Let him deny himself...
Notes
Transcript
(Wuest Word Studies in the Greek New Testament) Let him deny himself. The word is aparneomai. When used with the reflexive pronoun as it is here, it means "to forget one's self, lose sight of one's self and one's interests." The verb is ingressive aorist, speaking of entrance into a new state or condition. It is "Let him at once begin to lose sight of himself and his own interests."
Why?
If any man will loose weight, get in shape, get out of debt, get an education, get married, have children. Let him Deny himself...
Directly links to desire- Seek first the kingdom...
What do the follower’s of Christ seek?
Eternal Life (Sozo)?
Forgiveness?
Redemption?
Key- Restored relationship with Creator!
5. We are a marred reflection and incomplete image without God’s presence through His Word.
And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.
But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
We deny the old self. The new self says I choose Jesus over being popular, etc...
The reward of following Jesus is greater than anything the world offers.
A Judas spirit wants the benefits of intimacy and relationship, without covenant and responsibility.
your agenda
instant gratification
Greatest self-denial was practiced by Jesus- 40 days in wilderness, Garden of Gethsemane, and the Cross.
We walk with a God that has practiced what He asks us to do.