ARE YOU WILLING TO DIE? By Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture
"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. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.'” (Matthew 16:24-25, NKJV)
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Introduction
The question posed by God to His people—“Are you willing to die?”—requires deep reflection. Following Christ is not about living for ourselves but dying to our selfish desires and surrendering entirely to God’s will. This lesson challenges us to examine our commitment to Christ and understand the importance of self-denial, obedience, and choosing God’s way over the world’s fleeting pleasures.
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Dying to Self: The Mark of True Discipleship
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NKJV)
True discipleship requires dying to self. This means surrendering personal ambitions, desires, and comforts to fulfill God’s purpose. By carrying our cross daily, we align ourselves with God’s will and open the door to His abundant life.
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The Danger of Self-Indulgence and Disobedience
“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:16, NKJV)
The path of self-indulgence leads to spiritual destruction. Just as Adam and Eve chose to follow their own desires over God’s command, many today are ensnared by the same deception. Selfishness blinds us to the truth and separates us from God’s presence, leaving us vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes.
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Heeding the Warnings of the Holy Spirit
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13, NKJV)
The Holy Spirit provides guidance and warnings to help us avoid the traps of sin and idolatry. Those who listen and obey the Spirit’s promptings are led away from the quicksand of sin and into the safety of God’s pathway. Ignoring these warnings results in bondage and eventual destruction.
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The Cost of Choosing the Broad Way
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” (Matthew 7:13, NKJV)
The broad way offers temporary pleasures but leads to eternal suffering. The enemy uses deceit and enchantment to lure people into rebellion against God, but the consequences are devastating. Choosing to save one’s life through worldly pursuits results in losing the eternal life God offers.
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The Sweet Waters of Life
“But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14, NKJV)
In contrast to the bitterness of sin, God offers the Sweet Waters of Life. Those who die to themselves and follow God’s way will experience the joy of fellowship with Him. They will be empowered to resist the enemy, walk in obedience, and live under God’s covering of safety and peace.
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Choosing Life, Not Death
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19, NKJV)
God calls His people to choose life by rejecting the lies of the enemy and embracing the truth of His Word. Life in Christ brings freedom, clarity, and purpose, while the path of rebellion ends in despair and eternal separation from God.
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Summary
Discipleship demands self-denial, obedience, and a willingness to die to selfish desires. Those who walk in the Spirit and follow God’s way will find life, while those who choose the broad way of sin and self-indulgence will face destruction.
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Conclusion
God’s call to His people is clear: be willing to die to yourself and follow Him. This is not a path of ease but one of purpose and fulfillment. By choosing to deny ourselves and take up our cross, we find true life and eternal joy in His presence.
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Call to Action
Reflect on your life today. Are there areas where you are holding onto selfish desires or resisting God’s will? Surrender them to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, strengthen you, and help you walk in obedience to His Word.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God’s way is the only path to true peace and eternal life. Though the journey may require sacrifice, His grace is sufficient, and His love is unending. Choose today to follow Him wholeheartedly, and you will experience the joy and fulfillment of walking in His will. Be encouraged, for the Lord is with you every step of the way!
