03/13/18 DEATH IS DAUNTING
DEATH TO SELF
(the old man, the carnal mind, double mindedness)
IS A KILLER.
(most don't have the stomach for it).
IN TWO SENSES OF THE WORD
Death to self is a killer,
1- It actually ends the tyranny of the sinful nature that has plagued us since birth. With the death of "self" there is no more inner drive to sin, although there will always be (in this life) the ability to sin, as well as the attacks from outside of ourselves (Satan, the world).
2. It is metaphorically a killer because dying to self, being crucified with Christ is a frightening, foreboding prospect.
IT IS PART OF GOD'S DELIVERANCE FROM SIN
When we are "born again (born of the Spirit), we come alive to God (by receiving the Holy Spirit into our lives)
When we surrender all, when we make total commitment, when we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit into our lives, we must die to the self life, die to the world, die to sin.
As difficult as it is to humble ourselves, to admit our sins, to confess our sins, to turn from sinning, to follow Jesus, it is even more difficult to willingly accept personal death on the cross with Jesus, to willing die.
But just as you must be born again to be a Christian, you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Jesus.
