Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
(Psalm 42:5-6)
I suppose we all preach to ourselves. The question is, do we preach sermons to ourselves that are good or self destructive? Are they full of depressing ideas devoid of hope in Christ? Are they creepy sermons where we stalk ourselves with angry rationalizations of getting even with someone? Are they full of slanderous shame, void of gospel truth?
A good sermon to self is one that proclaims the greatness and majesty of Jesus. It is one that encourages a humble dependance on the Spirit of Christ rather than the futility of fleshly efforts. Good sermons to self are full of gospel truth. What is gospel truth? It is truth about Jesus, who is able to do in us and for us that which we cannot possibly do for ourselves. Gospel truth says, Hope in God, not in self. It says, Jesus is the vine, apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all." (John 6:63)
What are you preaching to yourself? Biblically based sermons to self are sermons that consciously proclaim the truth of Jesus so that we humbly place our hope in Christ. This kind of thinking is more than just passive thinking, or even meditating on a verse of scripture. It is telling ourselves in no uncertain terms Biblical truth. For example, "you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11)."
This kind of sermon to self humbles us. It celebrates gospel faith in Jesus. It is powerful. Look for examples of it in the Bible. Look for words like "oh my soul," and "reckon," and "consider."
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
(Psalm 103:1-5 )
