Dictionary of Bible Themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8400 The tasks of the believer » 8475 self-denial
The willingness to deny oneself possessions or status, in order to grow in holiness and commitment to God. This practice is commended and illustrated by Jesus Christ himself, and underlies Christian fellowship within the church.
The wisdom of self-denial
Proverbs 23:20-21
See also
Proverbs 25:16
Examples of self-denial in order to put God first
Daniel 1:8;
Hebrews 11:25
See also
Leviticus 23:29;
Jeremiah 35:6;
Daniel 10:3;
Luke 1:15; Luke 7:33 pp
Matthew 11:18
Self-denial is a requirement of following Jesus Christ
Matthew 16:24 pp
Mark 8:34 pp
Luke 9:23
Acts 21:13;
Philippians 3:7;
1 Peter 2:11
See also
Matthew 5:29; Matthew 6:10; Matthew 9:9 pp
Mark 2:13-14 pp
Luke 5:27-28
the calling of Matthew;
Matthew 10:37-38 pp
Luke 14:26-27
the cost of being a disciple;
Matthew 18:8 pp
Mark 9:43;
Matthew 19:21 pp
Luke 18:22
the rich young man;
Matthew 19:27 pp
Mark 10:28 pp
Luke 18:28
Peter left everything to follow Jesus Christ;
Matthew 19:29 pp
Mark 10:29-30 pp
Luke 18:29-30
the rewards of self-denial for the sake of the gospel;
Luke 5:11; Luke 14:33; Luke 21:34;
Acts 20:24;
Romans 6:2,6,11; Romans 8:13; Romans 12:1; Romans 13:14;
1 Corinthians 6:12; Corinthians 9:25-27;
2 Corinthians 8:5
the example of the Macedonian churches;
Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:16,23;
Colossians 3:3,5;
2 Timothy 2:21;
Titus 2:12-13;
James 4:7;
1 Peter 4:2
Self-denial for the sake of others
Ruth 2:11;
Philippians 2:4
Esther put her own life at risk for the sake of her people
See also
Exodus 32:32;
Esther 4:16
Self-denial for the sake of those weak in their faith:
Romans 14:21; Romans 15:1;
1 Corinthians 8:13; Corinthians 9:23
1 Corinthians 10:24,33; Corinthians 12:15;
Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 5:21;
Philippians 2:17,20-21
the example of Timothy;
Colossians 1:24;
2 Timothy 2:10;
Titus 3:2;
1 Peter 3:8; Peter 5:5
Self-denial and the example of Jesus Christ
Matthew 26:39 pp
Mark 14:36 pp
Luke 22:42
2 Corinthians 8:9
See also
Psalm 40:7;
Isaiah 53:7;
Matthew 11:29;
John 13:1-17;
Romans 15:3;
Ephesians 5:1-2;
Philippians 2:5-8
See also
2339 Christ, example of
2410 cross, the
5959 submission
8116 discipleship, cost
8120 following Christ
8339 self-control
8356 unselfishness
8429 fasting
8451 mortification
8468 renunciation
8481 self-sacrifice
8827 selfishness