Our Daily Reminders

Probably the most important thing I mentioned in Sunday's sermon was the concept of preaching the gospel to yourself everyday. To some of you that may be a new idea or concept. Many preachers and theologians have talked about this before. In fact, Jerry Bridges, in his book, The Discipline of Grace, had a chapter on this subject. So, why is this so important? What does "preaching the gospel to yourself" really mean?

I believe we need daily reminders of four key aspects of the gospel:

1 - Daily recognition of our sin.
We need to remind ourselves that God demands a perfect righteousness and that we cannot acheive it.

2 - Remember the cross.
The cross reminds us of the severity of our condition. It should also remind us of our value in the eyes of our Savior, who was willing to suffer because of the love He has for us.

3 - Grace!
Our salvation is a gift...we do nothing to earn it. We can do nothing to make God love us more than He does now. Grace is really hard to accept...but think of the freedom it unleashes in our lives? We must preach grace to ourselves every day.

4 - We have been adopted.
I think this truth is often overlooked. Many like to point to justification. Of course, we should love the doctrine of justification, but it is a judicial concept. Adoption is about love and acceptance and security and family. I like that more! Adoption also guides our behavior. We are children of God. We are siblings of the KING! We are royalty. With that reality, we are compelled to live as it becomes royalty. Our behavior is not guided by reward or fear. We are secure in our position and what else could we really earn as royalty? Our behavior is guided by love and loyalty.

So, as you wake up tomorrow morning, think about your sin. Confess it. Recognize it...but don't dwell on it. Move on to the cross and grace and adoption. In fact, don't just think about it...preach it! Preach it to yourself so that you may live it for others.