"Winning Over Self"

Luke 9:23 ESV

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Decision “If any man will come after me” (Luke 9:23).

A. Many people have difficulty deciding which way to go. They try to hold on to God with one hand and Satan with the other.

B. We follow the Lord through choice—“… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).

C. We must be firm in our decision for Christ, leaving no bridge unburned which would facilitate turning back.

II. Discipline “Let him deny himself” (Luke 9:23).

A. Many people are self-indulgent. They fail to practice self-denial and restraint.

B. We must set rules and limits for ourselves. We win by staying as far from Satan’s territory as possible. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation” (James 1:12).

III. Daily Devotion “And take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23).

A. Many people are devoted to selfish interests. They fail to win over self because they neglect God and others.

B. We should be diligent in our devotion to God (Matt. 6:33). Faithful church attendance, daily prayer and Bible reading, plus sharing Christ with others—these bring victory over self.

IV. Determination “And follow me” (Luke 9:23).

A. Many fail in their quest for victory over self. They lack courage to reject the wrong and take their stand for the right.

B. We must develop a bulldog tenacity, a never-give-up, do-or-die attitude. Determination, with God’s help, brings victory in the greatest battle of all—the battle against self (Phil. 4:13). 12