The first principle is that no man can suffer for Christ until he is able to deny himself (Matthew 16:24). Self-denial naturally comes before sufferings. Beloved, in a time of suffering, the interests of Christ and of self meet like two men on a narrow bridge; one must of necessity go back or the other cannot pass on. If you cannot now deny self, you must deny Christ. The yoke and dominion of self must be cast off or else Christ's yoke and burden cannot be taken on.