Self Denial

Mercies Of God Association

Dr. Peter Nortier | Grand Rapids, Michigan

Contact Info | Edit

• Email | Web

www.facebook.com/mercies-of-god-association-470720482958613

• Facebook

MY FAVORITE

Add to Favorites | MyChurch

PHONE

616-855-7609

ADDRESS

Mercies Of God Association
1553 Knapp Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

MAILING

Mercies Of God Association
PO Box 150439
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Podcast + Codes

• XML Podcast Feed (RSS)

SERMONS EMBED | Info

Mobile Apps | Info

• iPhone + iPad

• Android Devices

• Kindle Fire Tablet

• Amazon Fire TV

• ROKU TV

• Apple TV

• Chromecast

• Apple Watch

• Kindle Reader

• Listen Line

Enjoy sermons from this broadcaster
on a variety of mobile devices.

MyChurch: merciesofgod | Set
MyChurch Code#: 64892

home

blog

Our Blog

Older

Newer

Blog

Post+

Search

Filter By

Self Denial

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

Posted by: Mercies Of God Association | more..

1,340+ views | 390+ clicks

Self-Denial

Richard Baxter

You hear ministers tell you of the odiousness and danger and sad effects of sin; but of all the sins that you ever heard of, there is scarce any more odious and dangerous than selfishness, and yet I doubt there are many that never were much troubled at it, nor sensible of its malignity. My principal request therefore to you is, that as ever you would prove Christians indeed, and be saved from sin and the damnation which follows it, take heed of this deadly sin of selfishness, and be sure you are possessed with true self-denial; and if you have, see that you use and live upon it.

And for your help herein, I shall tell you how your self-denial must be tried. I shall only tell you in a few words, how the least measure of true self-denial may be known. And in one word that is thus: Wherever the interest of carnal self is stronger and more predominant habitually than the interest of God, of Christ, of everlasting life, there is no true self-denial or saving grace; but where God's interest is strongest, there self-denial is sincere. If you further ask me how this may be known, briefly thus:

1. What is it that you live for? What is that good which your mind is principally set to obtain? And what is that end which you principally design and endeavor to obtain, and which you set your heart on, and lay out your hopes upon? Is it the pleasing and glorifying of God, and the everlasting fruition of Him? Or is it the pleasing of your fleshly mind in the fruition of any inferior thing? Know this, and you may know whether self or God have the greatest interest in you. For that is your God which you love most, and please best, and would do most for.

2. Which do you set most by, the means of your salvation and of the glory of God, or the means of providing for self and flesh? Do you set more by Christ and holiness, which are the way to God; or by riches, honor, and pleasures, which gratify the flesh? Know this, and you may know whether you have true self-denial.

3. If you are truly self-denying, you are ordinarily ruled by God, and His Word and Spirit, and not by the carnal self. Which is the rule and master of your lives? Whose word and will is it ordinarily that prevails? When God draws, and self draws, which do you follow in the tenor of your life? Know this, and you may know whether you have true self-denial.

• post new | clone this | rss feed | blog top »

Our Blog

Older

Newer

Top