To Thine Own Self Be True

INTRODUCTION:

A. “This above all: to thine own self be true” (W. Shakespeare).

B. Selfishness: the recipe for disaster

C. Seeking spiritual benefit from God is being true to yourself (Acts 2:40; Ph. 2:12).
1. We must give first attention to our own spiritual needs (Mt. 7:5; Lk. 6:39).
2. What is involved in being true to your own self?

I. WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE SIN.

A. Acknowledging sin is essential (Jn. 8:34, 31-32).

B. Refusal to acknowledge sin is self-deception (1 Jn. 1:8; Rm. 3:23).

C. Sin’s consequences show our need to acknowledge sin (Rm. 6:23; Is. 59:1-2; Lk. 15:17; Acts 10:2; 11:14).

II. WE MUST PRACTICE SELF-DENIAL.

A. You must not allow self to rule in your heart (Jer. 10:23).

B. Is self-denial necessary? (Mt. 10:39; 16:25; Mk. 8:35; Lk. 9:23-24; 17:33; Jn. 12:25).

C. How do we practice self-denial? (Rm. 6:3, 6-7; Col. 3:9).

III. WE MUST EXALT JESUS AS LORD.

A. You must accept the guidance of someone (Jn. 14:6; 8:44).

B. Jesus’ humility resulted in His exaltation (Ph. 2:5-11; Lk. 6:46).

C. There are three steps to being true to yourself.

CONCLUSION:

A. The Jews on the Day of Pentecost were being true to themselves.

B. Being true to ourselves involves obedience to the gospel (Mk. 16:16; Jn. 14:15; Hb. 5:8-9).