8475 self-denial

The willingness to deny oneself possessions or status, in order to grow in holiness and commitment to God. This practice is commended and illustrated by Jesus Christ himself, and underlies Christian fellowship within the church.

The wisdom of self-denial

Pr 23:20-21 See also Pr 25:16

Examples of self-denial in order to put God first

Da 1:8; Heb 11:25 See also Lev 23:29; Jer 35:6; Da 10:3; Lk 1:15; Lk 7:33 pp Mt 11:18

Self-denial is a requirement of following Jesus Christ

Mt 16:24 pp Mk 8:34 pp Lk 9:23 Ac 21:13; Php 3:7; 1Pe 2:11 See also Mt 5:29; Mt 6:10; Mt 9:9 pp Mk 2:13-14 pp Lk 5:27-28 the calling of Matthew; Mt 10:37-38 pp Lk 14:26-27 the cost of being a disciple; Mt 18:8 pp Mk 9:43; Mt 19:21 pp Lk 18:22 the rich young man; Mt 19:27 pp Mk 10:28 pp Lk 18:28 Peter left everything to follow Jesus Christ; Mt 19:29 pp Mk 10:29-30 pp Lk 18:29-30 the rewards of self-denial for the sake of the gospel; Lk 5:11; Lk 14:33; Lk 21:34; Ac 20:24; Ro 6:2,6,11; Ro 8:13; Ro 12:1; Ro 13:14; 1Co 6:12; 1Co 9:25-27; 2Co 8:5 the example of the Macedonian churches; Gal 2:20; Gal 5:16,23; Col 3:3,5; 2Ti 2:21; Tit 2:12-13; Jas 4:7; 1Pe 4:2

Self-denial for the sake of others

Ru 2:11; Php 2:4 Esther put her own life at risk for the sake of her people See also Ex 32:32; Est 4:16 Self-denial for the sake of those weak in their faith: Ro 14:21; Ro 15:1; 1Co 8:13; 1Co 9:23
1Co 10:24,33; 1Co 12:15; Eph 4:2; Eph 5:21; Php 2:17,20-21 the example of Timothy; Col 1:24; 2Ti 2:10; Tit 3:2; 1Pe 3:8; 1Pe 5:5

Self-denial and the example of Jesus Christ

Mt 26:39 pp Mk 14:36 pp Lk 22:42 2Co 8:9 See also Ps 40:7; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; Jn 13:1-17; Ro 15:3; Eph 5:1-2; Php 2:5-8

See also