Deny Yourself

Examples of Christian Self-Sacrifice

The story of the Church is woven in the following character studies of different Christians down through the centuries. The purpose for this is simple. As you read these stories, you will be deeply affected by the level of devotion of others who have served God. Their relationship with the Lord was all they had, and it showed by their lives. As you go through these stories, please ask God to show you what Christianity is really all about. What does our Lord speak to you, personally, when He says,

“If any man will come after Me, 

let him deny himself, and take up his cross, 

and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life 

shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life 

for My sake shall find it.”

1 - The Early Christians


It began with Stephen, stoned to death after a forceful sermon. Next, James the brother of John was beheaded. Then every other disciple except John was martyred. Since that time, millions upon millions have been put to death for claiming the name of Christ. For us who live in a time of peace and prosperity, it is often hard to imagine having to pay such a price for our Christianity. What is so startling isn’t so much that Christians have been persecuted and martyred for their faith, but that so many have done so in such a joyful manner. 

The following are but two of many stories of those who, faced with a choice of life without Christ or horrible death, joyfully chose the latter. The Apostle Andrew, according to the early writer Jerome, went about preaching Christ all across the Roman empire. While in Achaia, he was called in by Aegeas, the governor of the region, to answer for his actions before a council of officials. He was accused by the council of attempting to persuade men to join the outlawed “sect” called Christians. Andrew readily admitted to this and went on to say that the deities the Romans worshipped were nothing more than devils.

The proconsul, infuriated by Andrew’s comments, warned him that if he continued to preach such things he would soon be fastened to a cross with all speed. According to Jerome, Andrew replied, “I would not have preached the honor and glory of the cross, if I feared the death of the cross.” Aegeas immediately sentenced him to be crucified.

Andrew, going to the place of crucifixion, didn’t shrink back nor show any fear. But out of his heart came the following exultation: “O cross, most welcome and long looked for! With a willing mind, joyfully and desirously, I come to thee, being the scholar of Him which 3 did hang on thee: because I have always been thy lover, and have coveted to embrace thee.”

It was in the second century that the beloved Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, lived. A hot persecution broke out at that time against the church in Smyrna, bringing to death many brave Christians. But it was Polycarp who the persecutors desired most. They searched and searched for him and finally found him late one evening. He could have escaped but refused, simply saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” Hearing that the soldiers had come for him, he came out with a cheerful countenance and immediately ordered food to be brought for all of the men. They were amazed by the old man’s calm composure and agreed with his request to allow him to spend an hour in prayer
before departing.

He was then taken to see the proconsul of the region. At first the proconsul attempted to persuade Polycarp to denounce Christ by appealing to his age. When this proved futile, he attempted to threaten him into compliance. Polycarp answered him, “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He has never done me any harm. How could I blaspheme my King and Savior?”
The proconsul threatened to let him be ripped asunder by wild beasts. Polycarp calmly replied, “Let them come.” The proconsul then threatened to have him burned to death, whereupon Polycarp replied, “You threaten me with a fire that burns but for an hour and goes out after a short time, for you do not know the fire of the coming judgment and of the eternal punishment for the godless. Why do you wait? Bring on whatever you will.”

It is said that while he spoke to the proconsul his face shone with an inward light, as he showed not the least bit disconcerted with the man’s threats. He was then taken out to a stake while wood was piled around him. When the executioner attempted to nail him to the stake, he simply said, “Let me be. He who gives me the strength to endure the fire will also give me the strength to remain at the stake unflinching, without the security of your nails.”

The story of Polycarp’s calmness in the face of death spread quickly across the Church. His courage proved to be a source of courage for many others as well.


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