Denial or Death

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13

A few weeks ago,  I shared with you a Victory Call (Jan 1, 2009) quoting Miles Stanford (The Complete Green Letters) "Denying oneself certain things for a time, or even for all time, is not even close to the answer since the old nature will adjust and thrive under any conditions - anything short of death." 

He was making the point that there are many man-made ways of denying self that miserably fail, and only one way that works, God's way.  He lists several methods people try: Mortification (denying the flesh), Conquest (More study, more prayer, more meetings, more...); Training (Good godly training); Revivalism (spiritual punch in the arm); Growth ("expecting in time self will change for the better as they grow"); Cleansing ("Up-to-the-moment confession and consequent cleansing"); and Experiences. (Pgs.65-67). These can be good, but Stanford's point is that none of them will succeed because they are all born of the flesh.  The only way for our old nature, our flesh, to be reckoned with is through the Cross.  

This can be rather confusing.  Is what Stanford saying contradict verses like:

Matthew 16:24 "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.'"

Colossians 3:5 "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

Philippians 2:12 "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 "Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

I believe the answer is found is Romans 8:13. "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."  

First, it is not denial but death.  "Put to death the deeds of the body." This is only possible because of the Cross.  "...co-crucifixion, crucified together with Christ (Gal.2:20). It is not by putting yourself to death, but by taking, through faith and surrender, your place of union with Christ in His death" (pg. 45). Second, and this is key, this is accomplished BY THE SPIRIT.  It is not a sheer act of the will nor by trying harder, but rather by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ living His life through you by the power of His Spirit.

Not denial, but death. Not willpower, but yielding to the Spirit's power.  

Diane