What does the Bible say about self-denial in following Christ?

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus states, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.' This call to self-denial emphasizes the need for total surrender to Christ's will and purposes. It highlights that true discipleship requires us to set aside our personal desires and ambitions in favor of His. The process of denying oneself involves a conscious choice to prioritize Christ above all else and involves a continual struggle against the inclinations of our flesh. As Matthew Henry puts it, 'the first lesson in Christ's school is self-denial,' indicating its foundational role in the Christian life.