)

*SELF DENIED, CHRIST APPLIED*. That's the only way it should be. 

Originally Published: Thu. 11/7/13