So this is something I've been giving a lot of thought lately. It's prompted interesting discussion so far and a blog post, but I am very curious to hear what y'all's thoughts on the matter are.
Perhaps a brief definition is in order first.
Author Joe Thorn in his book Note To Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself defined it this way:
Quote:
“Preaching to ourselves is the personal act of applying the law and the gospel to our own lives with the aim of experiencing the transforming grace of God leading to ongoing faith, repentance, and greater godliness.”
This in a sense means we are to remind ourselves of four key truths. I borrow these categories from D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
1. Who God Is
2. What God Is
3. What God Has Done
4. What God Has Pledged To Do
It is very important that we remind ourselves of these truths, so rich and full that I'm not going to flood this post with them at the moment, instead I would like to hear your thoughts on that matter. What do you think fit into these categories? What should we be preaching to ourselves?
Preaching to yourself is an important discipline. It is a valuable, and faith-sustaining one. Thorn also said this in his book:
Quote:
“It is critically important to sit under the preaching of the Word in your local church. Additionally, we can listen to podcasts and read books as God continues to work through his Word to impact our lives. But even in the midst of all of this listening, it is not enough to hear; we must take the Word preached and continue to preach it to ourselves. “
Preaching to yourself is essential, there is not a single circumstance in life that does not require we call to our own attention the truths of God as shown to us in His Word and declare them to ourselves. We are such weak and fragile creatures, but we serve a God so great and magnificent that we must make it a point to constantly remind ourselves of Who He is, that we are His children, and what He has done for us.
So, what do you think we should preach to ourselves? And what are some ways that you can do this? I'm curious.
