TAKING UP YOUR CROSS DAILY

TAKING UP YOUR CROSS DAILY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 16:24-26

Key Verse: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Supporting Texts: Luke 9:23, Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 3:7-8, 2 Timothy 3:12

Description: This study reveals the true cost of discipleship and teaches believers the importance of self-denial, obedience, sacrifice, and daily commitment in following Jesus Christ faithfully.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 16, after revealing His coming suffering and death, Jesus taught His disciples about the true nature of following Him. He declared that anyone who desires to be His disciple must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him.

During biblical times, the cross represented suffering, sacrifice, shame, death, and complete surrender. Therefore, Jesus was teaching that genuine discipleship requires believers to surrender personal desires, worldly ambitions, sinful habits, and self-will in order to live fully for God.

Many people desire the blessings, miracles, and promises of Christ, but few are willing to embrace the discipline, sacrifice, obedience, and commitment required in true discipleship. Following Jesus involves daily choices to obey God even when it is difficult, unpopular, or costly.

Taking up the cross daily does not simply mean enduring hardships in life. It means willingly surrendering to God’s will, dying to selfish desires, and remaining faithful to Christ regardless of opposition or sacrifice.

1. DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES SELF-DENIAL

Following Christ demands surrender of self-will and sinful desires.

a) Jesus said, “Let him deny himself” (Matthew 16:24)
Self-denial means placing God’s will above personal desires, ambitions, comfort, and selfish interests.

b) The sinful nature constantly opposes God’s will (Galatians 5:17)
Believers must resist fleshly desires that hinder spiritual growth and obedience.

c) True discipleship requires complete surrender to Christ (Romans 12:1)
Christians are called to present their lives as living sacrifices holy and acceptable unto God.

d) Spiritual growth comes through dying to self daily (Galatians 2:20)
As believers yield to Christ, His character and life become increasingly visible through them.

Biblical Example:
Moses chose to suffer affliction with God’s people rather than enjoy temporary pleasures and treasures in Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-26).

2. TAKING UP THE CROSS INVOLVES SACRIFICE AND OBEDIENCE

The Christian journey includes commitment, endurance, and faithful obedience.

a) The cross symbolises sacrifice and surrender (Matthew 16:24)
Believers must be willing to obey God even when it requires personal sacrifice or suffering.

b) Obedience to Christ may involve rejection and persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)
Those who live godly lives will sometimes face opposition from the world.

c) Following Christ requires perseverance during trials (James 1:12)
Faithful endurance strengthens spiritual maturity and produces eternal reward.

d) God gives grace and strength for every challenge (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Believers do not carry their cross through human strength alone but through God’s sustaining power.

Biblical Example:
The apostles endured persecution, imprisonment, and suffering joyfully because they remained committed to Christ and His gospel (Acts 5:40-42).

3. FOLLOWING CHRIST REQUIRES DAILY COMMITMENT

Discipleship is a continual lifestyle, not a one-time decision.

a) Jesus emphasised taking up the cross daily (Luke 9:23)
Every day believers must choose obedience, holiness, faithfulness, and surrender to God.

b) Spiritual consistency strengthens faith and character (Colossians 2:6-7)
Daily fellowship with God builds spiritual stability and maturity.

c) Believers must continually renew their minds through God’s Word (Romans 12:2)
The world constantly pressures Christians toward compromise, making spiritual discipline necessary.

d) Remaining faithful requires dependence upon the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
Victory over temptation and discouragement comes through walking in the Spirit daily.

Biblical Example:
Daniel remained faithful in prayer and devotion to God consistently despite threats, opposition, and persecution (Daniel 6:10).

4. TRUE DISCIPLESHIP LEADS TO ETERNAL REWARD

Those who follow Christ faithfully will receive lasting reward and glory.

a) Jesus warned against gaining the world while losing the soul (Matthew 16:26)
Earthly success and possessions cannot compare with eternal life and fellowship with God.

b) Sacrifices made for Christ will never be wasted (Mark 10:29-30)
God honours and rewards those who remain faithful to Him.

c) Eternal life is the greatest reward of discipleship (John 10:27-28)
Those who follow Christ faithfully shall enjoy everlasting fellowship with Him.

d) Present sufferings cannot compare with future glory (Romans 8:18)
Believers who endure faithfully will share in Christ’s eternal victory and kingdom.

Biblical Example:
Paul endured hardship, persecution, and sacrifice faithfully because he focused on the eternal crown awaiting him in Christ (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

CONCLUSION

Taking up your cross daily is the true pathway of discipleship. Jesus calls believers to deny themselves, surrender completely to God’s will, and follow Him faithfully regardless of the cost.

True Christianity involves sacrifice, obedience, perseverance, holiness, and daily dependence upon God. Though the journey may involve trials and opposition, God gives strength, grace, and eternal reward to those who remain faithful.

The cross may involve sacrifice now, but it ultimately leads to victory, transformation, and everlasting glory with Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to deny myself and follow You faithfully in Jesus name

2. Father, give me strength to carry my cross daily without compromise in Jesus name

3. Lord, remove every selfish desire and worldly distraction from my life in Jesus name

4. Father, help me to obey Your will completely in Jesus name

5. Lord, strengthen me to endure trials, persecution, and opposition in Jesus name

6. Father, fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit for victorious living in Jesus name

7. Lord, help me to remain faithful and steadfast until the end in Jesus name

8. Father, let my life reflect the character and nature of Christ in Jesus name

9. Lord, help me to value eternal things above temporary worldly gain in Jesus name

10. Father, lead me daily in the path of righteousness, holiness, and obedience in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. The Lord shall strengthen you to remain faithful in every season of life!

2. Every power assigned to weaken your commitment to Christ shall fail!

3. You shall walk in victory over selfish desires and worldly distractions!

4. The grace to endure hardship and remain steadfast shall rest upon your life!

5. Your spiritual life shall grow stronger and deeper daily!

6. Every burden and opposition against your faith shall be overcome through Christ!

7. The Holy Spirit shall empower you for holy and victorious living!

8. Your life shall continually reflect the beauty and character of Jesus Christ!

9. You shall not lose your eternal reward through compromise or discouragement!

10. You shall finish your Christian journey faithfully and enter into everlasting glory with Christ in Jesus’ name!