Advice on How to “Preach the Gospel” to Yourself

No one is more influential in your life than you are. Because no one talks to you more than you do. God in His grace has given you His Word, so that you may preach to yourself what is true.” ~ Paul Tripp

“If you are not firmly rooted in the gospel and have not learned to preach it to yourself every day, you will soon become discouraged and will slack off in your pursuit of holiness” ~ Jerry Bridges

Although the phrase became popular more recently, the idea of “preaching the gospel to yourself” isn’t something new or novel. This practice is found throughout the pages of Scripture. In the Psalms, we see David “preaching” to himself the truth about God’s saving character when he felt depressed and abandoned (Psalm 42:5). We see Peter, Paul, and John regularly preaching gospel truths to their readers before exhorting them to holy living (ex. I Peter 1:3-21; 2 Peter 1:3-11; Col. 3:1-17; Eph. 4:17-32; I John. 4:9-11; etc.). Clearly, who we are and how we live was meant to be shaped by who God is and what He has done, is doing, and will do to save us through Christ. 

Preaching the gospel to ourselves is a discipline that we should consistently practice in order to mature in Christlikeness. But what does that actually look like? Practically, how do we “preach the gospel” to ourselves? Recently, a young woman in our church asked me those very questions—ones you may be wondering about as well. If so, I hope the advice I gave her will be helpful to you too.

Knowing the Gospel

In order to preach the gospel to yourself, you first need to know what the gospel is and what the gospel reveals. 

What the Gospel Is

In short, the gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again to graciously give salvation to all who repent and believe in Him. Obviously, there’s a lot that we could unpack in this brief definition. You can read a more detailed treatment of the gospel by clicking here or here.

The Gospel Reveals God’s Saving Work

The gospel reveals the good news of what God has done, is doing, and will do to save us through Christ. This includes not only what He has done for our justification, but also the good news of what He will do in our ongoing sanctification (Phil. 1:6) and future glorification (you can read more about the sanctifying promises and provisions of the gospel here). Because of Christ, we have everything that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4).

The gospel not only reveals God’s saving work; it also reveals His saving character.

The Gospel Reveals God’s Saving Character

Nowhere is the glory of God more clearly seen than in the gospel. In fact, Paul refers to the gospel as the good news “of [about] the glory of the blessed God” (I Tim. 1:11). The gospel helps us more fully understand the glory of God’s attributes. For example, we would never really understand the greatness of God’s love if Christ did not die for my sins (Ro. 5:6-8; Eph. 3:14-21). We would not really understand God’s mercy, grace, justice, faithfulness, wrath, righteousness, etc. were it not for the cross of Christ.  

Preaching the gospel to yourself, therefore, is not merely recalling what Jesus did to save you; it’s rejoicing in God’s saving character revealed through Jesus as well. Let me give an example of what that looks like:

Applying the Gospel

“In Christ, I see that God is ________”

I have found it incredibly helpful to start each day meditating on gospel truths and then expressing them in praise, adoration, and commitment before God. For example, this morning I took time to meditate on how the gospel reveals the Lord’s faithfulness. In response, I prayed, “Lord, in Christ I see that you are faithful to keep your promises. I praise you that you are a God of steadfast love and faithfulness.”

“Therefore I Will _________”

Preaching the gospel to yourself must not stop with a mere prayer of thanksgiving. It must move from praise to practical application as well.

Here’s an example of what this might look like: 

“Lord, I praise you that You are faithful. Thank you for showing us just how faithful You are by sending Jesus to fulfill your saving promises. Because you are faithful, I don’t have to lean on my own understanding or follow my own impressions. I can trust You. Lord, in faith I will hope in You as I bring my burdens and requests before You. By your grace, I will entrust my circumstances, desires, and struggles to You. Lord, give me grace to rest in your faithfulness today.” For this example, I kept things brief and general to show how preaching the gospel to yourself works in prayer. However, I’d encourage you to be specific with your burdens and requests.

The pattern I’ve just explained isn’t something unique. This “God is… Therefore I will…” formula is found throughout the Psalms. For example, in Psalm 27, we read, “The Lord is my light and my salvation. [Therefore] Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. [Therefore] Of whom shall I be afraid?” Meditating on God’s saving character and work should lead us to resolute, humble, faith-filled action.

Conclusion

Preaching the gospel to yourself is not just another Christian cliche or passing phase. It can (and must!) be a vibrant part of our daily walk with Christ. May the Lord use this article to help you consistently renew your mind and heart with the glories of the gospel.