SELF DENIAL ON BEHALF OF OTHERS

Romans 15:1-7,13-14

Why is self-denial important?  There are “two reasons”.

1. Self-denial takes us out of the self-glory picture.

2. Self-denial keeps us on the track as God’s usable vessel.

In your own words, would you call yourself a strong or a weak Christian today?

To be a strong Christian today, one must have a walking, talking relationship with Jesus. 

To be a strong Christian, one must be able to bear the weaknesses of those without strength.

To be a strong Christian means that you will be involved in someone else’s life to build them up.

As the Bible says in verse 2, you will be pleasing your neighbor for his good and not yours.

We are not in God’s business for self-glory, but instead, self-denial.

Verse 7 says, “We are to accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.”

The way that we stay on track as God’s vessel that He has planned for us to be is in verse four.“…for whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction.”

We cannot become the vessel that God uses for His glory unless we take and use the instruction of the Word.  As stated we get perseverance and encouragement from God’s word so that we might have hope and not give up.

Slowly, painstakingly, the Master Sculptor shapes, molds, and carves, cutting away that which obstructs, and distracts. Refining, smoothing, polishing, until at last I become the vessel He has planned…. beautiful and usable.

Now Paul says in verses 13 & 14…..”Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also, am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.”

Be a vessel of honor for the Lord Jesus Christ.  Take up your cross, deny self that others may see the glory of God in you….