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I. A PRIVILEGE TO BE DESIRED AND ASPIRED TO. IN THREE GREAT DUTIES OR QUALIFICATIONS ANNEXED TO IT.

1. Let him deny himself.

(a) Deny our natural selves, that is, our reason, will, and affections, when they oppose the revealed truths and will of God.

(b) Deny our sinful and sensual selves (Titus 2:12).

(c) Deny our worldly selves, that is, all earthly possessions, relations, and even life itself, at His call and in His cause.

(d) Deny our righteous selves, that is, we must renounce all righteousness of our own, and desire to be found only in Christ's righteousness.

2. Let him take up his cross.

3. Let him follow Christ, which includes(a) to follow His doctrine;

(b) to follow His example.

(Matthew Hale.)

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KJV: Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

WEB: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.