Self-denial is a supernatural gift from God through salvation in Christ. God’s salvation is granted in order that self-denial is possible through a life of obedience. At conversion, Christians begin a life of self-denial for the glory of God. What does this look like in everyday life? The Christian’s aim is to follow Jesus Christ as Lord according to the Word of God and imitate Christ in all things. The Lord promised those who practice self-denial salvation, prize, and honor.
Every self-denying believer is promised Christ’s salvation and deliverance. When deliverance occurs the sinner is saved from sin and self. This is the reason why Christians refuse to live a life of self, but rather to live for Christ and others. But before the Lord saves and delivers the sinner, the unbeliever is a slave to self.
Self-denial is attempted to be practiced in other religions and philosophies. However, all of them are not biblical because it is separate from Jesus Christ. Scripture clearly states self-denial is for Christ’s sake and not anyone else. The power of sin along with self is crucified with the Lord Jesus Christ through repentance and faith (Rom. 6:6). This is the only means to receive the gift of Christ’s salvation resulting in a life of following Jesus as Lord and Savior (Lk. 14:27-28). For this reason, all Christians are able to practice self-denial. In contrast, unbelievers are unable to practice self-denial and ultimately promote themselves or anything other than Christ.
Every self-denying believer is promised Christ’s prize. “For what good does it do a person if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself?” (v. 25). The Christian understands that this side of glory is short in comparison to eternity in heaven. This world is not the only life we live, but there is an afterlife where there will be judgment or award.
“Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Cor. 9:25). The key difference between Christians and unbelievers is that self-control or self-denial is done for the Lord’s sake or not. Moreover, there will be judgment for the Christian’s prize to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the individual believer’s faithfulness. “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12).
Every self-denying believer is promised Christ’s honor. “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels (v. 26). This is a sober warning from Jesus Christ, but conversely this text can be a sobering reminder of Christ has promised.
When self-denial is practiced for the glory of God will be honored by Christ in heaven. “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9). Self-denial includes living out our faith and love for Jesus Christ in public. The testimony of the gospel of Christ is the only power and means for salvation so that others will believe and also receive the power to deny the self (Rom. 1:16).
How can we commit to not being ashamed of Jesus in this life through many difficult circumstances? Those that live in disobedience ultimately do not practice self-denial. They eventually reject Christ. However, we need to realize we are able to practice ongoing self-denial by means of God’s grace and power alone. If we are true Christians, self-denial must be demonstrated as we live cross-bearing lives. The only we can be more like Christ is to deny ourselves daily. Our faith and Christianity were only established as Jesus denied himself to the point of death on the cross.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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