We learn here, the absolute necessity of daily self-denial. Every day we ought to crucify the flesh, to overcome the world, and to resist the devil. We ought to keep our bodies under control, and bring them into subjection. We ought to be on our guard, like soldiers in an enemy's country. We ought to fight a daily battle and war a daily warfare. The command of our Master is clear and plain, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Now what do we know of all this? Surely this is a question which ought to be asked. A little formal church-going, and a decent attendance at a place of worship can never be the Christianity of which Christ speaks in this place.
Where is our self-denial? Where is our daily carrying of the cross? Where is our following of Christ? Without a religion of this kind, we shall never be saved. A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people! No self-denial, no real grace!
No cross, no crown!
[J. C. Ryle]
Luke 9:23-25 ... And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Isaiah 63:9 ... In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
James 1:12 ... Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.❤
