Once again I remind us that "...as He is so are we in this world." (1 John
4:17)  Scripture also tells us, that after Jesus shows His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things and be killed (Matthew 16:21-23), He said, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'" Matthew 16:24

Let's look into God's Word to see what He has to say concerning the denying of self.
First we look to Jesus who is always our example. Philippians 4:5-8 gives us a brief view of Jesus' position that is seen throughout the Word.
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, Vs 5 Who, being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, Vs 6 But made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Vs 7 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!" Vs 8

Scripture tells us that self denial is expressed:
By denying ungodliness and worldly lusts:
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." Titus 2:11-12

By no longer living for fleshly lusts:
"Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." 1 Peter 4:1-2

By forsaking all:
"Likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:33 ( Be sure to read Vs 25-35 for Christ's teaching on
discipleship.)

By having crucified the flesh:
"And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
Galatians 5:24-25

By putting off former conduct:
"That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts." Ephesians 4:22

By putting to death the old man (old self):
Since Colossians 3:5-10 gives such a good picture of that old self that is to be denied I will include it all here.
"Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Vs 5 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, Vs 6 In which you also once walked when your lived in them. V 7 But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Vs 8 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, Vs 9 And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of him who created him." Vs 10 (Read Vs 1-3 to see the position of the Believer that the 'therefore' refers
to.)

There are many admonitions and warnings in Scripture against fleshly lusts and desires, so as Believers we need to take the truth of Romans 6 and reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

As followers of Christ Jesus we are to fully lay hold of the command to deny self! Why? For we have been bought at a great price and we are not our own!
"For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which is God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20

And in Romans 12:1-2 we have this admonition:
"I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

As Paul, so let us in truth proclaim:
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me."
Galatians 2:20

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

With grateful hearts we say, Thank You! Amen