Dying To Self

[Thoughtful Monk]

I take it to mean that one no longer considers their own interests as their primary aim but those of God. This does not mean that we become insensible but that our priorities have changed. This is related to Paul's warnings against selfish ambition.

As for the actual meaning of "take up your cross", according to Craig Keener, interpreting it as anything other than an a literal reference to crucifixion is a misuse of Scripture. It indicates that one must be willing to die for Christ if need be.

I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with Craig Keener. I sort of get his point but could you expand on his interpretation a bit?

[Thoughtful Monk]

Not my will but Thy Will be done. Does this help?

Thanks Esther. This is certainly another verse fits into the mix of understanding the concept.

[Leonhard]

KingsGambit:
I think that's an unfair criticism in light of the fact that there was an organized movement on this board some years ago to sign messages in that way to increase civility.

Leonhard:
Yes, and one atheist took it to point to quote himself. Like this. Refusing to use the quoting system. It was ugly to look at and read. And he still insisted on doing it even when it was just a single-line of himself.

Sincerely, Leonhard.

[KingsGambit]

It's so pretentious to sign your post with your own name.

I think that's an unfair criticism in light of the fact that there was an organized movement on this board some years ago to sign messages in that way to increase civility.

[Leonhard]

Blessings,
Lee

It's so pretentious to sign your post with your own name.

[lee_merrill]

I have a quote page on this! Here is a sample:

Trust Him to be the power to slay self. Hand self over to Christ and say, "Here is the culprit, Lord. I want you to still these throbbing pulses of passion, and let peace come instead. I cannot do it. But I give You the right to slay me in Your own way." The world says, "Look out for yourself"; but Jesus says, "Not I, but Christ." Not only must the old self be crucified, but the new man with all his strength and self-confidence, too, must die. Not only Ishmael must go out and be an outcast, but Isaac must be yielded and not hold up his head again. (A.B. Simpson)

As he grew older, he came to realize that he had to face up to temptation and defeat in his Christian walk. Perhaps his greatest weakness was his temper. He said to himself, "This won't do in a child of God," and he determined to meet God at every opportunity. Setting aside ten days, he presented his body a living sacrifice. He prayed, wept, soaked in the Word, and pleaded the promises. He faced up to the cross until he began to understand what Paul meant in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me". This is how he described the experience to me: "God worked the old Wigglesworth-nature out and worked the new Jesus-nature in." (Smith Wigglesworth)

No one ever told me that being with God could be painful. But that has been my experience, to the extent that I have been to the cross, to that extent I have the love of God in my life.

"Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it." It is an echo that is felt to be left in the heart, in which linger sounds that ought to die away forever. It is a thread or cord-like connection between the soul and the world, although the two have drifted far apart. It is a middle ground, a strange medium upon which Satan can and does operate, to the inward distress of the child of God, whose heart at the same time is loyal to his Savior, and who feels that if he died even then he would be saved. Now that something I wanted out of me. What I desired was not the power of self-restraint, but a spirit naturally and unconsciously meek. Not so much a power to keep from all sin, but a deadness to sin. I wanted to be able to turn upon sin and the world the eye and ear and heart of a dead man. I wanted perfect love to God and man, and a perfect rest in my soul all the time. This "something" that prevented this life I laid on the altar, and asked God to consume it as by fire. (B. Carradine)

Blessings,
Lee

[KingsGambit]

I take it to mean that one no longer considers their own interests as their primary aim but those of God. This does not mean that we become insensible but that our priorities have changed. This is related to Paul's warnings against selfish ambition.

As for the actual meaning of "take up your cross", according to Craig Keener, interpreting it as anything other than an a literal reference to crucifixion is a misuse of Scripture. It indicates that one must be willing to die for Christ if need be.

[Esther]

Not my will but Thy Will be done. Does this help?

[Thoughtful Monk]

I think it is an aspect of sanctification/growth in grace/conversion.

I agree with you. I suggest it's an aspect that doesn't get much attention these days.

[Thoughtful Monk]

I've always wondered if it was related to "picking up the cross".

I'm sure it is related. My question is how is that lived out. I don't think Jesus meant for us to literally carry crosses about. So then what is the cross and how does one pick it up?

[Rushing Jaws]

The words "Dying to Self" and the concept have coming up in my readings recently. I realized I have at best an incomplete understanding of what the concept means. I certainly don't seem to have any experience with it.

When I think of the concept, the Bible verses that come to mind for me are:

Luke 9:23-26: "^{23 24} For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.²⁵ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?²⁶ Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."

Galatians 5:24: "²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

Galatians 2:20: "²⁰I 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."

I know a part of the answer is I give up my desires. That answer to me is incomplete; that there is something more to this than just to death of self.

So I ask: What does "dying to self" mean to you and have you experienced it in your life?

I think it is an aspect of sanctification/growth in grace/conversion.

[simplicio]

I've always wondered if it was related to "picking up the cross".

[Thoughtful Monk]

The words "Dying to Self" and the concept have coming up in my readings recently. I realized I have at best an incomplete understanding of what the concept means. I certainly don't seem to have any experience with it.

When I think of the concept, the Bible verses that come to mind for me are:

Luke 9:23-26: "^{23 24} For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.²⁵ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?²⁶ Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."

Galatians 5:24: "²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

Galatians 2:20: "²⁰I 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."

I know a part of the answer is I give up my desires. That answer to me is incomplete; that there is something more to this than just to death of self.

So I ask: What does "dying to self" mean to you and have you experienced it in your life?