TAKING UP YOUR CROSS DAILY

TAKING UP YOUR CROSS DAILY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 9:23

Supporting Texts: Matthew 10:38-39, Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 2:3, Philippians 3:10

INTRODUCTION:
Jesus' call to “take up your cross daily” is one of the most powerful and challenging invitations in the Christian journey. It speaks of self-denial, daily surrender, and a commitment to follow Christ regardless of the cost. This is not a one-time decision but a consistent, daily lifestyle of putting God first in all things.

To take up your cross is to embrace both the purpose and the pain that come with following Christ. The cross is not merely a symbol of suffering, but also one of victory, transformation, and obedience. Every disciple of Christ must learn what it truly means to walk the way of the cross.

This message will help us understand how taking up our cross daily is not a burden but a blessed path to deeper intimacy with Christ, victorious living, and eternal reward.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF THE CROSS
The cross represents more than suffering—it symbolises total surrender to God's will.

a) The Cross Represents Death to Self – Galatians 2:20
To carry your cross daily means to crucify your flesh, selfish desires, and ambitions.

b) The Cross Symbolises Obedience – Philippians 2:8
Jesus was obedient even to the death of the cross; we must emulate this mindset.

c) The Cross Stands for Sacrifice – Romans 12:1
We must offer ourselves daily as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.

d) The Cross Requires Willingness – Matthew 10:38–39
Jesus said anyone who does not take up their cross is not worthy of Him.

Biblical Example: Jesus carried His own cross to Calvary in full submission to the Father’s will (John 19:17).

2. SELF-DENIAL IS AT THE HEART OF DISCIPLESHIP
Taking up your cross daily begins with denying yourself.

a) Deny Personal Desires – Luke 9:23
We are called to forsake our own way and align with God’s purpose.

b) Resist the World’s Enticements – 1 John 2:15–17
The cross calls us to say no to worldliness and yes to holiness.

c) Put God’s Will Above Your Own – Matthew 26:39
Jesus said, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” This is the life of surrender.

d) Endure Hardship as a Good Soldier – 2 Timothy 2:3
Discipleship involves endurance in the face of trials.

Biblical Example: Moses denied the pleasures of Egypt to fulfil God’s purpose for Israel (Hebrews 11:24–26).

3. DAILY COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED
The call to take up your cross is not occasional, but a daily discipline.

a) Make a Daily Choice to Follow Christ – Luke 9:23
It’s not enough to follow Him once; we must choose Him every day.

b) Develop Daily Devotion and Prayer – Mark 1:35
Spiritual discipline keeps the cross before us and our hearts aligned.

c) Renew Your Mind Constantly – Romans 12:2
Your thoughts must be shaped by God’s truth daily to walk in victory.

d) Live by the Spirit, Not the Flesh – Galatians 5:16
Only by the Spirit can we live the crucified life consistently.

Biblical Example: Paul said, “I die daily,” showing that taking up the cross is a daily lifestyle (1 Corinthians 15:31).

4. THE REWARD OF FOLLOWING THROUGH
There is a reward for those who faithfully take up their cross.

a) Sharing in Christ’s Glory – Romans 8:17
Suffering with Him leads to reigning with Him in glory.

b) Deep Fellowship with Christ – Philippians 3:10
Knowing Christ more intimately comes through sharing in His sufferings.

c) Eternal Life and Divine Approval – Matthew 10:39
Losing our lives for Christ results in finding true life.

d) Divine Strength and Grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9
God gives grace to sustain us as we carry our crosses daily.

Biblical Example: Stephen, the first martyr, saw the glory of God as he faithfully carried his cross unto death (Acts 7:55–60).

CONCLUSION:
The Christian life is not a call to comfort but a call to commitment. Taking up your cross daily is not about carrying burdens but walking in obedience, surrender, and love for Christ. It requires intentional choices, daily dying to self, and consistent reliance on the Holy Spirit.

When you embrace the cross, you also embrace victory. Your cross will lead to your crown, and your suffering will lead to eternal glory. May we never seek the easy path but the path that leads to Christlikeness and eternal reward.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to take up my cross daily and follow You wholeheartedly.
2. Father, give me grace to deny myself and surrender to Your will.
3. Strengthen me to endure trials and challenges without fainting.
4. Let my life be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You.
5. Empower me to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will walk in daily surrender and divine strength!
2. The grace to take up your cross shall rest mightily upon you!
3. You will not faint in the day of adversity!
4. Your daily obedience shall usher in divine encounters!
5. As you carry your cross, heaven will back you with power and favour!