Denial is a common human reaction, whether it’s avoiding uncomfortable truths or refusing to face reality. But what does the Bible say about it? Scripture addresses both the dangers of denial and the freedom that comes from embracing truth. If you’re curious about how the Bible guides us in dealing with denial, let’s take a look at the lessons we can learn from its teachings.
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What Does The Bible Say About Denial
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.””
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans. Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.””
Denying ourselves means setting aside our own wants and placing God’s will above our own on a daily basis. It is a continual act of surrender and submission to Christ. Taking up our cross daily emphasizes the ongoing commitment and perseverance required to follow Jesus faithfully, regardless of the challenges we may face. This verse reminds us that discipleship is a journey of self-denial and daily surrender to God.
Mark 8:34
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.””
Jesus’s call to deny ourselves and take up our cross is not just for his immediate disciples but extends to all who desire to follow him. Denying ourselves involves renouncing our own selfish desires and worldly attachments in order to prioritize our relationship with Christ. Taking up our cross reminds us that following Jesus may involve sacrifice and suffering, but the rewards of eternal life and the joy of walking in his presence far outweigh any temporary hardships.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Our act of denial is an act of worship and surrender to God. In response to God’s mercy, we are called to offer our whole selves, not just our words or rituals, but our very lives as a living sacrifice. This means living in accordance with God’s will, setting aside our own desires, and seeking to please him in all that we do. When we deny ourselves and offer ourselves wholly to God, it becomes an expression of true worship and a testament to his transformative power in our lives.
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Denial of self is a radical transformation that happens through our identification with Christ’s death on the cross. As believers, we are united with Christ in his crucifixion, and our old self is put to death. We are no longer slaves to our own desires and worldly passions but live by faith in Christ, who dwells within us. This verse emphasizes that denying ourselves is not a burdensome duty but a privilege as we experience the abundant and transformed life that comes from being united with Jesus.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Denial of self extends beyond renouncing personal desires and includes considering the needs and interests of others. We are called to humility, putting others before ourselves, and seeking their well-being. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from selfish ambition and pride to selfless love and genuine care for those around us. By valuing others above ourselves, we reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate the transformative power of denying our own interests for the sake of serving and loving others.
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Denial of self requires humility and submission to God’s authority. Instead of exalting ourselves and seeking our own glory, we are called to humbly submit to God’s will and timing. By recognizing our dependence on God and willingly acknowledging his authority in our lives, we position ourselves to receive his favor and blessing in due time. This verse reminds us that true growth and exaltation come from a place of humility and surrender to God’s plans and purposes.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Denial of self is intimately connected to humility before God. By humbling ourselves before the Lord, we demonstrate our reliance on his grace and wisdom. In his perfect timing, God promises to exalt and uplift those who willingly submit to his authority and seek his will above their own. This verse encourages us to let go of pride and self-reliance, trusting that God’s promotion and favor come to those who choose to humble themselves and entrust their lives to him.
Ephesians 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Denying ourselves involves shedding our old way of life and embracing the transformative power of God’s Word and Spirit. We are called to let go of the sinful desires and habits that once defined us and instead allow God to renew our minds and transform us into his likeness. This verse reminds us that self-denial is not about depriving ourselves but about embracing a new identity in Christ and living in alignment with his righteousness and holiness.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Denying ourselves is a result of being made new in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we become new creations, no longer bound by our old sinful nature. As new creations, our identity and allegiance shift from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. This verse brings hope that by embracing the transformative power of the Gospel, we can break free from the patterns of sin and live in the fullness of the new life that Christ has made possible.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
Denying ourselves requires actively putting to death the sinful desires and behaviors associated with our earthly nature. As followers of Christ, we are called to reject and renounce any form of sexual immorality, impurity, and greed that seek to control our lives. This verse reminds us that self-denial is not limited to external actions but encompasses the inward transformation of our thoughts, desires, and motives.
Titus 2:12
“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Denying ourselves involves saying “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. The teaching of God’s Word enables us to identify and reject those things that are contrary to God’s will. Instead, we are called to live lives characterized by self-control, uprightness, and godliness. This verse emphasizes that self-denial is not a restrictive or joyless way of living but rather a path to experiencing the abundant and fulfilling life that comes from living in alignment with God’s truth and purposes.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Denying ourselves requires trusting in the Lord and acknowledging his wisdom and guidance above our own limited understanding. By submitting every aspect of our lives to him, we can confidently rely on his faithfulness to lead us on the right path. This verse encourages us to let go of self-reliance and trust in God’s perfect plan and direction for our lives.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Denying ourselves involves prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness above our own desires and concerns. When we seek first the things of God, we can trust that he will provide for our needs and bless us abundantly. This verse reminds us that self-denial is not about sacrificing our happiness but rather aligning our priorities with God’s eternal purposes and trusting him to fulfill our every need.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Denying ourselves involves choosing to serve God wholeheartedly, without allowing the pursuit of material wealth and possessions to distract or consume us. This verse challenges us to examine our priorities and allegiances, understanding that our ultimate loyalty should be to God alone. Self-denial in this context means forsaking the empty promises of wealth and worldly success and instead seeking true fulfillment and joy in our relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 10:24
“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
Denying ourselves extends to considering the well-being and interests of others. It calls us to actively prioritize the good of others above our own desires and preferences. This verse reminds us that self-denial is not about neglecting our needs or personal growth but about adopting an attitude of selflessness and love, seeking to serve and bless those around us.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Denial of self is exemplified in the life and ministry of Jesus. He willingly set aside his own rights and privileges, taking on the role of a servant and sacrificing his life for the salvation of humanity. This verse teaches us that self-denial is not about elevating ourselves or pursuing personal gain but imitating the selfless love and sacrificial nature of Christ, as we seek to serve and bless others in his name.
Matthew 10:39
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
Denying ourselves involves letting go of our own self-centered desires and ambitions in order to fully embrace the life that Jesus offers. When we surrender our lives to him and put his kingdom and will above our own, we discover a deeper and more fulfilling life in Christ. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from temporal pursuits to eternal treasures, recognizing that true life and fulfillment are found in surrendering ourselves completely to Jesus.
Philippians 3:8
“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
Denial of self involves recognizing the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and esteeming him above all else. The apostle Paul considers all earthly possessions and achievements as insignificant compared to the value of having a personal relationship with Jesus. This verse challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and willingly let go of anything that hinders us from deeper intimacy with Christ. Self-denial in light of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus allows us to gain a far greater treasure than any worldly success or possessions.
Proverbs 28:26
“Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”
Denying ourselves means acknowledging our human limitations and trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance. Relying solely on our own understanding and abilities is foolish, as we are prone to errors and misjudgments. Instead, this verse teaches us that true wisdom lies in humbly placing our trust in God and surrendering our self-reliance. In doing so, we find safety and security in his perfect and infallible wisdom.
1 John 2:15-16
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Denying ourselves involves resisting the allure of worldly desires and ambitions that are contrary to God’s will. This verse warns against loving the temporary pleasures and pursuits of the world, which can easily distract and lead us away from our devotion to God. Self-denial in this context means actively aligning our affections and desires with God’s heart and seeking to live in accordance with his values and principles.
Luke 14:27
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Denying ourselves means embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. Just as carrying a cross symbolizes the weight of our individual struggles and the commitment to endure for the sake of Christ, this verse emphasizes that true discipleship requires self-denial. It is an ongoing choice to put aside our own desires and fully surrender to the lordship and leadership of Jesus, regardless of the personal cost.
Luke 14:33
“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
Denying ourselves involves giving up everything we possess and clinging to Jesus as our ultimate treasure. This goes beyond material possessions and includes surrendering our ambitions, dreams, and worldly attachments. This verse challenges us to examine the things we hold onto tightly and to willingly let go of anything that hinders our devotion to Christ. Self-denial requires entrusting everything we have and are into God’s hands and finding our true worth and security in him alone.
Matthew 16:25
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
Denying ourselves means relinquishing our own efforts to save ourselves and instead surrendering our lives completely to Jesus. Trying to hold onto our own way of life or pursuing selfish ambitions ultimately leads to emptiness and eternal separation from God. However, when we let go of our selfish desires and surrender our lives to Jesus, we find true life, purpose, and eternal salvation. This verse calls us to make the intentional choice to deny ourselves and entrust our lives to the one who offers abundant life and eternal hope.
Romans 6:11
“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
Denying ourselves involves recognizing that our old sinful nature has been crucified with Christ. Through his death and resurrection, we are spiritually alive and empowered to live in obedience to God. This verse encourages us to view ourselves as dead to the power of sin and alive to God’s transformative grace. Self-denial in light of this truth requires embracing our true identity as children of God and actively resisting the temptation to revert to our former sinful ways.