Elements of Self-Denial

Who? Colossians 1:13 & 14
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Why? Titus 2:11-14
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
What? 2 Corinthians 5:14 & 15  
For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
How? 2 Timothy 2:1 – 6
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

• Ephesians 6:10, Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
• This is not self-reliance nor self-sufficiency, but utter dependence upon Him

2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

• Hebrews 10:36 “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:”
• Matthew Henry “we must expect it (hardship) and count upon it in this world, must endure and accustom ourselves to it, and bear it patiently when it comes,”

4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

• Matthew Henry “free from such entanglements as would hinder us in our holy warfare.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:9 & 10 “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

• Matthew Henry “to get the mastery of our lusts and corruptions, to excel in that which is good, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws.”
• Hebrews 12:1 & 2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, (breaking the rules) and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.

• James 5:7 & 8 “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”