The Effects of Using the Key of Self-denial to Lock Up the Self

 

The Effects of Using the Key of Self-denial to Lock Up the Self

Luke 23:34: "Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.'"

2 Corinthians 12:15: "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."

Philippians 4:11-13: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound... I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Matthew 5:44: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you."

Luke 14:26: "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."

 

Effect	Reason	Explanation	Examples	Application	Related Scriptures
Cannot Be Offended	When self is locked up, Satan has no foothold to work	When self is locked up, external offenses cannot affect our inner being	Jesus on the cross said: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."	Apply the key of self-denial when misunderstood or treated unfairly	Matthew 16:24: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'"
Not Disturbed by Emotions	Natural emotions hinder spiritual building	There should be no natural friendships or private emotions in church life	Avoid relationships based purely on natural preferences	Maintain pure, divine love in relationships with brothers and sisters	1 John 2:15: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
Not Affected by Circumstances	When self is locked up, one can transcend external environments	Maintain proper spiritual condition regardless of circumstances	Stephen praying for his persecutors while being stoned	Maintain trust in the Lord in both favorable and adverse circumstances	Acts 7:60: "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
Regardless of Others' Attitudes	Others' attitudes cannot affect our spiritual life	Unaffected whether others love or hate us	Paul said: "The more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved"	Maintain spiritual purity in interpersonal relationships	2 Corinthians 12:15: "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."
Should Not Have Natural Relationships	Natural relationships damage church building	Only relationships from God should exist in the church, not natural connections	Avoid forming cliques or special friendships in the church	View every member in the church with spiritual eyes	Matthew 10:37: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."

 

Key Supplementary Principles (with Scriptures):

1.      Foundation of Self-denial:

o   Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."

2.      Importance of Dealing with Self:

o   Matthew 16:24: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

o   Luke 9:23: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

3.      Goal of Building:

o   Ephesians 4:16: "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

4.      Spiritual Warning:

o   1 Corinthians 3:12-15: "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble... If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."

This table and analysis demonstrate the comprehensive effects of using the key of self-denial, which is crucial for spiritual growth and church building. The practice of self-denial enables believers to transcend natural life and live in the divine life, thereby contributing to the building up of the Body of Christ.

 

*Please refer to the International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones - October 2024

General Subject: Living in the Reality of the Kingdom of God

Week 4: The Exercise of the Kingdom for the Building Up of the Church