Print

MATTHEW 16: 24

"THREE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHRISTIAN LIFE."

I. "DENY HIMSELF."
        A. No list of do's and don'ts.
                1. Man's unscriptural liberty at listing.
        B. No list needed "Deny himself."
                1. Death to self life.
        C. Wisdom of denial.
                1. Muskrat.
        D. Folly of selfishness.
                1. Monkey.

II. "TAKE UP HIS CROSS."
        A. What is meant by this?
                1. People through own folly get themselves into jam.
                        "Just my cross."
                2. God doesn't put cross on us.
                3. Command is to "take up" cross.
        B. Looking at Christ Cross.
                1. Represented God's will for His life.
                        a. "For this cause came I into the world."
                        b. "Not My will, but thine be done."
                2. Denying himself for others.
                        a. "He who knew no sin became sin for us.
                        b. "He who was rich for our sakes became poor."
        C. Taking up our cross represents positive action on our part.
                1. Doing God's will is our cross.

Ill. "FOLLOW ME."
        A. Some try to follow afar off.
                1. Dangerous practice - Peter.
                2. Apple trees.
        B. Must keep our eyes on leader.
                1. Napoleon.
        C. Not always a path of glory.
                1. Many wished to follow into Jerusalem.
                2. Few wished to follow up CaIvary.
        D. Always a glorious path.
                1. Greatest joy of life to follow Him.
                        a. When in doubt - to hear His voice. "This is the way"
                        b. When in danger.
                                "Feel His hand grasp yours so you cannot slip."
                        c. When in darkness.
                                Walk in His glorious light."