Sermon Tone Analysis
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*Self Denial and Fasting*
*Text*: Matthew 16:24-28
*Big Idea*: We must practice self-control to succeed at self-denial.
*Purpose*: To instruct people
*Introduction*:
Some people see no need for any kind of self-denial in their lives.
-If you’re able to do it, why not try?
-For those of us who do not see the need for self denial
-life is governed by whims
-and it is hard to develop a direction
I hope, that most people will agree that there is some merit to self-denial.
-not allowing yourself to have something, even though you are able.
Self-denial
-Financially – helps a person save money for a large expense
-Physically – can help you stay fit, avoid dangers of alcohol, drugs
-Sexually – can preserve intimacy in a marriage relationship
Spiritually, Self-Denial is an important virtue as well
Jesus tells us that if we want to follow Him
-it is a necessity
This morning: see the need,
But beyond that – consider: How do we practice self denial?
-especially when we are so prone to follow our desires.
-and we have the ability
*Sermon Body*:
Movement 1: ~*In order to follow Christ, we must practice self-denial.
Self-denial means saying no to yourself, your own wants
-even when you have the ability and means to say yes
Examples of Self denial
-small scale – offered desert – and avoiding
-affording a new vehicle – saying no, and donating to a charitable organization
Sometimes, we don’t have to practice self-denial,
-because God says no for us
-teenager – wants to attend all-night party
-precarious situations
-filled with temptations
-really wants to go – not sure it would be a good idea
Wise parents step in and to not allow it
-a blessing to protect child
-and a good decision
But that is not a teenager practicing self-control or self-denial
-that is wisdom imposed from above
God acts like this sometimes – closes doors to opportunities
-so that we can be protected from our own desires and foolishness
However, for a teenager
-they will not always have parents in the house
-who will enforce them to act wisely
First year college students
-often are forced to learn to practice self denial
-they can stay out all night, free from parental supervision,
-able to make choices their parents would not allow
And all too often – those choices lead to devastation
-poor grades, failing classes – missing career
-or worse – compromise themselves in ways that will affect their lives and reputations forever
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
Because they are not able to see that they must say not today
-to get something better tomorrow
A party tonight
-may mean loss of job forever
Saying yes to temptation
-may close the door on future blessings
~*We cannot hold on to Christ while holding on to our own desires.
When we live to please ourselves, we are not loving God above all else
-which is what He calls us to do
In Matthew, Jesus tells us that we cannot serve God and money
-love one and hate other, or vise versa
I believe this is true about anything in your life that competes with God
-it has to submit to Him
Even your own desires
If you want to become new in Christ
-you have to let the old self die – the sinful nature
-choked off when you practice self-denial and self control
But there is the problem
-because practicing self-denial is easier said than done
Suppose I have convinced you
-good to practice self denial
-will you actually do it?
We may have wonderful intentions
-but find that our wills are weak when we fact tempting situations
Arthur – knew he wanted to stop drinking
-offered a drink at a New Year’s Eve party – didn’t think one would be a problem
Callista – wanted to lose a few pounds after being diagnosed with diabetes
-resolved to do it
-until her dad’s birthday party – and offered a delicious piece of cake
You and I – may resolve – we will follow Christ
-but what about the next time we face temptation
Especially on that has particularly strong pull at our desires
\\ Movement 2: ~*Even if we want to deny ourselves, we face obstacles.
Most notably – saying no to ourselves
Sometimes I believe it is a great blessing that we do not have certain abilities
-if you were able to do anything you wanted
-money, abilities, resources, people to help
-were no object
-what would you do?
Millions of possibilities
-skiing vacations, learn to play an instrument, go back to school, have dinner with presidents,
Our lack of abilities often stops us from pursuing self-gratification
-when we don’t have the resources, or when we believe it is immoral,
-then we will say no to our desires
But what happens when
-We have the resources
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