Dying to Self
To fulfill God's will, we must let go of our selfish desires and be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of being transformed by renewing our minds to understand and fulfill the perfect will of God, as exemplified by Jesus' willingness to drink the cup given by the Father. She highlights how our unconscious attachment to self can hinder us from fully surrendering to God's will, leading us to seek comfort in ways contrary to His plan. Tileston emphasizes the need to seek nothing but God's will to experience perfect peace, even in the midst of trials.
Text
The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink?
--JOHN 18:11
Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
--ROMANS 12:2
WE are often greatly hindered in the fulfilment of our duties by an unconscious clinging to self, which holds us back from God, and which leads us to seek our rest in something other than the simple fulfilment of His most holy will. If we honestly sought nothing save His will, we should always be in a state of perfect peace, let what may happen. But, very often, even when we ask that God's will may be done, we still wish it to be done after our fashion.
--PÉRE HYACINTHE BESSON
When we are fully delivered from the influence of selfish considerations, and have become conformed to the desires and purposes of the Infinite Mind, we shall drink the cup, and drink it cheerfully, whatever it may be. In a word, we shall necessarily be submissive and happy in all trials, and in every change and diversity of situation. Not because we are seeking happiness, or thinking of happiness, as a distinct object, but because the glorious will of Him whom our soul loves supremely, is accomplished in us.
--THOMAS C. UPHAM
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Selflessness
- The Transformation of the Mind
- Drinking the Cup of God's Will
- Submission to God's will in trials
- Happiness in conformity to God's will
Key Quotes
“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“When we are fully delivered from the influence of selfish considerations, and have become conformed to the desires and purposes of the Infinite Mind, we shall drink the cup, and drink it cheerfully, whatever it may be.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- We should seek God's will above our personal desires, leading to perfect peace and the accomplishment of His will.
- Through the renewing of our minds, we can prove God's perfect will and be submissive to His plan.
- Being fully delivered from selfish considerations leads to happiness and conformity to God's will.