Dying to Self: The Path to True Life in Christ(Living Sacrifice)

 Living Sacrifice Series

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.’”
—Matthew 16:24–25 (NIV)

There’s a tension every believer must wrestle with: the desire to follow Christ and the pull of self. At the center of the Christian walk is not self-fulfillment, but self-denial. Not self-promotion, but surrender. Not self-preservation, but dying to self.

To the world, this sounds foolish. But to those who have tasted the deep, soul-satisfying joy of walking closely with Jesus, it is the secret to true life.

So what does it mean to die to self, and why is it necessary for living a life fully devoted to Christ?

1. The Call to Die Before You Truly Live

When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t promise them ease or comfort. He said, “Take up your cross.”

In the Roman world, the cross wasn’t a metaphor it was an instrument of execution. So when Jesus invited His followers to take up their cross, He was inviting them to die not physically, but to their will, their desires, their ego.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” —Galatians 2:20

This is the core of Christianity: we don’t just believe in Jesus we are united with Him in His death and resurrection. We lay down our old selves so that His life can rise in us.

2. What Dying to Self Looks Like Daily

Dying to self is not a one-time event; it’s a daily decision. It's saying:

• “Not my will, but Yours, Lord.”

• “I will forgive, even when I don’t feel like it.”

• “I will serve, even when no one sees.”

• “I will remain faithful, even when it’s hard.”

It’s resisting the urge to retaliate, choosing humility over pride, and placing God’s glory over personal comfort.

“He must become greater; I must become less.” —John 3:30

Every time you choose obedience over convenience, purity over pleasure, and God’s truth over your feelings you are dying to self. And in that death, something beautiful happens: Christ lives more fully in you.

3. The Flesh vs. The Spirit: A Daily Battle

The Apostle Paul makes it clear: the flesh and the Spirit are in conflict.

“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit… They are in conflict with each other…” —Galatians 5:17

Our flesh the part of us that craves selfishness, control, sin must be crucified. Not managed. Not entertained. Crucified.

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” —Galatians 5:24

This means we don’t give sin room to grow. We don’t justify disobedience. We don’t flirt with temptation. Instead, we put it to death so the Spirit can thrive within us.

4. Why Dying to Self Leads to Freedom

It sounds paradoxical, but it’s true: dying to self is the pathway to freedom.

When you die to self, you’re no longer bound by people-pleasing. You stop striving for worldly approval. You’re no longer a slave to sin, ego, or fear.

You become free to love purely, serve joyfully, and live boldly. You’re free to say, “Lord, whatever You want, I’ll do it,” and actually mean it.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” —2 Corinthians 3:17

The more you die to your own agenda, the more you come alive in God’s purpose.

5. Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Dying to Self

Jesus didn’t just talk about dying to self He lived it.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, faced with the weight of the cross, He prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

He laid down His divine rights, His comfort, and ultimately His life—for us.

And now He calls us to follow Him in that same surrender.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… He humbled Himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!” —Philippians 2:5–8

6. Resurrection Always Follows Death

Here's the hope: every time you die to self, God brings new life.

• Die to fear, and rise in courage.

• Die to pride, and rise in humility.

• Die to sin, and rise in holiness.

• Die to control, and rise in peace.

The cross is never the end it’s the beginning. Because just as Christ rose in power, you too will rise in purpose, in passion, and in the presence of God.

“If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him.” —2 Timothy 2:11

Final Thoughts: Will You Lay Your Life Down?

The invitation to follow Jesus is not an easy one. It costs everything. But it also gives you everything that truly matters peace, joy, purpose, eternal life.

So today, ask yourself:

• What areas of my life am I still holding onto?

• Where do I need to surrender and die to self?

• What would it look like for Christ to fully live in me?

The altar is open. The cross is before you. Will you lay your life down?

Because in losing your life… you’ll finally find it.

“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Me.” —Luke 9:23