Christ Above All: A Journey of True Self-Denial

Christ Above All: A Journey of True Self-Denial

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humility and gratitude, acknowledging that You are our Creator, Saviour, and Sustainer.

Thank You for the gift of this day, for the privilege of gathering in Your presence, and for the opportunity to grow in faith.

Lord, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to Your Word today.

Let the truths we explore draw us closer to You, transforming our lives to reflect Your glory.

May we value Christ above all else, placing Him higher than self and surrendering every part of our lives to His lordship.

Holy Spirit, guide this time, and may everything we do bring honour to You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional: "Christ Above Self"

Scripture Focus: "And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him." - Matthew 28:9

In this passage, we witness the profound response of the disciples to Jesus' resurrection: worship. Their immediate posture of falling at His feet signifies a heart wholly surrendered, valuing Christ above all else. True self-denial, as taught in Scripture, is not about hating oneself but about recognising the supremacy of Christ in all things.

As believers, we often struggle with placing Christ at the center of our decisions, ambitions, and relationships. The world teaches us to prioritise self—our desires, achievements, and comforts. Yet, the Gospel calls us to a radical shift: to enthrone Christ above ourselves. This isn’t a call to diminish our worth but to understand our identity in Christ, replacing self-focused living with Christ-centered devotion.

Reflect today:

• Is Christ truly first in your heart?

• Are there areas where self still competes for the throne of your life?

Let your worship, like the disciples', be a declaration of Christ's lordship. Let your daily choices reflect that you value Him above all.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach us to value You above ourselves.

Help us surrender our hearts, placing You as the supreme authority over our lives.

In every moment, may we hold onto Your feet in worship, declaring that You alone are worthy.

Amen.

Bible Study: "Value Christ Higher Than Self"

Theme: Understanding True Self-Denial

Key Scriptures:

1. Matthew 28:9 - Worship and surrender to Christ.

2. Luke 9:23 - “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

3. Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

Discussion/Contemplation Points:

1. The Misconception of Self-Denial: Many equate self-denial with self-punishment or asceticism. Discuss how this differs from the Biblical teaching of self-denial as a response to Christ's love and sacrifice.

2. The Root of True Holiness: Holiness flows from our new identity in Christ. How does focusing on a relationship with Jesus rather than rigid rules change our perspective on spiritual growth?

3. Replacing the Old Self: According to Galatians 2:20, what does it mean to live with Christ at the center? How do we practically "crucify" the old self in our daily lives?

4. Responding in Worship: Reflect on the disciples’ worship in Matthew 28:9. How can we cultivate a similar heart posture in our everyday lives?

Activity: Take time to list areas where self still competes with Christ in your life. Pray over each area, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you in surrender and transformation.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank You for Your Word that has challenged and inspired us today.

Help us to value Christ above all else, living lives that reflect true self-denial and surrender.

May Your Holy Spirit empower us to walk in this truth, not through our own strength but by Your grace.

As we go forth, may we be lights in the world, demonstrating the love and lordship of Jesus in all we do.

Keep us grounded in Your truth and overflowing with worship.

In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.