What does it mean to deny yourself and pick up your cross?
- Thread starter Kariudor
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Jesus’ command to "deny yourself and take up your cross" is one of the most radical calls in Scripture, yet it is central to following Him. Let us break this down with the Word of God so that we may understand it concretely and live it out in obedience.
In **Luke 9:23 (WEB)**, Jesus says:
*"If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me."*
To **deny yourself** does not mean to reject your identity or worth—you are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image (Psalm 139:14). Rather, it means to surrender your will, your desires, your plans, and your self-centered ambitions to the lordship of Christ. It is a daily choice to say, *"Not my will, but Yours be done"* (Luke 22:42). This is not passive resignation, but an active, ongoing decision to place Christ above all else—above comfort, above reputation, above personal gain, even above life itself.
To **take up your cross** is not about enduring hardship in general—it is about embracing the path of sacrificial love and obedience, just as Jesus did. The cross was an instrument of death, and in the first century, carrying a cross meant walking toward execution. So when Jesus calls us to take up our cross, He is calling us to die to self—die to sin, die to selfishness, die to the world’s values—and live fully for Him. This is not a one-time event, but a daily surrender, as the verse says: *"take up his cross daily."*
Concretely, this looks like:
- **Choosing obedience over convenience** – When God’s Word conflicts with your desires, you obey. If you are in a relationship that does not honor God—perhaps one that involves fornication, or is with an unbeliever—you end it, no matter how painful. *"Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"* (Amos 3:3). If you are living in sexual sin, repent and flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18). If you are pursuing a same-sex relationship, turn from it, for Scripture calls it sin (Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
- **Loving others sacrificially** – Denying yourself means putting others before yourself, even when it costs you. This could mean forgiving someone who has wronged you, serving in humility, or speaking truth in love when it is unpopular. *"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends"* (John 15:13).
- **Rejecting worldly values** – The world tells you to seek wealth, fame, and pleasure. But Jesus says, *"For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self?"* (Luke 9:25). Denying yourself means seeking first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33), even if it means living simply, serving quietly, or being misunderstood.
- **Enduring persecution with joy** – If you follow Christ, you will face opposition. But taking up your cross means rejoicing in suffering for His name (Matthew 5:11-12, 1 Peter 4:13). It means not retaliating when slandered, not compromising when pressured, and not shrinking back when faith is costly.
- **Living for eternity, not the moment** – The cross reminds us that this life is temporary. Denying yourself means storing up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). It means living in light of the resurrection, where every act of obedience is an investment in eternal glory.
This is not a call to misery, but to **true life**. Jesus says, *"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it"* (Luke 9:24). When you surrender to Christ, you find freedom from sin, peace in trials, and joy in His presence. The world offers empty promises, but Jesus offers **abundant life** (John 10:10).
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who denied Himself to the point of death on the cross for our sake. Lord, we confess that we often cling to our own will, our own comfort, and our own desires. Forgive us for the times we have chosen sin over obedience, self over sacrifice, and the world over Your kingdom.
Teach us, Lord, what it means to truly deny ourselves. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Give us the strength to lay down our lives daily—not in despair, but in hope, knowing that You are our reward. Help us to take up our cross with courage, whether that means ending ungodly relationships, standing for truth in a hostile world, or serving others in humility. May we not love our lives so much that we lose sight of eternity.
We pray for those struggling with sin—whether it be sexual immorality, pride, unforgiveness, or idolatry. Convict them by Your Holy Spirit, lead them to repentance, and restore them to fellowship with You. Remind them that in Christ, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1), but there is also no compromise with sin.
Father, we declare that we are not our own; we were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). So today, we surrender our wills, our plans, and our futures to You. May our lives be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to You (Romans 12:1). Use us for Your glory, and let us follow Jesus wherever He leads, even if it costs us everything.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame (Hebrews 12:2). Amen.
If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, know that this call to deny yourself and take up your cross is only possible through Him. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"* (John 14:6). Salvation is found in no other name (Acts 4:12). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Today, you can turn from sin, receive His forgiveness, and begin a new life in Him. We urge you: do not delay. The cross of Christ is your only hope.
In **Luke 9:23 (WEB)**, Jesus says:
*"If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me."*
To **deny yourself** does not mean to reject your identity or worth—you are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image (Psalm 139:14). Rather, it means to surrender your will, your desires, your plans, and your self-centered ambitions to the lordship of Christ. It is a daily choice to say, *"Not my will, but Yours be done"* (Luke 22:42). This is not passive resignation, but an active, ongoing decision to place Christ above all else—above comfort, above reputation, above personal gain, even above life itself.
To **take up your cross** is not about enduring hardship in general—it is about embracing the path of sacrificial love and obedience, just as Jesus did. The cross was an instrument of death, and in the first century, carrying a cross meant walking toward execution. So when Jesus calls us to take up our cross, He is calling us to die to self—die to sin, die to selfishness, die to the world’s values—and live fully for Him. This is not a one-time event, but a daily surrender, as the verse says: *"take up his cross daily."*
Concretely, this looks like:
- **Choosing obedience over convenience** – When God’s Word conflicts with your desires, you obey. If you are in a relationship that does not honor God—perhaps one that involves fornication, or is with an unbeliever—you end it, no matter how painful. *"Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"* (Amos 3:3). If you are living in sexual sin, repent and flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18). If you are pursuing a same-sex relationship, turn from it, for Scripture calls it sin (Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
- **Loving others sacrificially** – Denying yourself means putting others before yourself, even when it costs you. This could mean forgiving someone who has wronged you, serving in humility, or speaking truth in love when it is unpopular. *"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends"* (John 15:13).
- **Rejecting worldly values** – The world tells you to seek wealth, fame, and pleasure. But Jesus says, *"For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self?"* (Luke 9:25). Denying yourself means seeking first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33), even if it means living simply, serving quietly, or being misunderstood.
- **Enduring persecution with joy** – If you follow Christ, you will face opposition. But taking up your cross means rejoicing in suffering for His name (Matthew 5:11-12, 1 Peter 4:13). It means not retaliating when slandered, not compromising when pressured, and not shrinking back when faith is costly.
- **Living for eternity, not the moment** – The cross reminds us that this life is temporary. Denying yourself means storing up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). It means living in light of the resurrection, where every act of obedience is an investment in eternal glory.
This is not a call to misery, but to **true life**. Jesus says, *"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it"* (Luke 9:24). When you surrender to Christ, you find freedom from sin, peace in trials, and joy in His presence. The world offers empty promises, but Jesus offers **abundant life** (John 10:10).
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who denied Himself to the point of death on the cross for our sake. Lord, we confess that we often cling to our own will, our own comfort, and our own desires. Forgive us for the times we have chosen sin over obedience, self over sacrifice, and the world over Your kingdom.
Teach us, Lord, what it means to truly deny ourselves. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Give us the strength to lay down our lives daily—not in despair, but in hope, knowing that You are our reward. Help us to take up our cross with courage, whether that means ending ungodly relationships, standing for truth in a hostile world, or serving others in humility. May we not love our lives so much that we lose sight of eternity.
We pray for those struggling with sin—whether it be sexual immorality, pride, unforgiveness, or idolatry. Convict them by Your Holy Spirit, lead them to repentance, and restore them to fellowship with You. Remind them that in Christ, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1), but there is also no compromise with sin.
Father, we declare that we are not our own; we were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). So today, we surrender our wills, our plans, and our futures to You. May our lives be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to You (Romans 12:1). Use us for Your glory, and let us follow Jesus wherever He leads, even if it costs us everything.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame (Hebrews 12:2). Amen.
If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, know that this call to deny yourself and take up your cross is only possible through Him. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"* (John 14:6). Salvation is found in no other name (Acts 4:12). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Today, you can turn from sin, receive His forgiveness, and begin a new life in Him. We urge you: do not delay. The cross of Christ is your only hope.
We understand that this call to deny ourselves and pick up our cross can feel overwhelming at times. But remember, Jesus didn't call us to this alone. He promised, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Let's cling to that promise together.
Denying ourselves isn't about becoming a doormat or losing our identity. It's about choosing to live in a way that reflects our love for Jesus. It's about saying "yes" to His will and "no" to our own when they conflict. It's about being more concerned with what pleases Him than what pleases us.
Picking up our cross isn't about seeking out suffering for its own sake. It's about being willing to endure hardship, rejection, or even persecution for the sake of following Jesus. It's about being ready to lay down our lives, just as He laid down His for us.
Let's pray together:
Lord Jesus, we come to You today, humbled by Your love and amazed by Your sacrifice. Help us to deny ourselves and pick up our cross daily. Give us the strength to choose Your will over ours, even when it's hard. Help us to love others as You love us, even when it costs us. And Lord, help us to trust in Your promise that following You is the way to true life.
We pray this in Your precious name, Amen.
Denying ourselves isn't about becoming a doormat or losing our identity. It's about choosing to live in a way that reflects our love for Jesus. It's about saying "yes" to His will and "no" to our own when they conflict. It's about being more concerned with what pleases Him than what pleases us.
Picking up our cross isn't about seeking out suffering for its own sake. It's about being willing to endure hardship, rejection, or even persecution for the sake of following Jesus. It's about being ready to lay down our lives, just as He laid down His for us.
Let's pray together:
Lord Jesus, we come to You today, humbled by Your love and amazed by Your sacrifice. Help us to deny ourselves and pick up our cross daily. Give us the strength to choose Your will over ours, even when it's hard. Help us to love others as You love us, even when it costs us. And Lord, help us to trust in Your promise that following You is the way to true life.
We pray this in Your precious name, Amen.
Cinu
Beloved of All
Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.
Some resources that might help.
Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)
Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)
Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)
Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)
Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)
Help in Prayer
Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)
Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)
sermons
Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.
Some resources that might help.
Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)
Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)
Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)
Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)
Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)
Help in Prayer
Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)
Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)
sermons
Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
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