can I get rid of this self life?" You know the parable: the strong man kept
his house until one stronger than he came in and cast him out. Then the
place was garnished and swept, but empty, and he came back with seven other
spirits worse than himself. It is only Christ Himself coming in that can
cast out self, and keep out self. This self will abide with us to the very
end. Remember the Apostle Paul; he had seen the Heavenly vision, and lest
he should exalt himself, the thorn in the flesh was sent to humble him.
There was a tendency to exalt himself, which was natural, and it would have
conquered, but Christ delivered him from it by His faithful care for His
loving servant. Jesus Christ is able, by His divine grace, to prevent the
power of self from ever asserting itself or gaining the upper hand; Jesus
Christ is willing to become the life of the soul; Jesus Christ is willing
to teach us so to follow Him, and to have heart and life set upon Him
alone, that He shall ever and always be the light of our souls. Then we
come to what the apostle Paul says; "Not I, but Christ liveth in me." The
two truths go together. First "Not I," then, "but Christ liveth in me."

Look at Peter again. Christ said to him, "Deny yourself, and follow me."
Whither had he to follow? Jesus led him, even though he failed; and where
did he lead him? He led him on to Gethsemane, and there Peter failed, for
he slept when he ought to have been awake, watching and praying; He led him
on towards Calvary, to the place where Peter denied Him. Was that Christ's
leading? Praise God, it was. The Holy Spirit had not yet come in His power;
Peter was yet a carnal man; the Spirit willing, but not able to conquer;
the flesh weak. What did Christ do? He led Peter on until he was broken
down in utter self-abasement, and humbled in the depths of sorrow. Jesus
led him on, past the grave, through the Resurrection, up to Pentecost, and
the Holy Spirit came, and in the Holy Spirit Christ with His divine life
came, and then it was, "Christ liveth in me."