Topical Encyclopedia Self-denial is a central tenet of Christian discipleship, calling believers to forsake personal desires and worldly attachments in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. This concept is intricately linked with the idea of becoming "strangers and pilgrims" on the earth, as believers recognize their true citizenship is in heaven.The call to self-denial is explicitly stated by Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 16:24 , Jesus instructs His followers, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." This directive emphasizes the necessity of setting aside personal ambitions and comforts to fully embrace the path of Christ, which often involves suffering and sacrifice. The notion of being "strangers and pilgrims" is vividly illustrated in the New Testament. The Apostle Peter addresses believers as "foreigners and exiles" in 1 Peter 2:11 , urging them to "abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." This imagery reflects the transient nature of the Christian's earthly journey, highlighting the contrast between the temporary allure of worldly pleasures and the eternal promises of God. The Epistle to the Hebrews further elaborates on this theme, drawing on the example of the patriarchs. Hebrews 11:13 states, "All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." The faith of these forebears serves as a model for Christians, demonstrating a life lived in anticipation of a heavenly homeland. Self-denial, therefore, is not merely an act of personal discipline but a profound expression of faith. It involves a conscious decision to prioritize spiritual values over temporal gains, recognizing that true fulfillment is found in God's eternal kingdom. This perspective is echoed in Philippians 3:20 , where Paul reminds believers, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." The practice of self-denial also aligns with the teachings of Jesus regarding the cost of discipleship. In Luke 14:33 , He declares, "In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple." This radical call to relinquish earthly possessions and ties underscores the total commitment required to follow Christ. In the broader biblical narrative, self-denial is portrayed as a transformative process that reorients the believer's identity and purpose. By embracing their status as strangers and pilgrims, Christians are empowered to live counter-culturally, bearing witness to the hope and redemption found in Christ. This journey of faith, marked by self-denial, ultimately leads to a deeper communion with God and a more profound understanding of His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 11:13-15These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 2:11 Library Third Sunday after Easter A Faithful Undershepherd The Latest Improved. Matt. xxii. 1-14. The Christian Described The Strait Gate; Columban. Trials to be Met. A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What does the Bible mean when it says, “The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Jesus Seminar? | GotQuestions.org What was the reason behind Peter's denial of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Deny: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Denial in Forsaking all and Following Jesus Self-Denial: A Test of Devotedness to Christ Self-Denial: Abraham, when he offered to Lot (His Junior) his Preference of the Land of Canaan Self-Denial: Barnabas , in Selling his Possessions Self-Denial: Becomes Strangers and Pilgrims Self-Denial: Christ Set an Example of Self-Denial: Danger of Neglecting Self-Denial: Daniel, in his Abstention Self-Denial: Daniel, in Refusing Rewards from Belshazzar Self-Denial: Esther, in Risking Her Life for the Deliverance of Her People Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Denial: Ministers Especially Called to Exercise Self-Denial: Moses, in Taking No Compensation from the Israelites for his Services Self-Denial: Necessary in Following Christ Self-Denial: Necessary in the Warfare of Saints Self-Denial: Necessary: To the Triumph of Saints Self-Denial: Paul, in Laboring for his own Support While he Also Taught Self-Denial: Paul, in not Coveting Anyone's Silver, Gold, or Apparel Self-Denial: Paul, in not Regarding Even his Life Dear to Himself Self-Denial: Peter and the Other Apostles, in Abandoning Their Vocations and Following Jesus Self-Denial: Samuel, in his Administration of Justice Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Abstaining from Fleshly Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Assisting Others Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Being Crucified to the World Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Being Crucified With Christ Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Controlling the Appetite Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Crucifying the Flesh Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Even Lawful Things Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Forsaking All Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Mortifying Deeds of the Body Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Mortifying Sinful Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in No Longer Living to Lusts of Men Self-Denial: should be Exercised in not Pleasing Ourselves Self-Denial: should be Exercised in not Seeking out own Profit Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Preferring Christ to all Earthly Relations Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Preferring the Profit of Others Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Putting off the Old Man Which is Corrupt Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Taking up the Cross and Following Christ Self-Denial: Simon, Andrew, James, and John Self-Denial: The Early Christians, in Having Everything in Common Self-Denial: The Rechabites, in Refusing to Drink Wine or Strong Drink, or Even to Plant Vineyards Self-Denial: The Widow of Zarephath, in Sharing With Elijah the Last of Her Sustenance Self-Denial: The Widow, Who Put Everything She had Into the Treasury Self-Denial: Widow of Zarephath Related Terms Serious-minded (4 Occurrences) |
    |