We Must Carry The Wood Daily

Then Jesus said to them all, "If anyone wants to follow Me, he must give up himself and his own desires. He must take up his cross everyday and follow Me.”   Luke 9:23 (NLV)

Carrying the wood for sacrifice:
Read: John 19:16 ,17  Jesus;   Genesis 22:6-14  Isaac

Hebrews 11:17-19; Romans 4:1-3 Abraham’s faith honored by God

I.  For God, the purchase was dearer than the cost
            Isaiah 53:10  it pleased God to sacrifice His only son
            John 18:11   Jesus called it His “cup” to bear
            Romans 8:3  God sent His own son as an offering for our sin

II. Genesis 22:6-8  Isaac carried his own wood for the sacrifice
            As so Isaac, Jesus could have resisted- but didn’t because:
            Luke 22:39-44  ...not my will, but thine be done...
            John 18:4-6  ...whom do you seek?...
            Philippians 2:7,8  ...obedient unto death...

III.  Luke 9:22-24  Isaac and Jesus both honored their father
            John 4:34   ...my desire is to do the will of my Father...
            Matthew 20:28   ...came to serve, not be served...
            I Timothy 2:5,6  ...gave himself a ransom for all...

IV.  What does it mean for us to deny ourselves ?
            Job 13:15 ,16  ...yet, will I trust Him...

1. turn completely from seeking self gratification,

2. seeking self-fulfillment,

3. self control,

4. self comfort,

5. self pride

Our aim in life should be to completely seek the will of God the Father, - AND  do it ! Whatever He asks, whatever the cost, - trusting He knows the whole picture and will work our good in it.

            Romans 8:28   ...all things work for our good...
            II Corinthians 5:1  ...give up to gain...

Put your earthly ambitions on the cross daily.  He IS  with you-
He honors your faith in Him !  The reward of obedience always exceeds the sacrifice.

We must carry the wood !