The Call to Die to Self: Embracing the New Life in Christ By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:25 (NIV)
________________________________________
Introduction
The Christian walk is one of profound transformation, a journey that calls each believer to deny their own desires, abandon their old ways, and embrace the new life found in Christ. This process of dying to self is not just a one-time event, but a continuous decision made each day. In the words shared, we are reminded of the stark contrast between the new life that comes through surrender to God's will and the deceitful, destructive nature of the old life, led by fear and self-preservation.
As we examine the words presented, we are confronted with a powerful reminder of what it means to truly live for Christ. The message is clear: those who choose to hold onto their old nature and resist the transformation that God desires for them will find themselves entangled in the snares of this world. On the other hand, those who willingly die to themselves will experience the fullness of life in Christ, a life marked by freedom, purpose, and eternal joy. This article will explore this transformative journey of dying to self and living in Christ’s power and presence.
________________________________________
The Struggle Between the Old and the New Nature
The call to die to self is not one that is easily embraced, as it challenges the very essence of human pride and self-sufficiency. We are called to let go of our old nature, which is driven by selfish desires and fear, and to embrace the new life in Christ. This battle is ongoing, and many believers find themselves struggling with the desire to hold on to the familiar comforts of the old self. Yet, in order to experience the fullness of the new life in Christ, we must surrender our old ways.
“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.” – Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul’s words here reflect the essence of dying to self. To truly live in Christ, we must first die to our old desires and surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The old nature, filled with fear and selfishness, seeks to control our actions and decisions, but in Christ, we are called to a higher purpose—a life that reflects His love and grace.
________________________________________
The Dangers of Holding On to the Old Life
Those who are unwilling to die to themselves daily will inevitably find themselves trapped by the very things they cling to. The desire to maintain control over one's life and to follow one's own path leads to spiritual stagnation and, ultimately, destruction. This is not a mere metaphorical warning but a truth rooted in the reality of spiritual warfare. The enemy of our souls seeks to keep us bound by fear, pride, and selfish ambition, leading us further away from the transformation that Christ desires for us.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)
To conform to the world’s ways is to reject the process of transformation that God desires for each of us. By choosing to hold on to the comforts of the old life, we find ourselves entangled in the snares of the enemy, unable to progress in our relationship with God. This spiritual paralysis keeps us from experiencing the abundant life that Christ offers.
________________________________________
The Beauty of Surrendering to God's Will
Surrendering our will to God is not a sign of weakness, but rather a declaration of faith and trust in His sovereignty. When we die to our old ways, we make room for God’s Spirit to move in and through us. This process of surrender brings freedom, peace, and the assurance that God is in control. By yielding to His will, we experience the power of His presence and the fullness of the life He has prepared for us.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
When we trust in God’s plans for our lives, we begin to see the beauty in surrender. Our fears and anxieties fade as we realize that God’s purposes for us are far greater than our own. Surrendering to His will brings us into alignment with His divine purpose and equips us to fulfill His calling on our lives.
________________________________________
The Cost of Disobedience: Remaining in the Boxes of the World
Many believers, overwhelmed by the challenges of life, choose to retreat into the comfort of their own "boxes"—places of self-imposed limitation and fear. These boxes represent a refusal to embrace God’s transforming work, choosing instead to cling to the security of the old life. However, such choices lead to spiritual stagnation and prevent us from fully realizing our potential in Christ.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief, representing the enemy of our souls, seeks to keep us in these boxes, limiting our growth and progress in Christ. When we choose to remain in these self-made prisons, we are unable to experience the abundant life that Christ has promised. Yet, when we step out of these boxes and embrace the freedom found in surrender, we open ourselves up to the fullness of God’s love and purpose.
________________________________________
Living with Purpose and Confidence in Christ
As we continue in our walk with Christ, it is essential to remember that our purpose is not to live for ourselves, but to glorify God in all that we do. We are called to live with purpose and confidence, trusting in God’s guidance and provision. This confidence is not rooted in our own abilities, but in the faithfulness of God who equips us to fulfill His purposes.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
When we live in the confidence of Christ, we are not afraid of the challenges that come our way. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to face life’s obstacles with boldness and assurance, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. This confidence is the result of dying to self and allowing God’s Spirit to take full control of our lives.
________________________________________
Summary
In this article, we have explored the profound truth that in order to experience the new life in Christ, we must die to our old nature and surrender our will to God’s perfect plan. The battle between the old and new nature is real, and many believers struggle with letting go of the familiar comforts of the old life. However, the rewards of surrendering to God’s will far outweigh the temporary pleasures of the world. When we die to self and embrace God’s transformation, we experience the fullness of life in Christ—freedom, peace, and purpose.
________________________________________
Conclusion
The call to die to self is a daily decision that requires faith, obedience, and trust in God’s plan for our lives. It is not always easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. As we surrender our will to God, we open ourselves up to the power of His presence and the fullness of His purpose. Let us choose to die to self each day, embracing the new life that Christ offers and living with purpose and confidence in Him.
________________________________________
Call to Action
Today, I challenge you to reflect on your own life and consider areas where you may be holding onto the old nature. Are there parts of your life that you have not yet surrendered to God? Take a moment to lay these areas before Him, trusting that He will transform them for His glory. Choose to die to self and live fully in the life that Christ offers.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, the journey of dying to self is not a one-time event, but a daily practice. As you continue to walk in obedience, you will experience the abundant life that Christ promises. Trust in His power to transform you, and never lose sight of the fact that He is with you every step of the way.
________________________________________
A Prayer of Salvation
If you have not yet received Christ into your heart, now is the time to do so. Pray this prayer of salvation:
"Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and in need of Your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day. I invite You into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Help me to die to my old nature and live fully for You. Thank You for Your grace and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
May God bless you as you continue to follow His path of righteousness and transformation.
