Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus to his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. The Divine wisdom nowhere shines forth more clearly than in this precept. I. HUMAN NATURE IS IN A STATE OF DEPRAVITY AND CORRUPTION. Man is not upright. His passions and affections are disposed to rebel, instead of remaining subordinate to the higher principle. Consequently, self-denial is necessary, and so far as we practise it we advance in virtue. We are so far humble, e.g., as we deny ourselves in the matter of pride; so far heavenly-minded, as we deny our earthly inclinations; so far charitable, as we deny our tempers of self-love and envy; so far temperate and pure, as we restrain our lower passions and lusts. II. THE DESIGN OF RELIGION IS TO HEAL AND RESTORE OUR CORRUPT NATURE. If the disease is to be cured, we must abstain from everything that tends to feed or aggravate it. Even in things lawful, we may have to practise self-denial; as he who wishes to avoid a fall from a precipice, if he be prudent, will not venture too near its edge. The Christian soldier, like all others, must submit to the discipline of war in the time of peace; otherwise, when the hour of actual service arrives, he will be found wanting. He who has accustomed himself to govern his thoughts and words, will easily govern his actions; and he who has learned at proper seasons to abstain, will find no difficulty in being temperate at all times. III. Another reason for self-denial is, THE INFLUENCE WHICH THE BODY EXERTS UPON THE SOUL. The fall of man seems to have consisted greatly in the subjection of the soul to the power and dominion of the body. It is Christ's work to reverse this, and subordinate the body to the soul. The body presses down the soul: it is the business of religion, by means of self-denial, to remove this weight. IV. TAKE EXAMPLE BY THE WORLDLY. There is not a votary of wealth, pleasure, power, or fame, who cannot, and does not, when necessary, practise self-denial, — though in so much less worthy a cause. And shall we be out-done by such as these? V. THINK OF THE REWARDS ANNEXED TO THE PRACTICE OF SELF-DENIAL. 1. In the present life. Lightness of spirits, cheerfulness of heart, serenity of temper, alacrity of mind, vigour of understanding, freedom from bad desires, etc. 2. Heaven, forever. (Bishop Horne.) Parallel Verses 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. |
    |