To be honest, Good Friday isn’t my favourite day of the year. It’s not sunny and bright like Easter Sunday. Rather, Good Friday is when we remember our Saviour, bloody and bruised on a Roman cross. It’s a day when we remember that our sins put Him there. However, Good Friday holds an incredible truth within its shadowy cloak.
Read on to discover a life-changing spiritual truth from Good Friday.
To live, we must first die.
Jesus told His disciples, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24) The Prince of life knew exactly what He was walking into when He set His face toward Jerusalem. As all-knowing God, He knew the pain and suffering that lay ahead. Yet He could also see into the future. Jesus could see the bright faces of precious souls who would be born again. He died so that they could have eternal life.
If you’ve believed on Jesus as your Saviour, then you understand how vitally important His death was. But how does it affect you and me today?
Because we have been redeemed with Christ’s blood, we belong to Him. And, like Him, we need to be willing to “die” to certain things. Here are 3 practical ways He wants us to “die” today.
1. Dying to the World’s Call
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
Galatians 6:14
First, what does “the world” mean? I’m not talking about the Earth that God created, or everyone that inhabits it. Rather, I’m referring to the anti-God global system that is run by the devil and influences much of human affairs. The world promotes some of the following lies…
- I can sin and get away with it.
- Having fun is the chief goal of life.
- The earth evolved millions of years ago and did not have a Creator.
- Unborn babies are not “people” until birth.
- There is no absolute truth.
If we are not careful, we may be deceived by its lies. Or, we may be tempted to pursue its idols—pleasure, popularity, money, etc.
Jesus calls us to something greater. He wants us to set our affection on things above (Colossians 3:2). As J. R. Baxter wrote, “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passin’ through.”
To live for Christ, we need to die to the world.
2. Dying to Sin
“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:11
If you’ve been struggling to defeat sin in your life (and you’re already saved), you need to study Romans 6-8. These chapters contain the key to victory. Here’s an overview of what Paul shared in them.
Realize the difference between temptation and sin. Let’s use a simple example, courtesy of my brother. If you see a tasty cookie on the counter that you’re not supposed to eat before dinner, it’s not a sin to want the cookie. It’s a sin to eat the cookie. (However, don’t hang out and drool on the cookie!)
Understand that, spiritually speaking, you are already dead to sin. Because of Jesus’ death, sin no longer has any power over you. Although you can feel the pull of temptation, you don’t have to give in. With the Holy Spirit’s help, you can say no!
Decide to obey God beforehand. If you wait until the moment of temptation to ask, “What do I want to do?”, you have a much greater chance of sinning. However, if you’ve already decided to obey God, you just need to follow through with that decision.
Depend on God’s power. How can you do this? Realize you can’t do it alone. Memorize specific verses dealing with the sins you struggle with. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help, and quote those verses when you are tempted. Look for a way to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Flee youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22). He will help you!
To live for Christ, we need to die to sin.
3. Dying to My Way
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
To be honest, I struggle with this one the most. It’s not as hard for me to recognize and refuse the world’s temptations. And God’s helped me get victory over some sins.
But my selfishness is still alive and kicking. And I still struggle with pride and self-will. Instead of seeing others’ needs, I only have eyes for my to-do list. Instead of asking God what He wants me to do, I just go ahead and decide. Although I don’t come right out and say it, I act like I know best (and He doesn’t).
This is not what Jesus died for. He didn’t die for me to be respectable and selfish. Instead, He calls me to forget myself and my insignificant plans and wishes. He calls me to lay down my life in the grand sweeping panorama of His will.
Author Susan Hunt said it well, “History is the story of redemption…It is far more significant to have a small part in this story than to star in my own puny production.” And Good Friday is the climax of this story.
To live for Christ, we need to die to self.
Let’s Chat:
Which of these do you need God’s help with the most? I hope these posts will be helpful as you seek to grow in your faith. Let me know in the comments if you want to see more content like this!
And how are you celebrating Easter this year? My family and I are attending a multi-church Good Friday service. Think amazing food, great preaching, and 250+ people in their Easter best! It’s always a sweet time of catching up with friends + gorging ourselves on Baptist ladies’ cooking. #can’twait
Happy Easter, y’all!
