Christian, Preach the Gospel to Yourself

Christian, Preach the Gospel to Yourself

     A summary of the gospel is found in Romans 3:19-26. Paul wrote,

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it---the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

    The gospel declares that no one is righteous before God by observing the law (vs. 19-21). But, there is a righteousness from God that is apart from the law (vs. 21). This righteousness is only received through faith in Christ (vs. 22). This righteousness is available to everyone who believes, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (vs. 22-23). All who trust in Christ, who believe, are justified freely (declared righteous) by the grace of God (vs. 24). This justification is only through faith in the redemptive person and work of Christ Jesus (vs. 24). How can this be? Because God presented Jesus as a propitiatory sacrifice (Christ died in the place of sinners in order for him to bear the wrath and punishment due our sin) (vs. 25).

     So, what is it to preach the gospel to yourself. It must first be noted that, believers need the gospel. The gospel is not only for the lost. Oh no, Christians of all people still need to hear the good news. Notice in the New Testament, each author rehearses the gospel to his audience. And as you might know, the writers of the New Testament wrote to believers and churches. Believers need the gospel!

    Preaching the gospel to yourself should be done daily. Why? Because we are sinners. As sinners, we sin and need forgiveness. When we reflect on the gospel, we ought to be convicted, which results in repentance. We need to hear the gospel daily to reveal our sin and drive us to repentance. To do this, focus on the death, burial, resurrection, ascension, intercession, and mediation of Christ- in a word, focus on the person and work of Christ our Savior (1 Cor. 15:1-3).

     To preach the gospel to yourself means that you own your sin, repent, flee to Christ, and trust in his sacrifice and righteousness. Not your own. Do not depend on your abilities or works. It also means that you think on the Trinity and their amazing work of salvation. This entail concentrating on the Father who initiated salvation and sent his Son. It means thinking on the Son who took on flesh and died as a substitute for sinners. And it means thinking on the Spirit who applies the work of the Son to those who repent and believe on Christ. 

    Preaching the gospel to yourself is deliberately and intentionally thinking on the great truths of God's salvation and our continual need of God's grace and forgiveness. Preaching the gospel to yourself will produce thankfulness and praise. When you dwell on God's grace and mercy, his forgiveness, the gift of Christ and the Spirit, and God's amazing salvation, how could that not overflow in worship? When a believer focuses on the gospel praise ought to bubble up inside and flow forth. Preaching the gospel to yourself will also bring to remembrance certain truths that will aid us in our daily walk. We will remember that we are set free (Jn. 8:36; Rom. 8:1), redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13), forgiven (Col. 2:13), and holy and blameless in the presence of God (Col. 1:22).

     If people preached the gospel to themselves, it would make it more likely that they would be motivated to live according to the gospel. They may depend more on the Spirit's guiding and convicting work. They might also share the gospel more with others. People who reflect on the gospel will be more likely to seek to glorify God in all things throughout the day. When a person focuses on the grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion of God, they too may live their lives demonstrating these attributes more often. 

    The gospel is for believers. We need it. Daily. We must always live repentantly before the Lord. We must meditate on the works of God and thank him. We must be dying to sin and that is made possible by the gospel and the Spirit's work. We must be conforming to the image of Christ. This is done by reflecting on the gospel of Christ and submitting to the Spirit's work. The gospel is glorious. I hope that you, reader, will never stop wondering and standing in awe of the glories of God's great gospel.