Just Say No!
Disciple Characteristic #3:
Dying to Self
Matthew 16:24 says, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."
I. Just Say No!
To deny yourself, in the context of the times, meant to fast. Today it means to say no to yourself, always.
The mark of a true disciple is that he or she will always say no to themself, no matter how hard it is.
II. Why Say No?
Because He knows that there is a war raging on the inside of us between God and a sinful nature.
John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
The thief is Satan. His sole purpose is in coming is to destroy us.
'I' is Jesus. He has already come, and is here now. He brings life for any and all who want it. Not only life, but ABUNDANT life- you can live life to the full with Him by your side.
According to Galatians 5:16-17, the war is between the Spirit and the flesh.
Spirit = Holy Spirit of God
Flesh = sinful nature and desires of man
WHAT THE FLESH PRODUCES:
(Galatians 5:19-21)
-Sexual sins (immorality, impurity, debauchery)
-Sins of worship (idolatry & witchcraft)
-Relational sins (hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, etc.)
-Sins involving alchohol or drugs
WHAT THE SPIRIT PRODUCES:
(Galatians 5:22-23)
The Fruit of the Spirit:
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control
III. How To Say No
(Galatians 5:24-25)
YOU SAY NO TO YOURSELF BY SAYING, "YES!!!" TO THE SPIRIT!
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment