Embracing the Journey: Dying to Self for Christ

The journey of faith is a call to perfect our sonship through death to self, following the example set by Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, endured the cross and despised the shame to fulfill His assignment, so too are we called to embrace the path of dying to our own desires, ambitions, and comforts. This is not a suggestion but a necessity—Acts 14:22 makes it clear that “we must, through many tribulations, enter the kingdom of God.” There is no alternative route; the crucible of suffering, discipline, and self-denial is the only way to be conformed to Christ and to fulfill our God-given assignments.

Understanding the discipline of the Father is crucial. His instructions, found in His Word, are to be obeyed, and His chastening is to be endured. The ability to discern His voice amidst the noise of life comes from a life steeped in Scripture, attuned to the Holy Spirit, and marked by peace that surpasses understanding. The process of dying to self is not merely about enduring hardship but about being transformed—removing the dross so that we become vessels fit for the Master’s use.

The opposition we face, especially from the enemy, is relentless. The devil does not take breaks, and neither can we afford to be complacent. The flesh must be crucified, for “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” Our trials are not punishments but training grounds, much like David’s years in the wilderness prepared him to face Goliath. These experiences build spiritual, mental, and physical muscles, equipping us for greater battles and responsibilities.

There is a danger in seeking a life of ease and comfort, as seen in the example of the Laodicean church, which was neither hot nor cold and found nothing commendable in Christ’s eyes. Complacency and lack of discipline make us easy prey for the enemy and unfit for the assignments God has for us. Instead, we are called to embrace the pruning of the Lord, not only for our own fruitfulness but also to become mentors and disciplers, passing on what we have learned to others.

Ultimately, the purpose of this journey is to manifest the life of Christ in our flesh, to subdue self-exaltation, and to return with honor, having been proven, tested, and found faithful. There is reward in this school of suffering, both in this life and in eternity, for those who diligently seek and submit to God’s refining process.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Dying to Self Is the Only Path to the Kingdom The Christian journey is not about avoiding discomfort but embracing the necessary process of dying to self. This is the only route to entering the kingdom of God, as there are no shortcuts or alternative paths. The trials and tribulations we face are not obstacles but the very means by which God prepares us for His purposes. [10:23]
• 2. Discipline and Discernment Are Gained Through Obedience and Relationship Recognizing the discipline of the Father requires a heart willing to do His will, a life rooted in Scripture, and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Obedience to God’s instructions and endurance through His chastening shape us into vessels of honor. Discernment grows as we repeatedly submit to His voice, test what we hear against His Word, and follow the peace of God as our guide. [06:48]
• 3. Suffering and Trials Are Training Grounds, Not Punishments The hardships we endure are God’s way of equipping us for greater assignments. Like David, who was prepared in obscurity before facing Goliath, our private battles and seasons of rejection or loneliness are forging the character and skills needed for public victories. These experiences are essential for spiritual maturity and effectiveness in God’s service. [24:34]
• 4. Complacency and Comfort Lead to Spiritual Weakness A life of ease, idleness, and lack of discipline, as exemplified by the Laodicean church, results in spiritual lukewarmness and ineffectiveness. God calls us to continual self-examination, discipline, and a willingness to be pruned so that we remain fruitful and useful. Settling for comfort makes us vulnerable to the enemy and unprepared for the challenges ahead. [42:33]
• 5. Our Transformation Is for God’s Glory and the Good of Others The ultimate goal of dying to self is to manifest the life of Christ, bringing glory to God and serving as examples and mentors to others. Our resilience and faith in trials encourage the saints and witness to unbelievers. We are called not only to be transformed ourselves but to disciple others, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues beyond our own lives. [46:53]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:33] - Opening Prayer and Recap
• [02:08] - Jesus: Author and Finisher of Our Faith
• [03:33] - Why Must We Die?
• [04:07] - Recognizing the Discipline of the Father
• [06:48] - Hearing God’s Voice and the Role of the Holy Spirit
• [09:50] - The Necessity of Suffering and Tribulation
• [11:53] - Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ
• [13:32] - Following the Example of Jesus and the Apostles
• [15:47] - The Flesh Must Die
• [17:53] - Enduring Life’s Floods and Trials
• [23:25] - David: Prepared in the Wilderness
• [27:17] - Trials as Preparation for Destiny
• [33:41] - Becoming Fit for the Master’s Use
• [42:33] - The Danger of Complacency: Lessons from Laodicea
• [43:44] - Pruning, Fruitfulness, and Discipleship
• [46:53] - The Call to Mentor and Disciple Others
• [47:27] - Manifesting Christ and Glorifying God
• [48:42] - Subduing Self-Exaltation
• [51:49] - The Reward of Suffering and Returning with Honor

Bible Reading

Acts 14:22 (ESV) — > “...strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

2. Hebrews 12:7-11 (ESV)
> “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

3. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (ESV)
> “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 14:22, what is the only way to enter the kingdom of God? What word in the verse shows that this is not optional?
2. In Hebrews 12:7-11, what is the purpose of God’s discipline in the life of a believer? How does the passage describe the result of enduring discipline?
3. From 2 Timothy 2:20-21, what is the difference between vessels of honor and dishonor? What is required for someone to become a vessel for honorable use?
4. The sermon mentioned the example of David’s preparation in the wilderness before facing Goliath. What were some of the hardships David faced, and how did they prepare him for his assignment?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “Dying to self is the only route to our destination...there is no alternative road for us to get there.” Why do you think God designed the Christian journey to include suffering and self-denial, rather than comfort and ease?
2. How does enduring God’s discipline and pruning shape a believer’s character and usefulness for God’s purposes? In what ways might this process be misunderstood as punishment rather than preparation?
3. The Laodicean church was described as “neither hot nor cold” and found nothing commendable in Christ’s eyes. What does this reveal about the dangers of spiritual complacency and comfort?
4. The sermon highlights the importance of mentoring and discipling others as part of our transformation. Why is it not enough to be transformed ourselves, and what is lost if we fail to pass on what we have learned?

Application Questions

1. The sermon teaches that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Can you identify a recent trial or discomfort in your life that God might be using to shape you? How can you respond differently in light of this perspective?
2. Think about an area where you tend to seek comfort or avoid discipline (e.g., spiritual laziness, avoiding hard conversations, resisting correction). What is one practical step you can take this week to embrace God’s discipline instead?
3. The example of David shows that private battles and seasons of obscurity prepare us for public victories. Are there “wilderness” experiences in your past or present that you now see as God’s training ground? How did or can these experiences equip you for future assignments?
4. The sermon warns against spiritual complacency, using the Laodicean church as a cautionary tale. What are some signs of lukewarmness in your own spiritual life? What changes can you make to avoid settling for comfort?
5. The process of dying to self is described as removing the “dross” so we become vessels fit for the Master’s use. Is there a specific “dross” (habit, attitude, or relationship) that God is calling you to let go of? What would it look like to surrender this area to Him?
6. The sermon calls us to not only be transformed but also to mentor and disciple others. Is there someone in your life (family, church, workplace) whom you could intentionally encourage or disciple? What is one step you can take to invest in their spiritual growth this month?
7. The ultimate goal is to manifest the life of Christ and bring glory to God. In what practical ways can your response to suffering and discipline point others to Jesus this week?