Topical Encyclopedia Self-denial is a recurring theme in the life of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelite nation, and is exemplified through his unwavering faith and obedience to God's commands. Abraham's journey is marked by significant acts of self-denial, which serve as a model of faithfulness and submission to God's will.Call and Departure from Haran Abraham's first notable act of self-denial occurs when God calls him to leave his homeland. In Genesis 12:1-4 , God instructs Abraham, "Go forth from your country, your kindred, and your father's house, to the land I will show you." Abraham's response is immediate and without hesitation, as he departs from Haran at the age of seventy-five, taking with him his wife Sarah, his nephew Lot, and all their possessions. This act of leaving behind his familiar surroundings and family ties demonstrates Abraham's willingness to forsake personal comfort and security in obedience to God's command. The Offering of Isaac Perhaps the most profound example of self-denial in Abraham's life is the binding of Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 22. God tests Abraham by commanding him to offer his beloved son Isaac as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah. Despite the emotional turmoil and the apparent contradiction to God's promise of descendants through Isaac, Abraham proceeds with unwavering faith. Genesis 22:9-10 describes the moment: "Then they arrived at the place God had designated, and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar, atop the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son." Abraham's readiness to sacrifice Isaac epitomizes ultimate self-denial, prioritizing obedience to God above his paternal love and the future he envisioned through Isaac. Intercession for Sodom Abraham's self-denial is also evident in his intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18:22-33, Abraham pleads with God to spare the cities if righteous individuals can be found within them. Despite the potential risk to his own standing with God, Abraham humbly negotiates, demonstrating a selfless concern for others, even those outside his immediate family. His willingness to stand in the gap for the wicked cities highlights a self-denial that prioritizes compassion and justice over personal gain or safety. Separation from Lot Another instance of self-denial is seen in Abraham's relationship with his nephew Lot. As their herdsmen quarreled over land, Abraham, despite being the elder and having the right to choose first, offers Lot the choice of land. Genesis 13:8-9 records Abraham's words: "Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. For we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left." Abraham's willingness to defer to Lot's choice reflects a self-denial that values peace and family harmony over personal advantage. Circumcision Covenant In Genesis 17, God establishes the covenant of circumcision with Abraham, requiring him and all male members of his household to be circumcised. This act of self-denial involves physical pain and a permanent mark of obedience to God's covenant. Abraham's compliance, as described in Genesis 17:23-27, underscores his commitment to God's commands, even when they demand personal sacrifice. Abraham's life is a testament to the principle of self-denial, as he consistently places God's will above his own desires and interests. His actions serve as a powerful example of faith and obedience, illustrating the profound spiritual truth that true fulfillment and blessing come through surrendering to God's purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 13:9Is not the whole land before you? separate yourself, I pray you, from me: if you will take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 11:8,9 Library James ii. 20-24 Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. The Duty of Self-Denial. Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. The Promise to the Patriarchs. Bound to the Altar Vain Hopes. Table of Contents Letter clxiv. (AD 414. ) Matt. I. 1 Resources What does it mean to deny yourself? What is self-denial? | GotQuestions.orgHow did the Israelites deny themselves in Leviticus 23:27? | GotQuestions.org Does Egyptology confirm or deny the biblical record? | GotQuestions.org Deny: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Denial in Forsaking all and Following Jesus Self-Denial: A Test of Devotedness to Christ Self-Denial: Abraham, when he offered to Lot (His Junior) his Preference of the Land of Canaan Self-Denial: Barnabas , in Selling his Possessions Self-Denial: Becomes Strangers and Pilgrims Self-Denial: Christ Set an Example of Self-Denial: Danger of Neglecting Self-Denial: Daniel, in his Abstention Self-Denial: Daniel, in Refusing Rewards from Belshazzar Self-Denial: Esther, in Risking Her Life for the Deliverance of Her People Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Denial: Ministers Especially Called to Exercise Self-Denial: Moses, in Taking No Compensation from the Israelites for his Services Self-Denial: Necessary in Following Christ Self-Denial: Necessary in the Warfare of Saints Self-Denial: Necessary: To the Triumph of Saints Self-Denial: Paul, in Laboring for his own Support While he Also Taught Self-Denial: Paul, in not Coveting Anyone's Silver, Gold, or Apparel Self-Denial: Paul, in not Regarding Even his Life Dear to Himself Self-Denial: Peter and the Other Apostles, in Abandoning Their Vocations and Following Jesus Self-Denial: Samuel, in his Administration of Justice Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Abstaining from Fleshly Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Assisting Others Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Being Crucified to the World Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Being Crucified With Christ Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Controlling the Appetite Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Crucifying the Flesh Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Even Lawful Things Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Forsaking All Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Mortifying Deeds of the Body Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Mortifying Sinful Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in No Longer Living to Lusts of Men Self-Denial: should be Exercised in not Pleasing Ourselves Self-Denial: should be Exercised in not Seeking out own Profit Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Preferring Christ to all Earthly Relations Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Preferring the Profit of Others Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Putting off the Old Man Which is Corrupt Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Taking up the Cross and Following Christ Self-Denial: Simon, Andrew, James, and John Self-Denial: The Early Christians, in Having Everything in Common Self-Denial: The Rechabites, in Refusing to Drink Wine or Strong Drink, or Even to Plant Vineyards Self-Denial: The Widow of Zarephath, in Sharing With Elijah the Last of Her Sustenance Self-Denial: The Widow, Who Put Everything She had Into the Treasury Self-Denial: Widow of Zarephath Related Terms Serious-minded (4 Occurrences) |
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