What does dying to self mean?

Dying to self is a fundamental concept in Christianity that describes a believer’s surrender of personal desires, ambitions, and sinful inclinations to follow Christ fully. This principle is rooted in Scripture and is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth and discipleship. But what does it truly mean to die to self, and how does it manifest in the life of a believer? This article explores the biblical basis, implications, and practical application of dying to self.

The Biblical Basis for Dying to Self

The call to die to self is a recurring theme in Scripture. Jesus Himself emphasized this concept in His teachings:

Luke 9:23 – “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

Galatians 2:20 – “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.”

Romans 6:6 – “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”

These passages illustrate that dying to self is not a one-time event but an ongoing process in the believer’s life. It involves surrendering our sinful nature, selfish ambitions, and worldly desires to live according to God’s will.

The Meaning of Dying to Self

Denying Oneself

Dying to self begins with self-denial. Jesus made it clear that following Him requires a willingness to put aside personal desires and take up a life of obedience to God. This does not mean abandoning personal responsibility but rather prioritizing God’s will over personal preferences.

Taking Up the Cross

In biblical times, carrying a cross symbolized submission to the authority of the Roman government. When Jesus spoke of taking up the cross, He was referring to a total surrender to God’s will, even to the point of suffering. This means embracing trials and difficulties as part of our spiritual journey.

Living for Christ

Paul’s declaration in Galatians 2:20 reveals that dying to self results in a life where Christ lives through the believer. This means our actions, thoughts, and decisions are guided by the Holy Spirit rather than personal ambition.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Dying to Self

Dying to self is impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that the Spirit enables believers to overcome the flesh:

Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Galatians 5:24-25 – “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

By walking in the Spirit, believers can resist selfish inclinations and cultivate godly character.

The Practical Application of Dying to Self

Obedience to God’s Word

Obedience is a key aspect of dying to self. This means aligning one’s actions with biblical teachings, even when it is inconvenient or challenging. Jesus set the perfect example of obedience to the Father:

Philippians 2:8 – “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Sacrificial Love

Dying to self involves loving others sacrificially, as Christ did:

John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

1 John 3:16 – “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

This means putting the needs of others before our own and serving selflessly.

Humility and Meekness

A person who has died to self exhibits humility and meekness, acknowledging that all glory belongs to God:

James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Philippians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

Forgiving Others

Letting go of personal grudges and extending forgiveness is another sign of dying to self:

Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

The Struggles of Dying to Self

Dying to self is not easy. The flesh constantly wars against the Spirit, making the process a lifelong battle:

Romans 7:18-19 – “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.”

Overcoming the flesh requires perseverance, prayer, and reliance on God’s strength.

The Reward of Dying to Self

Though the process of dying to self is challenging, it leads to abundant spiritual rewards:

Eternal Life

Matthew 16:25 – “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

John 12:24-25 – “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Spiritual Fulfillment

Dying to self allows believers to experience the fullness of life in Christ:

John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

True Freedom

Romans 6:22 – “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.”

Living for Christ frees believers from the bondage of sin and selfishness, allowing them to walk in righteousness and peace.

Conclusion

Dying to self is an essential aspect of the Christian walk. It involves daily surrender, self-denial, and living in obedience to God. While it is a difficult journey, it is also a rewarding one, leading to spiritual maturity, joy, and eternal life. By relying on the Holy Spirit, embracing humility, loving sacrificially, and walking in obedience, believers can truly experience the life that Christ intends for them.