Self Preservation vs Self Sacrifice in Christian Faith
Christian faith presents a tension between self-preservation and self-sacrifice, often emphasizing the latter as a core aspect of discipleship. Jesus himself articulated this principle, stating, "Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it" [1]. A similar sentiment is found in Mark's Gospel: "For whoever will save his life, shall lose it; but whoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it" [3]. This teaching underscores that true life is found not in clinging to one's own interests but in surrendering them for a greater purpose.
Self-denial is presented as a necessary component of following Christ [2]. Jesus set an example of self-denial, as seen in passages like Matthew 4:8-10 and Philippians 2:6-8 [2]. This involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, controlling appetites, abstaining from fleshly desires, and mortifying sinful lusts [2]. The apostle Paul also highlighted the importance of self-denial for ministers and saints in their spiritual warfare and pursuit of triumph [2].
Conversely, selfishness is depicted as contrary to God's law, which commands love for one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39) [4]. The example of Christ condemns selfishness, as he did not please himself but sought the will of God and the good of others (John 4:34, Romans 15:3) [4]. Selfishness manifests in various ways, such as being lovers of oneself, seeking one's own interests, pursuing gain, desiring undue precedence, and neglecting the poor [4]. Such self-centeredness is inconsistent with Christian love, which "does not seek its own" (1 Corinthians 13:5) [4]. Even engaging in lawsuits among believers is seen as reflecting self-interest rather than concern for others or God's glory, calling Christians to follow Christ's example of self-sacrifice [7].
The concept of "work of faith" in Presbyterian thought, as described by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, implies a "realizing, working faith" that is not merely an "otiose assent" but actively demonstrates itself through continuous "work" [5]. This active faith, rooted in hope in Christ, is a foundational aspect of Christian life [6].
Sources
- Luke “Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it. -- Luke 17:33”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — 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 ”
- Mark “Mark 8:35 (Webster) — For whoever will save his life, shall lose it; but whoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Selfishness — Contrary to the law of God -- Le 19:18; Mt 22:39; Jas 2:8. The example of Christ condemns -- Joh 4:34; Ro 15:3; 2Co 8:9. God hates -- Mal 1:10. Exhibited in Being lovers of ourselves. -- 2Ti 3:2. Pleasing ourselves. -- Ro 15:1. Seeking our own. -- 1Co 10:33; Php 2:21. Seeking after gain. -- Isa 56:11. Seeking undue precedence. -- Mt 20:21. Living to ourselves. -- 2Co 5:15. Neglect of the poor. -- 1Jo 3:17. Serving God for reward. -- Mal 1:10. Performing duty for reward. -- Mic 3:11. Inconsistent with Christian love -- 1Co 13:5. Inconsistent with communi”
- 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 1:3: work of faith--the working reality of your faith; its alacrity in receiving the truth, and in evincing itself by its fruits. Not an otiose assent; but a realizing, working faith; not "in word only," but in one continuous chain of "work" (singular, not plural, works), Th1 1:5-10; Jam 2:22. So "the work of faith" in Th2 1:11 implies its perfect development (compare Jam 1:4). The other governing substantives similarly mark respectively the characteristic manifestation of the grace which follows each in the genitive. Faith, love, and hope, are the ”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 1:12: (Eph 1:6, Eph 1:14). who first trusted in Christ--rather (we Jewish Christians), "who have before hoped in the Christ": who before the Christ came, looked forward to His coming, waiting for the consolation of Israel. Compare Act 26:6-7, "I am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: unto which our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come." Act 28:20, "the hope of Israel" [ALFORD]. Compare Eph 1:18; Eph 2:12; Eph 4:4.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:7: 6:7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you: To sue a fellow believer reflects self-interest rather than concern for the welfare of others or the glory of God. • Why not just accept the injustice? Christians are called to follow the example of Christ’s self-sacrifice (see Matt 5:38-42).”