Follow Along with the Message

Healthy Denial

Pastor Tom Lundeen

 has told us that every human being (including you and me) are all on a road trip, so to speak; but the road we  to travel on will make all the difference in this life and eternity (note Matthew 7:13-14).

Note Luke 9:23

Jesus tells us something that has always been  and counter-cultural…

Self- is either something most people have no concept of or can relate to; or it is a concept greatly misunderstood and . 

1. What Self-Denial Is  

Self-denial is not asceticism, austerity, harshness, monasticism, being a …It’s not about  earthly possessions, eating dirt and worms, building a bunker in your backyard and  the world (note Colossians 2:8, 16-19a, 20-23). 

2. What  Self-Denial Is

...we do need to guard against the easy tendency to start making lists of things that become  duties/obligations instead of life-giving ways to love Jesus more.

A. I humbly submit my  to God—to deny myself starts here, by going through my life  embracing personally what Jesus prayed (note Matthew 6:10; 26:39, 42, 44). about you. (Warren, The Purpose Driven Life). When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and . (Bonhoeffer).

B. Embrace my self (note Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3-5a; Galatians 5:24) - our old nature is broken, tarnished, and disfigured by sin and , self-seeking and constantly seeking recognition, and dominated by our endless  and seemingly undefeatable lusts. It’s not the self God  for us. But before I can begin to really experience this new self -designed by God Almighty, Jesus calls me to deny myself. It’s not a matter of  harder...like everything with God, it’s all about /trusting Jesus. He has done the work…

Following lists of rules, regulations, and rituals is a spiritual  (note Galatians 3:3). Note Romans 6:6-7. He has given us His Holy Spirit so that we actually have the  we need to live this new life (note Ephesians 5:18). This act of faith and trust is based on making 2 choices (note Titus 2:11-14).

Am I on the road less traveled? :

• The Spirit-filled/controlled life is another important mile marker on the road less traveled for genuine Jesus followers.
• It starts with a  attitude…
• And it starts becoming our real life experience when we say  (deny our old self) and say  to all Jesus has provided for us and be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

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