August 10. Self-Denial
J.R. Miller teaches that true self-denial is not mere external sacrifice but the heartfelt renouncing of self and full submission to Christ's will.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller challenges common misconceptions about self-denial, urging believers to understand it as a heartfelt surrender to Christ rather than mere external sacrifice. Drawing from Matthew 16:24, Miller calls Christians to take up their cross and follow Jesus with genuine commitment. This message encourages a deeper, more authentic discipleship rooted in total submission to God's will.
Text
"Then Jesus said to His disciples: If anyone would come after Me — he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me!" Matthew 16:24
There are few things at which people enact greater farces — than in their feeble and foolish efforts at self-denial. Very few seem to have the remotest conception of what self-denial is!
One does without meat on Fridays, eating fish instead — and thinks that he has denied himself in a most commendable way.
Another gives up candy or a certain amusement for forty days in Lent — and is proud of over his great self denial.
Others make themselves miserable in various ways: inflicting pain, making useless and uncalled-for sacrifices — as if God were somehow pleased when they suffer!
But none of these things constitute self-denial. There is no merit or virtue in . . .
giving up anything,
suffering any loss or pain, or
making any sacrifice — merely for its own sake.
True self-denial is the renouncing of SELF — and the yielding of the whole life to the will of Christ. It is SELF — coming down from the heart\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Common misconceptions about self-denial
- Examples of superficial sacrifices
- Why these do not constitute true self-denial
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II
- Definition of true self-denial
- Renouncing self from the heart
- Yielding life fully to Christ's will
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III
- The call of Jesus to His disciples
- Taking up the cross as a symbol of commitment
- Following Christ in daily life
Key Quotes
“Very few seem to have the remotest conception of what self-denial is!” — J.R. Miller
“True self-denial is the renouncing of SELF — and the yielding of the whole life to the will of Christ.” — J.R. Miller
“There is no merit or virtue in giving up anything, suffering any loss or pain, or making any sacrifice merely for its own sake.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Examine your own understanding of self-denial beyond external sacrifices.
- Commit daily to yielding your will to Christ in all areas of life.
- Embrace the call to take up your cross as a symbol of true discipleship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is true self-denial according to J.R. Miller?
True self-denial is the renouncing of self and yielding one's entire life to the will of Christ, not just giving up external things.
Does giving up certain foods or pleasures count as self-denial?
No, Miller explains that mere external sacrifices like giving up meat or candy do not constitute true self-denial.
Why do people often misunderstand self-denial?
Because they focus on superficial acts of sacrifice without understanding the deeper spiritual surrender required.
What is the significance of 'taking up the cross'?
It symbolizes the willingness to suffer and fully commit oneself to following Jesus.