Self-Denial — A Lifestyle Ministry

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 209

Following Christ, as spoken of in these words, is not a pretense, a farce. Jesus expects His disciples to follow closely in His footsteps, enduring what He endured, suffering what He suffered, overcoming as He overcame. He is anxiously waiting to see His professed followers revealing the spirit of self-sacrifice.

In what three ways are we to follow Christ in self-denial?

Testimonies to Ministers, p. 419

Everything must be viewed in the light of the example of Christ. He is the truth. He is the true Light that lighteth every man who cometh into the world. Listen to His words, copy His example in self-denial and self-sacrifice, and look to the merits of Christ for the glory in character which He possesses to be bestowed on you. Those who follow Christ live not to please themselves.

What example of Christ are we to copy? 

Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 88

Practice self-denial; for Christ's whole life on this earth was one of self-denial. He came to show us what we must be and do in order to gain eternal life.

What must we practice to gain eternal life?

Prophets and Kings, p 74

The forces of the enemy of all righteousness are strongly entrenched; only by the power of God can the victory be gained. The conflict before us call for the exercise of a spirit of self-denial, for distrust of self and for dependence on God alone, for the wise use of every opportunity for the saving of souls. The Lord's blessing will attend His church as they advance unitedly, revealing to a world lying in the darkness of error the beauty of holiness as manifested in a Christ-like spirit of self-sacrifice, in an exaltation of the divine rather than the human, and in loving and untiring service for those so much in need of the blessings of the gospel.

What three things does the conflict before us call for?

Prophets and Kings, p. 65

Not for the wages we receive are we to labor. The motive that prompts us to work for God should have in it nothing akin to self-serving. Unselfish devotion and a spirit of sacrifice have always been and always will be the first requisite of acceptable service. Our Lord and Master designs that not one thread of selfishness shall be woven into His work. Into our efforts we are to bring the tact and skill, the exactitude and wisdom, that the God of perfection required of the builders of the earthly tabernacle; yet in all our labors we are to remember that the greatest talents or the most splendid services are acceptable only when self is laid upon the altar, a living consuming sacrifice.

What is the first requirement of acceptable service?

Desire of Ages, pp. 508, 509

The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle "against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12. And now, as in Christ's day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time.

Where are the followers of Christ not found?

The followers of Christ are far in advance in the paths of___________and________________and_________________________.

Desire of Ages, p. 417

Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.

What is to reappear in the life of the disciple?

Christ's Object Lessons, p. 142

The same devotion, the same self-sacrifice, the same subjection to the claims of the word of God, that were manifest in Christ, must be seen in His servants.

Testimonies to Ministers, p. 394

Every soul that accepts Jesus as his personal Saviour will pant for the privilege of serving God and will eagerly seize the opportunity to signalize his gratitude by devoting his abilities to God's service. He will long to show his love for Jesus and for His purchased possession. He will covet toil, hardship, sacrifice. He will think it a privilege to deny self, lift the cross, and follow in Christ's footsteps, thus showing his loyalty and love.

Every soul who truly accepts Christ will covet what?

And will think it a privilege to_________________________________

____________________________thus showing his loyalty and love.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 53

When the Lord sees His people restricting their imaginary wants and practicing self-denial, not in a mournful, regretful spirit, as Lot's wife left Sodom, but joyfully, for Christ's sake, and because it is the right thing to do, the work will go forward with power. Let nothing, however dear, however loved, absorb your mind and affections, diverting you from the study of God's word or from earnest prayer. Watch unto prayer. Live your own requests. Cooperate with God by working in harmony with Him.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, pp. 165, 166

"If any man will come after Me," said Jesus, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23. Let us follow the Saviour in His simplicity and self-denial.

Medical Ministry, p. 334

As soon as Christ becomes an abiding presence in the heart, we shall not be able to see souls perishing in ignorance of the truth and be at rest. We shall make any sacrifice that we may reach them; and none of us are so poor that we cannot make daily sacrifices for Christ.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 387

The foundation of the plan of salvation was laid in sacrifice. Jesus left the royal courts, and became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. All who share this salvation, purchased for them at such an infinite sacrifice by the Son of God, will follow the example of the True Pattern. Christ was the chief cornerstone, and we must build upon this foundation. Each must have a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice.

How many disciples should have a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 214

Sacrifice must become habitual in all our character building in this life if we would have a building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 191, 192

Great sacrifices have been made and privations endured to place the truth in a clear light before you. Now God calls upon you, in your turn, to make great efforts and sacrifice in order to place the truth before those who are in darkness. God requires this. You profess to believe the truth; let your works testify to the fact. Unless your faith works, it is dead. Nothing but a living faith will save you in the fearful scenes which are just before you.

What does God call upon you to do?

Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 212

We are not safe for one moment in cherishing indifference and carelessness in regard to our soul's salvation. Many will have to arouse and change their course of action if they are saved. The perils of the last days are upon us. Connection with divine influence through a strong, living, working faith, can alone make us to be laborers together with God. Those who would shun the self-denying, self-sacrificing part of religion, will never be partakers with Christ in His glory. There must be prayerful study and determined effort on the part of all who shall win the crown of life.

Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 116

Self-denial, self-sacrifice, is to be woven into all our experience.

Counsels on Health, p. 300

We are nearing the end of this earth's history, and the different lines of God's work are to be carried forward with much more self-sacrifice than they have yet been . The work for these last days is a missionary work. Present truth, from the first letter of its alphabet to the last, means missionary effort. The work to be done calls for sacrifice at every step of advance.

Testimonies to Ministers, p. 421

We are not to be the servants of circumstances, but to control the circumstances by an inwrought principle learned of the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. The solemn position in which we stand today toward the world, the solemn responsibilities and duties enjoined upon us by our Lord, are not to be ignored until our will and our circumstances are adjusted. The principle of self-denial and self-sacrifice, as revealed in the example of Christ, of John the Baptist, of Daniel and the three worthies, is to pass like a plowshare through hereditary and cultivated habits through all circumstances and surroundings.

What principle is to pass like a plowshare through our habits circumstances and surroundings?

Counsels on Stewardship, p. 304

We can every one of us do something, if we will only take the position that God would have us. Every move that you make to enlighten others, brings you nearer in harmony with the God of heaven. If you sit down and look at yourself and say, "I can barely support my family," you will never do anything; but if you say, "I will do something for the truth, I will see it advance, I will do what I can," God will open ways so that you can do something. You should invest in the cause of truth so that you will feel that you are a part of it.

Counsels on Stewardship, p. 302

When those who know the truth practice the self-denial enjoined in God's word, the message will go with power. The Lord will hear our prayers for the conversion of souls. God's people will let their light shine forth, and unbelievers, seeing their good works, will glorify our heavenly Father. Let us relate ourselves to God in self-sacrificing obedience.

When only will the work go forward in power?

Counsels on Stewardship, pp. 43, 44

There is a world to be warned. To us has been entrusted this work. At any cost we must practice the truth. We are to stand as self-sacrificing minutemen, willing to suffer the loss of life itself, if need be, in the service of God. There is a great work to be done in a short time.… This work calls for self-sacrifice. Self-denial and the cross stand all along the way of life.... Those who secure the treasures of this world are obliged to toil and sacrifice. Should those who are seeking for an eternal reward think they need make no sacrifices?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 521

Self-denial means to rule the spirit when passion is seeking for the mastery; to resist the temptation to censure and to speak faultfinding words; to have patience with the child that is dull and whose conduct is grievous and trying; to stand at the post of duty when others may fail; to lift responsibilities wherever and whenever you can, not for the purpose of applause, not for policy, but for the sake of the Master, who has given you a work to be done with unwavering fidelity; when you might praise yourself, to keep silent and let other lips praise you. Self-denial is to do good to others where inclination would lead you to serve and please yourself. Although your fellow men may never appreciate your efforts or give you credit for them, yet you are to work on.

List several of the meanings of self-denial.

Messages to Young People, p. 320

No one can practice real benevolence without self-denial. Only by a life of simplicity, self-denial, and close economy is it possible for us to accomplish the work appointed us as Christ's representatives.

What is the only way we can accomplish the work appointed us?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 147

The duty and delight of all service is to uplift Christ before the people. This is the end of all true labor. Let Christ appear; let self be hidden behind Him. This is self-sacrifice that is of worth. Such self-sacrifice God accepts.

Welfare Ministry, p. 296

The will of God, our Creator, is to be made manifest in us, not only in the name we bear, but in our life of self-denial. We are to give evidence that we are influenced and controlled by unselfish principles. All our purposes and pursuits should stand in distinct contrast to the selfishness of the world.

How is the will of God to be made manifest in us?

What should be in distinct contrast to the selfishness of the world?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 209

Is the servant greater than His Lord? Shall the world's redeemer practice self-denial and sacrifice on our account, and the members of Christ's body practice self indulgence? Self-denial is an essential condition of discipleship.... I require nothing of you, My followers, but that of which I, your Lord, give you an example in My own life.