A well regulated life

The apostle Paul gives a brief summary of a well regulated life when he says to Titus: “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Paul declares that the grace of God is necessary to stimulate us, but that for true worship two main obstacles must be removed: first, ungodliness to which we are by nature strongly inclined, and then, worldly lusts which try to overwhelm us.
Ungodliness does not only mean superstitions, but everything that hinders the sincere fear of God. And worldly lusts mean carnal affections.
Paul urges us to foresake our former desires which are in conflict with the two tables of the law, and to renounce all the dictates of our own reason and will. [John Calvin]

A world of vices hidden in the souls of men

There is no end and no limit to the obstacles of  the man who wants to pursue what is right and at the same time shrinks back from self-denial.
It is an ancient and true observation that there is a world of vices hidden in the soul of a man, but Christian self-denial is the remedy of them all.
There is deliverance in store only for the man who gives up his selfishness, and whose sole aim is to please the Lord and to do what is right in HIS sight. [John Calvin]

Repentant harlots and publicans, nearer to the kingdom of heaven than pride, presumption or arrogance

All who have not been influenced by the principle of self-denial, have followed virtue merely from the love of praise.
Even those of the philosphers who have contended that virtue is desirable for its own sake, have been puffed up with so much arrogance, that it is evident they desire virtue for no other reason, than to give them a chance to exercise pride.
God is so far from being pleased either with those who are ambitous of popular praise, or with hearts full of pride and presumption, that he plainly tells “they have their reward” in this world and that (repentant) harlots and publicans are nearer to the kingdom of God than such persons. [John Calvin]

Self-denial instead of self-love

A Christian will measure all his deeds by God’s Law, and his secret thoughts he will subject to God’s will.
If a man has learned to regard God in every enterprise, he will be delivered from all vain desires.
The denial of ourselves which Christ has so diligently commanded his disciples from the beginning will at last dominate all the desires of our heart.
The denial of ourselves will leave no room for pride, haughtiness or vainglory, nor for avarice, licentiousness, love of luxury, wantonness, any sin born from self-love.
Without the principle of self-denial man is either led to indulgence in the grossest vices without the least shame; or if there is any appearance of virtue in him, it is spoiled by an evil passion for glory.
Show me a single man who does not believe in the Lord’s law of self- denial, and who yet willingly practices virtue among men. [John Calvin]

The Glory of God before self

Let us therefore not seek our own but that which pleases the Lord, and is helpful to the promotion of his glory.
There is a great advantage in almsot forgetting ourselves and in surely neglecting all selfish aspects; for then only can we try faithfully to devote our attention to God and his commandments.
For when Scripture tells us to discard all personal selfish considerations, it does not only exclude from our minds the desire for wealth, the lust of power, and the favour of men, but it also banishes false ambitions and hunger for human glory with other more secret evils.
Indeed, a Christian ought to be disposed and prepared to keep in mind that he has to reckon with God every moment of his life [John Calvin]

Living for Christ

The service of the Lord does not only include implicit obedience, but also a willingness to put aside our sinful desires, and to surrender completely to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The transformation of our lives by the Holy Spirit, which Paul calls a renewal of the mind, is the real beginning of life, but foreign to pagan philosophers.
Pagan philosophers set up reason as the sole guide of life, of wisdom and conduct; but Christian philosophy demands of us that we surrender our reason to the Holy Spirit; and this means that we no longer live for ourselves, but that Christ lives and reigns within us. ( Rom 12;1; Eph 4:3; Gal 2:20) [John Calvin]

Taking leave of ourselves

Oh, how greatly has man advanced who has learned not to be his own, not to be governed by his own reason, but to surrender his mind to God!
The most effective poison to lead men to ruin is to boast in themselves, in their own wisdom and willpower; the only escape to safety is simply to follow the guidance of the Lord.
Our first step should be to take leave of ourselves and to apply all our powers to the service of the Lord. [John Calvin]

We are not our own; We are GOD’s own.

If we are not our own but the Lord’s, it is plain what error we must flee, and to what purpose all our deeds must be directed.

We are not our own, therefore, neither our reason nor our will should guide us in our thoughts and actions.

We are not our own, therefore, we should not seek what is expedient to the flesh.

We are not our own, therefore, let us forget ourselves and our own interests as far as possible.

But we are God’s own; to him therefore, let us live and die.

We are God’s own; therefore let his wisdom and will dominate all our actions.

We are God’s own; therefore let every part of our existence be directed towards him as our only legitimate goal. [John Calvin]