582. MAR 8:34. SAVING RELIGION A RELIGION OF SELF-DENIAL

Mar_8:34. Saving Religion a Religion of Self-Denial

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."’97Mar_8:34.

The Lord Jesus not only came to reveal the way of salvation, but also to exhibit all the great features of acceptable piety in his own example. In his discourses we have the great doctrines and precepts of Christianity presented to us. In his life we have these doctrines and precepts exemplified. Thus in the character of Christ, we have exhibited the true spirit of saving religion. In his condescension and conduct, a clear model for Christian imitation. Now this is expressed very distinctly in the text, and more at large, Mat_16:24. Christ’s disciples must follow in his steps. They must go after him. Hence he says, "My sheep hear my voice," &c. If we say that we have received him, we must walk also as he walked. True saints are described as "Following the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth." The true Christian "sets the Lord ever before him." "He looks to Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith." Now the Saviour connects this with the spirit and practice of self-denial. The man who is willing to be his disciple, must deny himself, &c. Now it is superfluous to say that the Christian must renounce a course of iniquity’97this is too obvious to need proof, or even assertion. But he must be willing to forego even lawful things for Christ’s sake. The very essence of self-denial is’97to be given up to the will of God, to yield yourselves to do it, and suffer it, for Christ’s sake. Observe,

I. We must deny our own wisdom, and submit ourselves to the wisdom of God. Look at this in two or three respects.

1. In the commencement of a religious course. The way and principle of our acceptance with God, is very different to the notions of the human mind. We think that we can devise the best plan of returning to God; and the innate conviction is, that we must do something’97or have some recommendation’97some ground of acceptance in ourselves. This was the great stumbling-block of the scribes and Pharisees. They would not admit that they were blind and poor, &c. Now this self must be denounced, prostrated, crushed, before we can enjoy the divine mercy; the soul must be dying of hunger, before it is fed. It must be stripped, before it is clothed. It must be perishing, before the hand of Christ is stretched forth to save. When they had nothing to pay, &c. How many are kept out of the kingdom of Christ, because they will not become as little children, and thus enter in the spirit of self-denial.

2. In the direction of our steps the same truth applies. Man must be self-guided, or guided of God. How often we think we are sufficient. That we have all the skill, tact, and experience requisite. Lot thought so when he chose the well-watered plains of Sodom. Solomon thought so, and hence made shipwreck. Now the great truth of revelation is’97that it is not in man that walks, &c. Hence this self-wisdom must be renounced. We must commit our way unto the Lord, &c. Our prayer will be, "O Lord, teach me thy paths." "Thou shalt guide me by thy counsel," &c. "Lead me in a plain path," &c. "In all your ways, acknowledge him," &c. To do this implicitly, at all times, and in all circumstances, is one great exemplification of self-denial.

3. In reference to extrication from troubles. Often the Christian is placed in strait and difficult circumstances. Just as the Israelites on their approach to the Red Sea. Jacob when going to meet Esau. Daniel when exposed to the devouring lions. Peter in prison. Now in all these cases, God’s wisdom directed. They did not trust in themselves. They did not rely on their own understandings. God counselled, and they obeyed. God directed, and they followed. Now this is one great evidence of true self-denial. To renounce our own wisdom, and to give ourselves up to the wisdom and will of God.

II. There must be the utter rejection of all self-righteousness, and entire reliance on the mediation of Christ. Self ever abased, and Christ ever exalted. To trust to his mediation for every blessing. Not only when we first come to God for pardon, but ever afterwards.

(1.) However exemplary to attribute it to God’s grace. "By the grace of God I am what I am,"

(2.) However spiritual to trace it up to the divine influence.

(3.) However useful to give the undivided glory to God.

(4.) In all our services to keep the eye of faith on the mediation of Christ. In praise, however fervent. In prayer, however earnest and believing. In duties, however constant. In the profession of Christ, however consistent. "God forbid that I should glory," &c. "Christ is all, and in all."

III. In subordinating all self-seeking to the will and pleasure of God. There are many things that may be laudably desired, and preferred in themselves. For instance,

(1.) Mediocrity of condition, rather than adversity. Jacob sought this: so Agar, "Give me neither poverty," &c. But self-denial bows sweetly to God, if it is his will that adversity be our lot.

(2.) Peace rather than opposition and persecution. It is said of the primitive churches, that they had rest, &c. Now it is desirable to have our privileges, &c. But self-denial shrinks not from opposition, and odium, and suffering for Christ’s sake. Takes up the cross, and cheerfully bears it.

(3.) Health rather than sickness. It is natural and proper to seek health, &c. But self-denial says, in reference to affliction, "The cup which my Father," &c. Now true self-denial chooses not’97dictates not; but ever seeks to utter the submissive words of Jesus’97"Not my will, but thine be done." It can sing with the poet,

"Good when he gives," &c.

Self-denial includes,

IV. The crucifixion of self, for the good of others. A man who is a stranger to the spirit of self-denial will stand for all his own rights. He will say, I may do this and that. I will only be bound by the great lines of right and wrong. Now what says self-denial, "All things are lawful, but all things are not expedient." Now see this fully illustrated, Rom_14:1. The great principle is laid down, Mar_8:1. Our duty, Mar_8:13. This duty applied, Mar_8:14, Mar_8:15. Then its general application, Mar_8:21. The uniform spirit of self-denial is further inculcated, chap. Mar_15:1, Mar_15:2. Now I would apply this to dress, which others might think worldly. To customs in meats or drinks, which others might think perilous. And the true principle is, to forego even lawful things for the good of others 1Co_8:9. We ought to prefer the salvation of our brethren to all other considerations. Now this is one of the great pillars of the temperance reformation; it induced me, more than ten years ago, cheerfully to abstain from every inebriating fluid, &c. It is well worthy of the pious consideration of all the people of God.

V. It involves the putting of ourselves, and all we are and have, at the Lord’s disposal. See Mar_8:35. Christ may call us to great sacrifices and toils. To the loss of liberty, goods, life. Now self-denial would place body, soul, and spirit at the Lord’s disposal. Surrendering all to him. Live and die for him. I can scarcely dwell on this, as we have so long basked in the sunshine of prosperity, and have such Christian mercies and privileges. But are we ready to suffer for Christ’s sake? To count not our own lives dear, &c.? Who can answer? I need not dwell on self-denial being essential to saving religion, the text is decisive. Besides,

(1.) Without it there is no likeness to Christ.

(2.) No assurance of glory. "If we suffer," &c. These then are the great terms of acceptable piety. But forget not,

1. Sufficient grace is given.

2. Eternal glory is promised.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS