How Do I Die To Self? Biblical Guidance For Liberation

The concept of “dying to self” is a profound and complex theme that resonates throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. It’s a notion that can be both liberating and intimidating, as it requires surrendering one’s own desires, ambitions, and ego to follow God’s will. In this article, we’ll delve into the biblical guidance on dying to self, exploring what it means, why it’s necessary, and how to practically apply this principle in our lives.

To begin with, let’s examine the biblical foundation for dying to self. In Luke 9:23-24, Jesus says, “If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” This passage sets the tone for the Christian journey, emphasizing the need to relinquish our selfish desires and ambitions to pursue a life of discipleship.

But what does it mean to deny oneself? Is it a call to self-mortification or a rejection of our inherent value as human beings? Not exactly. Denying oneself means surrendering our autonomy, our need for control, and our self-centeredness. It’s a recognition that our lives are not our own, but belong to God, and that our purpose is to glorify Him, not ourselves.

One of the most significant barriers to dying to self is our innate desire for self-preservation and self-promotion. We’re wired to protect our own interests, to advance our careers, and to build our reputations. However, this self-focused mindset can lead to a sense of isolation, disconnection, and emptiness. As the apostle Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Paul’s statement highlights the paradox of dying to self: it’s only through surrendering our lives that we can truly find life. When we die to self, we create space for God to work in and through us, to live His life in our bodies. This is the essence of the Christian experience – not self-improvement or self-actualization, but self-surrender.

So, how do we die to self in practical terms? Here are a few guidance points from Scripture:

1. Practice humility: In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul encourages us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Humility is the antidote to self-centeredness, and it’s a crucial step towards dying to self.

2. Let go of control: In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re admonished to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” When we relinquish control, we’re acknowledging that God is sovereign and that His plans are better than ours.

3. Embrace suffering: In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Suffering can be a catalyst for dying to self, as it forces us to confront our limitations and our need for God.

4. Cultivate gratitude: In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we’re encouraged to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratitude helps us shift our focus from ourselves to God, acknowledging His goodness and provision in our lives.

5. Seek community: In Hebrews 10:24-25, we’re exhorted to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Community provides a safe space to die to self, as we learn to serve, support, and encourage one another.

As we explore the concept of dying to self, it’s essential to recognize that this is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. It’s a process of continually surrendering our will to God’s, of daily taking up our cross, and of following Jesus into the unknown.

In conclusion, dying to self is not about annihilating our personalities or suppressing our emotions; it’s about surrendering our autonomy to God, so that He can live His life in and through us. As we die to self, we’ll discover a sense of liberation, freedom, and purpose that we never thought possible. It’s a paradoxical truth that can only be experienced by embracing the cross, by surrendering our lives to the One who gave His life for us.