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None of Self, All of Thee

An old preacher once said he could always tell when a Christian was growing because a growing Christian would always talk more about Christ and less of himself. When a Christian matures, he sees himself getting smaller and smaller until, like the morning star, he gives way to the rising sun. – John MacArthur

Though many in John the baptist’s day thought that Jesus and John were in competition (John 4:1-3), John clearly stated his role compared to that of Jesus when he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

One of the first requirements in following Jesus is the denial of self (Matt. 16:24) Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Baptism is a death, burial, and resurrection. (Romans 6:3-7) Who dies? The old self. What rises? A new creature. (2 Cor. 5:17) A new creature that is transformed into the image of Christ! (2 Cor. 3:18)
Transformation begins at baptism and continues through one’s life. We continue to be renewed in the image of Christ as we study and become more knowledgeable of Christ and his will for us. (Col. 3:10; Rom. 12:1,2)

Steve Fuchs
April 3, 2005