Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew 16:24
When we choose to follows Jesus, we cannot hold on to even the smallest bit of our own agenda, period! We must deny every bit of self and make it obedient to Christ.
Many Christians struggle with past sin and the forgiveness of it. And sometimes this can be the point where one might stop trying.
People often say, “If you only knew my sin” or “God’s never going to forgive what I did, how could he?”
Matthew 1:4-11 tells of Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness with his ugly thoughts. Satan has no new tricks. In fact, he’s known as the Accuser of the brethren and the father of lies.
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Revelation 12:10
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44
These lies about unforgiveness come from the liar.
Maybe you’re struggling right now with feelings of shame and regret, due to poor choices. We cannot pardon ourselves, only God can. Jesus gave his very life for this reason.
Denying ourselves from guilt and shame that comes from the accuser, is crucial in order to take up the cross and follow Christ.
Satan knows if he throws accusations at you left and right, you’ll be too beat down to run to God.
Once you’re forgiven, you’ll want to change. And remember, God’s mercy and forgiveness are not a license to sin.
Remember what Jesus told the woman caught in adultery?
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:10-11
Go and sin no more!
This is not going to be a quick prayer then move on. This concept of denying self is more than that. You’ll need to cry out to God in prayer, genuinely seek him and lose your life as you know it (make permanent changes), and not just for a few days, but from now on.
Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isaiah 51:11
Rest in the power of God’s Word.
Many blessings,
Connie