Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Abstaining from Fleshly Lusts
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Self-denial is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship, emphasizing the renunciation of personal desires and the pursuit of a life aligned with God's will. This practice is particularly significant in the context of abstaining from fleshly lusts, which are desires that lead individuals away from spiritual growth and holiness.

Biblical Foundation

The call to self-denial is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who instructed His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). This directive underscores the necessity of prioritizing spiritual commitments over earthly desires.

Abstaining from Fleshly Lusts

Fleshly lusts are often associated with sinful desires that conflict with the Spirit's work within believers. The Apostle Peter exhorts Christians to "abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul" (1 Peter 2:11). This admonition highlights the internal battle between the flesh and the Spirit, urging believers to resist temptations that can hinder their spiritual journey.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to exercise self-denial. In Galatians 5:16-17 , Paul writes, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." This passage emphasizes the importance of living by the Spirit's guidance to overcome fleshly desires.

Practical Application

Self-denial in abstaining from fleshly lusts involves practical steps such as prayer, fasting, and meditation on Scripture. These spiritual disciplines help believers focus on God's will and strengthen their resolve against temptations. Romans 13:14 advises, "Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh." This instruction encourages Christians to actively avoid situations that may lead to sin.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of self-denial. In Philippians 2:7-8 , it is written, "He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Christ's willingness to forsake His divine privileges for the sake of humanity exemplifies the depth of self-denial to which believers are called.

The Promise of Reward

While self-denial requires sacrifice, it also holds the promise of eternal reward. In Matthew 19:29 , Jesus assures, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life." This promise encourages believers to persevere in their commitment to self-denial, knowing that their sacrifices are not in vain.

Conclusion

Self-denial, particularly in abstaining from fleshly lusts, is an essential discipline for Christians seeking to live a life pleasing to God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the example of Christ, believers are equipped to overcome the desires of the flesh and pursue a path of righteousness and holiness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Peter 2:11
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the ... spirit,
and the spirit against the flesh; as Peter saith, Fleshly lusts, they war ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... it to put them in fear, when their lusts were powerful ... nearer to them than they desire
he should come, because ... life in the more sinful security and fleshly ease ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Resources
What does it mean to deny yourself? What is self-denial? | GotQuestions.org

How did the Israelites deny themselves in Leviticus 23:27? | GotQuestions.org

Does Egyptology confirm or deny the biblical record? | GotQuestions.org

Deny: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Deny

Self-Denial in Forsaking all and Following Jesus

Self-Denial: A Test of Devotedness to Christ

Self-Denial: Abraham

Self-Denial: Abraham, when he offered to Lot (His Junior) his Preference of the Land of Canaan

Self-Denial: Apostles

Self-Denial: Barnabas

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

Self-Denial: Daniel, in his Abstention

Self-Denial: Daniel, in Refusing Rewards from Belshazzar

Self-Denial: Esther

Self-Denial: Esther, in Risking Her Life for the Deliverance of Her People

Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning

Self-Denial: Happy Result

Self-Denial: Ministers Especially Called to Exercise

Self-Denial: Moses

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

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: Poor Widow

Self-Denial: Rechabites

Self-Denial: Reward of

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 Christians

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

Sober (18 Occurrences)

Self-control (14 Occurrences)

Serious-minded (4 Occurrences)

Guests (43 Occurrences)

Opening (242 Occurrences)

Freely (101 Occurrences)

Loves (97 Occurrences)

Lover (55 Occurrences)

Walks (51 Occurrences)

Watchful (17 Occurrences)

Respectable (1 Occurrence)

Roaring (28 Occurrences)

Devout (13 Occurrences)

Devour (118 Occurrences)

Disciplined (18 Occurrences)

Minded (36 Occurrences)

Prowls (2 Occurrences)

Completing (11 Occurrences)

Strangers (95 Occurrences)

Saintly (7 Occurrences)

Selfcontrol

Sensible (15 Occurrences)

Sane (2 Occurrences)

Sober-minded (9 Occurrences)

Self-discipline (1 Occurrence)

Enemy (134 Occurrences)

Goodness (83 Occurrences)

Lion (92 Occurrences)

Loving (292 Occurrences)

Fair (147 Occurrences)

Adversary (100 Occurrences)

Upright (392 Occurrences)

Comfort (130 Occurrences)

Devil (58 Occurrences)

Someone (153 Occurrences)

Seeking (182 Occurrences)

Watch (203 Occurrences)

Respect (204 Occurrences)

Hospitable (4 Occurrences)

Walk (315 Occurrences)

Kind (290 Occurrences)

Righteous (407 Occurrences)

Teacher (103 Occurrences)

Hospitality (9 Occurrences)

Self-Denial: Samuel, in his Administration of Justice
Top of Page
Top of Page