What does it mean to preach the gospel to yourself? You may have heard someone say that before. Preach the gospel to myself? Why? I’m already a Christian! Isn’t the gospel only for evangelism?

The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and perfectly obeyed the Father so that by faith in the work of Jesus we might have a righteous standing before God.

As those who have been justified (declared righteous) in Christ, we are delivered from the guilt and penalty of sin, and now, by the work of the Holy Spirit are being sanctified.

When we preach the gospel to ourselves, we are renewing our minds and being transformed (Romans 12:2). We are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to Jesus Christ and slaves to righteousness.

We are united in Christ and raised to life! We have a new master in Jesus Christ. Sin no longer has dominion or reign over us (Romans 6:4)! We are not slaves to sin anymore (Romans 6:6). 

Preaching the gospel to ourselves should bring to mind what Christ has done for us. We were guilty in our sin and by God’s grace He saved us from the penalty of sin and gave us a righteous standing before God.

A helpful reminder is guilt/grace/gratitude. I was guilty and by God’s grace I’ve been forgiven and out of gratitude I desire to obey God. The gospel motivates us to love and obey God.

We are declared righteous because of our union with Christ. And because we are united to Christ, we are renewed inwardly to live lives that honor and obey God.

In our pursuit of holiness, remember the importance of preaching the gospel to ourselves daily. Remember who we were, what Christ has done, and now who we are because of Him.

We have a righteous standing in Christ, so now live in light of it! All for His glory and our sanctification. The gospel is of most importance to be remembered every day.

Are you ready to preach to yourself?