Topical Bible: War with Self-Denial

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The concept of "War with Self-Denial" in the Christian tradition is deeply rooted in the biblical call to live a life that is pleasing to God, often requiring the believer to engage in a spiritual battle against the desires of the flesh. This internal conflict is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the necessity of self-denial as a means of spiritual growth and holiness.

Biblical Foundation

The call to self-denial is explicitly stated by Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 16:24 , Jesus instructs His disciples, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." This passage highlights the requirement for believers to renounce their own desires and ambitions in favor of following Christ's example and teachings.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Galatians 5:16-17 , Paul writes, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want." Here, Paul describes the internal struggle between the sinful nature and the Spirit, urging believers to live by the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh.

Spiritual Warfare

The war with self-denial is often framed as a form of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." While this passage primarily addresses external spiritual forces, it also implies the necessity of internal vigilance and discipline in the believer's life.

Paul's exhortation in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 further illustrates the metaphor of spiritual warfare through self-discipline: "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." This passage underscores the importance of self-control and the rigorous effort required to maintain spiritual integrity.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's war with self-denial. Romans 8:13 states, "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." The Spirit empowers believers to overcome the sinful nature and live in accordance with God's will.

Practical Application

Self-denial manifests in various aspects of a believer's life, including the renunciation of sinful habits, the pursuit of humility, and the willingness to serve others selflessly. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages believers to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

The practice of self-denial is not merely an act of personal discipline but a reflection of Christ's own sacrificial love. In Philippians 2:5-8 , Paul exhorts believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, "who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."

Conclusion

The war with self-denial is an ongoing spiritual battle that requires the believer to rely on the Holy Spirit, exercise self-discipline, and follow the example of Christ. Through this struggle, believers are refined and drawn closer to God, ultimately reflecting His glory in their lives.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 9:25-27
And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Self-Denial and Self-Sacrifice Further Illustrated. --Parable of ...
... necessity of counting the cost, of fairly contemplating the sacrifices and
self-denial which his ... Or to a king, who rashly goes to war with another of superior ...
/.../section 208 self-denial and self-sacrifice.htm

Christian Courage and Self-Denial.
... Christian Courage and Self-denial. ... 4 Thy saints, in all this glorious war, Shall
conquer, though they're slain: They see the triumph from afar, And soon with ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/369 christian courage and.htm

Jehovah Nissi
... in it; and to say, 'The cause is God's, and therefore I war for it ... What sanctity,
what purity, what patience, what long-suffering, what self-denial, and what ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/jehovah nissi.htm

Evidences of Regeneration.
... candid and self-denying, and ready to be convinced, however much self-denial it
may ... War, slavery, licentiousness, and all such like evils and abominations, are ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxx evidences of regeneration.htm

Tries to Become a Politician. Fails. Last Act as a Politician. ...
... soldier. He also fought through the late war, and was several times promoted. ...
foregoing. Fourth, self-denial as a condition of eternal life. ...
/.../chapter vii tries to become.htm

Matt. I. 1
... but to enter into Heaven itself, ought to show forth a greater self-denial; [74]
not ... up, and where are the many and wondrous offerings from this war, from this ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily ii matt i 1.htm

The Law of Christian Conscience.
... Among the American Indians and at the Cape, the only homage perchance given to
self-denial, was the strange admiration given to that prisoner of war who bore ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xvi the law of christian.htm

Paul's Estimate of Himself
... for the reinforcements, and Jesus Christ will come and teach your hands to war and
your fingers to fight. All noble life is self-denial, coercion, restraint ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/pauls estimate of himself.htm

Spanish Conquest-The Propagation, Decay, and Downfall of Spanish ...
... we shall enter with force into your land, and shall make war against you ... episcopal
hierarchy, and whose keen emulation in enterprises of self-denial, toil, and ...
/.../chapter ii spanish conquest-the propagation.htm

Festal Letters.
... of our Saviour, which cry out, and call us, at one time to war, as the ... 3901] .' At
another time the call is made to virginity, and self-denial, and conjugal ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/i festal letters.htm