Christ set an example of Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8
A test of devotedness to Christ Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24
NECESSARY
In following Christ Lu 14:27-33
In the warfare of saints 2Ti 2:4
To the triumph of saints 1Co 9:25-27
Ministers especially called to exercise 2Co 6:4,5
SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN
Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12
Controlling the appetite Pr 23:2
Abstaining from fleshly lusts 1Pe 2:11
No longer living to lusts of men 1Pe 4:2
Mortifying sinful lusts Mr 9:43; Col 3:5
Mortifying deeds of the body Ro 8:13
Not pleasing ourselves Ro 15:1-3
Not seeking out own profit 1Co 10:24,33; 13:5; Php 2:4
Preferring the profit of others Ro 14:20,21; 1Co 10:24,33
Assisting others Lu 3:11
Even lawful things 1Co 10:23
Forsaking all Lu 14:33
Taking up the cross and following Christ Mt 10:38; 16:24
Crucifying the flesh Ga 5:24
Being crucified with Christ Ro 6:6
Being crucified to the world Ga 6:14
Putting off the old man which is corrupt Eph 4:22; Col 3:9
Preferring Christ to all earthly relations Mt 8:21,22; Lu 14:26
Becomes strangers and pilgrims Heb 11:13-15; 1Pe 2:11
Danger of neglecting Mt 16:25,26; 1Co 9:27
Reward of Mt 19:28,29; Ro 8:13
Happy result 2Pe 1:4
Exemplified
Abraham Ge 13:9; Heb 11:8,9
Widow of Zarephath 1Ki 17:12-15
Esther Es 4:16
Rechabites Jer 35:6,7
Daniel Da 1:8-16
Apostles Mt 19:27
Simon, Andrew, James, and John Mr 1:16-20
Poor Widow Lu 21:4
Barnabas Ac 4:36,37
Paul Ac 20:24; 1Co 9:19,27
Moses Heb 11:24,25