Self-Denial: The Path to Abundant Life in Christ
Summary
Today, we explored the deep tension between the way of Jesus and the pull of our culture, especially as it relates to the worship of self. Our world is saturated with messages that tell us to prioritize our own comfort, happiness, and fulfillment above all else. We see it in the endless pursuit of self-care, self-optimization, and self-promotion. Even as followers of Jesus, we can easily fall into the trap of making our lives revolve around ourselves—our schedules, our boundaries, our preferences—often at the expense of the very things God has called us to: serving others, building community, and sacrificially following Christ.
But Jesus offers a radically different path. He tells us that abundant life is not found in feeding the self, but in denying it. In Luke 9, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This is not a one-time heroic act, but a daily, sometimes mundane, surrender of our will, our ambitions, and our comforts. It’s a call to put Christ at the center, to let Him set the agenda, and to trust that true life is found not in self-fulfillment, but in self-dethronement.
We looked at the ways we can misapply this teaching—becoming dutiful servants who never rest, apathetic observers who always have an excuse, easy riders who expect only comfort, or performing martyrs who sacrifice for the sake of recognition. Instead, Jesus invites us to a rhythm of being with Him before doing for Him, hearing from the Father, and then taking up the specific cross He assigns to us. This is not about earning God’s love or proving our worth, but about responding to the love and sacrifice Jesus has already shown us. As we remember Christ’s own surrender through communion, we are reminded that He never asks us to do what He hasn’t already done. Our sacrifice is a reflection of His, and in losing our lives for His sake, we find the abundant life we’ve been searching for.
Key Takeaways
- Abundant life is found in self-denial, not self-fulfillment. The culture tells us to seek happiness by prioritizing ourselves, but Jesus teaches that true peace and purpose come when we surrender our will and desires to Him. Denying ourselves is not about self-hatred, but about dethroning the self and letting Christ lead every area of our lives. [49:51]
- The call to take up our cross is a daily invitation, not a one-time event. Jesus asks us to lay down our ambitions, comforts, and preferences in the ordinary moments of life—at home, at work, in our relationships. This daily surrender is often unseen and uncelebrated, but it is the path to spiritual maturity and intimacy with God. [55:13]
- There are subtle ways we can misapply Jesus’ teaching on sacrifice. We might become dutiful servants who never rest, apathetic observers who always delay obedience, easy riders who expect only comfort, or performing martyrs who seek recognition through suffering. Each of these misses the heart of Christ’s call, which is rooted in love, not performance or avoidance. [01:05:55]
- Before we can truly sacrifice for others, we must first be with Jesus. Our doing must flow from our being; otherwise, we risk burnout, pride, or empty religiosity. Sitting in the quiet place with Christ, hearing from the Father, and then moving in obedience is the only way to carry the cross He has assigned to us. [01:15:06]
- Jesus’ own sacrifice is both our model and our strength. He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and became obedient to death on a cross. When we struggle to surrender or feel weak in our calling, we can look to His example and rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us. Our sacrifice is not in vain; it leads to God’s glory and our deepest joy. [01:17:53]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[09:42] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[17:44] - Men’s Event: Faith of a Champion
[23:05] - Entering Worship and Series Introduction
[39:15] - The Pull of Culture vs. the Way of Jesus
[41:21] - The Rat Selfie Experiment and the Worship of Self
[44:41] - Self-Centered Slogans and Christianized Self-Focus
[46:15] - Boundaries, Burnout, and the Danger of Self-Protection
[48:42] - The Promise of Abundant Life in Christ
[49:51] - Denying Self: The Path to True Life
[51:17] - A Real-Life Example of Self-Denial
[53:37] - The Daily Call to Take Up Your Cross
[55:13] - Sacrifice in the Ordinary and the Power of Surrender
[01:05:55] - Four Misapplications of Sacrifice
[01:15:06] - The Right Way to Carry Your Cross
[01:17:53] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[01:20:27] - Reflection and Prayer
[01:34:14] - Closing Blessing and Invitation to Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Way of Jesus vs. The Worship of Self
---
### Bible Reading
Luke 9:23-25 (ESV)
> And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
> Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 9:23, what three things does Jesus say are required for someone who wants to follow Him?
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the ways our culture encourages us to focus on ourselves? ([42:52])
3. What does Philippians 2 say about Jesus’ attitude toward His own rights and privileges?
4. The sermon described four “misapplications” of Jesus’ teaching on sacrifice. Can you name one and describe what it looks like? ([01:05:55])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus connects self-denial and taking up your cross with finding true life? What does it mean to “lose your life” for His sake? ([49:51])
2. The sermon mentioned that denying yourself is not about self-hatred, but about “dethroning the self.” What does that look like practically? ([49:51])
3. How does Jesus’ example in Philippians 2 help us understand what it means to sacrifice for others? ([01:17:53])
4. Why is it important to “be with Jesus before doing for Jesus,” and what can happen if we reverse that order? ([01:15:06])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about the “button of self” that we keep pressing, hoping it will bring peace, but it never does. Is there an area in your life where you keep seeking fulfillment or comfort, but it leaves you empty? What would it look like to surrender that area to Jesus? ([01:20:27])
2. Of the four misapplications (dutiful servant, apathetic observer, easy rider, performing martyr), which one do you most relate to? How has this shown up in your life recently? ([01:05:55])
3. Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily, not just in big, dramatic moments. What is one ordinary, everyday way you sense God might be asking you to deny yourself or serve others this week? ([55:13])
4. The sermon challenged us to let Christ set the agenda for our lives, not our own preferences or comfort. Is there a decision or area where you need to let Jesus “dethrone” your self-will? What step could you take to do that? ([49:51])
5. Before we can truly sacrifice for others, we need to spend time with Jesus. What is one practical way you can make space to “be with Jesus” this week before jumping into serving or doing? ([01:15:06])
6. When you think about Jesus’ sacrifice for you, how does that motivate or challenge you to live differently? Is there a specific act of obedience or surrender you feel prompted to take? ([01:17:53])
7. The sermon asked, “Is my schedule, my spending, or my ambition shaped more by ease than by mission?” How would you answer that for yourself? What is one change you could make to align more with Jesus’ mission? ([01:22:10])
---
Close in prayer, asking God for the courage and strength to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus in both the big and small moments of life.
Devotional
Day 1: Abundant Life Comes Through Self-Denial, Not Self-Fulfillment
True satisfaction and abundant life are not found in pursuing self-fulfillment, self-care, or self-actualization, but in denying ourselves and following the way of Jesus. Our culture constantly encourages us to put ourselves at the center, to chase after comfort, pleasure, and personal peace, but Jesus offers a radically different path. He calls us to let go of the endless cycle of self-focus and instead find life by surrendering our will to His, trusting that in losing ourselves for His sake, we will discover the true abundance our souls long for. [48:42]
John 10:10 (ESV)
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: Where in your life are you seeking fulfillment through self-focus, and how might you take a step today to deny yourself and trust Jesus for true abundance?
Day 2: Daily Sacrifice Is the Mark of Following Jesus
Following Jesus is not a one-time act of sacrifice but a daily, ongoing surrender of our desires, ambitions, and comforts. Jesus calls us to take up our cross every day, to lay down our own will and plans, and to follow Him in the ordinary moments of life. This means offering up our time, our dreams, our energy, and even our small, unseen acts of service as a living sacrifice, trusting that He sees and values every act of obedience, no matter how hidden or humble. [55:13]
Luke 9:23-25 (ESV)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?'"
Reflection: What is one small, daily act of self-denial or service you can offer to Jesus today, even if no one else sees it?
Day 3: Beware of Misapplying Sacrifice—Be With Jesus Before Doing for Jesus
It is easy to misapply Jesus’ call to sacrifice by serving out of duty, performance, or a desire to prove ourselves, rather than from a place of intimacy with Him. Before we pour ourselves out for others, we must first sit at Jesus’ feet, receive from Him, and let our service flow from His love and direction. When we try to do for Jesus without being with Him, we end up exhausted, anxious, or prideful, but when we start with His presence, our sacrifice becomes joyful and fruitful. [01:15:06]
Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)
"Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"
Reflection: How can you intentionally make space today to be with Jesus before you serve or sacrifice for Him?
Day 4: Jesus’ Sacrifice Is Our Model and Motivation
Our willingness to sacrifice and deny ourselves is rooted in the example of Jesus, who emptied Himself, became a servant, and was obedient to death on a cross. His self-giving love is both the foundation and the fuel for our own surrender. As we remember His sacrifice, we are invited to mirror His humility and obedience, trusting that God will use our surrender for His glory and our ultimate good. [01:17:53]
Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Reflection: In what area of your life is Jesus inviting you to mirror His humility and obedience today, even when it costs you?
Day 5: The Strength to Sacrifice Comes from the Holy Spirit
Carrying our cross and living a life of daily sacrifice is not something we can do in our own strength; it is only possible through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within us. When we feel weak, overwhelmed, or inadequate for the calling before us, we can ask God to fill us with His Spirit, giving us the endurance, courage, and faith to obey. No matter our age or stage of life, the Spirit equips us to pick up our cross and follow Jesus, trusting that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. [01:31:34]
Romans 8:11 (ESV)
"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
Reflection: Where do you feel weak or unable to carry your cross right now, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen and empower you today?
Quotes
See, abundant life, it's not comfortable. It's costly. It's sacrifice. It's giving yourself away. The Greek word for deny in this scripture is arneomai. It actually means to forget a person. It's the same word that the gospels use when Peter denies Jesus. They ask him, well, you know Jesus, right? And he says, I don't know that man. And this is what it means when we deny somebody, when we deny ourself. We're saying, I'm not the leader of my life anymore. I used to call the shots. I used to be at the center of my own interest. I used to be the boss. I used to do all the things that I wanted to do and be at the center of my attention. But I don't know that man anymore. He's gone. He used to be in control, but he's not in that place anymore. He's been moved off of the throne. And now there's a new leader and a new agenda and a new movement with new ambitions. And I don't make those choices anymore because, as Paul says, it's no longer I who live, but it's Christ who lives in me. [00:50:17] (57 seconds)
See, if you live your life for yourself, Jesus says you lose it. It's so counterintuitive, so countercultural, but he says if you lose your life and your will and yourself and your dreams and your ambitions for me, for Christ, you get the abundant life. [01:03:26] (18 seconds)
It's actually the evidence that you're a disciple of Christ. And Jesus says, he says, if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself. And then he says, and let him take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. [00:54:03] (19 seconds)
In the moment that you've been given, in the ordinary, in the regular rhythm of your regular living, in the sacred spaces of this very minute, Jesus is saying your call on your life, his movement for you in your life is that you sacrifice your time and your dreams and your ambitions and your comforts and your pride and your goals and what you intend for your family. And all of those things, you bring them every single day and every single moment to the altar before him. And you put them on the altar so that you can follow him and his way and his will. [00:55:35] (35 seconds)
In verse 25, he says it this way, for what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world? If he gets everything that he wants and all his selfish desires and everything that makes him have peace or pleasure, what does it profit a man if he gains the world? And yet, he loses his very self. [01:01:40] (18 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 04, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?