| Self Denial
More Greek study....
Luke 9:23 If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me
* deny - aparneomai - To contradict, disown, to confirm that one has no connection with a person
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
* disciple - mathetes - a learner, pupil
It is an absolute impossibility to be a Christian without self denial. The believer must disown and confirm no connection with his Fleshly Affection, desires and opinions (self) if he is to follow Jesus. Mathetes (disciple) come from our word math. To learn mathematics or the Word of God one must go by the rules of the book only. Self-opinions and traditions are of no consequence. The cross is daily. A man must contradict his very nature: self indulgence, self esteem, self importance, self advancement, etc. or he cannot be a follower of Christ. Self must die and Christ must live in us if we are to follow Him, otherwise a man cannot be His disciple.
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