“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:25
Embracing Humility
In our journey of faith, embracing humility is crucial. When we think about the concept of dying to self, we realize that it involves letting go of our pride and self-importance. Jesus taught us that to be His disciple, we must take up our cross and follow Him. This means putting aside our desires and preferences in favor of His will. As a community, we must encourage one another to cultivate humility and serve others, reflecting Christ’s love in our interactions. It is through humility that we can genuinely live out the truth of dying to ourselves.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” – Philippians 2:3
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Serving Others
Dying to self also means being willing to serve others. Jesus set the ultimate example by washing His disciples’ feet, teaching us that true greatness is found in the act of serving. We, as believers, are called to put others before ourselves, reflecting Christ’s selflessness. By serving others with love and compassion, we honor God and demonstrate the heart of a disciple. Let’s actively seek ways to serve those around us, showing that our lives are not just about us, but about building up the community in Christ’s love.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
John 13:14
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Self-Denial
Dying to self often requires the practice of self-denial. This involves making choices that align more with God’s will rather than our own desires. When we deny ourselves, we create space for God to work within us, guiding our actions and decisions. It is not always easy, but as a community of believers, we can support one another in making these sacrifices for the sake of our faith. We are called to turn away from worldly temptations and focus instead on what truly matters – our relationship with Christ.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” – Luke 9:23
Matthew 5:30
“And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” – Matthew 5:30
1 Corinthians 9:27
“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27
Romans 8:13
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” – Romans 8:13
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5
Living for Christ
To truly die to ourselves means living for Christ and surrendering our will to Him. When we accept Him into our hearts, we become new creations, and our old selves are left behind. This transformation is essential for our spiritual growth and our ability to bear fruit in our lives. By living for Christ, we let go of our selfish ambitions and desires, allowing Him to guide us in every aspect of our lives. Together, let us strive to honor Him in all we do, seeking His kingdom above all else.
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Colossians 3:3
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:3
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Trusting God
Dying to self requires immense trust in God. We often fear the unknown and struggle to surrender control, but we must remember that God has a plan for us that is perfectly crafted. As we place our trust in Him, we can be assured that He will lead us down the right path. Together as a community, we can support each other in our walks of faith, encouraging one another to trust God more deeply, even in times of uncertainty and challenge. Our faith in His goodness helps us to fully embrace the calling to die to self.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Isaiah 26:4
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” – Isaiah 26:4
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Daily Choices
Dying to self is also about the daily choices we make. Each day presents opportunities to choose God’s way over our own. As we consciously decide to live according to His word, we gradually develop the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Through prayer, studying scripture, and engaging with our community, we can make choices that reflect our commitment to Christ. Let’s support one another in making those choices every day, as we seek to live lives filled with purpose and love.
Deuteronomy 30:19
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” – Deuteronomy 30:19
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” – Joshua 24:15
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the theme of dying to self, we realize it calls us to embrace humility, serve others, and live for Christ. It encourages us to trust God fully, which is often hard because we want to control our circumstances. Yet, by making daily choices that align with our faith, we remember the importance of surrendering our desires for His greater plan. Together, let’s journey through this life dedicating ourselves to love, serve, and embody the teachings of Christ.
We encourage each of you to explore more about cultivating that daily relationship with God. If you’re curious about dedicating your life to Him, consider reading these bible verses about giving your life to God. And if you’re moved to understand the beauty of sacrifice, dive into these verses about sacrificing yourself for others. Together, let’s grow in His love!