The necessity of sacrifice

Introduction

We live in a society where self-fulfillment, success, self-gratification, personal autonomy are being glorified. The constitution of the America is promoting the pursuit of happiness. Where freedom is all about what I want to do and how I want to live. The more you manage to get and be what you want the more of the american dream you have fulfilled. In short, in America the self or the ego is being glorified. The church did not escape this self-gratifying spirit and it tailored its message to appeal to the human self. Therefore, you have preachers telling you to become a christian because that Jesus loves and has a great plan for your life. Part of this great plan is financial security, a healthy family, a secure life with not much distress. But was this the message of Jesus when he invited people to follow him?

I. Self-denial with regard to what?

a) That which makes you sin by committing something wrong

-sin (lusts of eyes, bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, boasting)

-relationship that lead to sin (your friends, your parents)

-things that lead to sin (drugs, alcohol)

b) That which makes you sin by omitting to do something good

-it can be your personal comfort

-your fear of rejection or fear of men

-your

II. How is this self-denial to be observed?

-mandatory

-radical

-specific

-consistent