Many times, to many of us, the Gospel is synonymous with evangelism. We'd say, "Preach the Gospel so people can be saved!" but in reality, that's a very shortsighted view of the Gospel. It's not only has the power to save, but it's also the same power that changes us on a daily basis - sanctifies us, conforms us to the image of Christ. I've heard John Piper say once before (loosely quoted): You don't get saved by the Gospel, and then go about becoming holy under your own power, or by some special plan. You don't get saved, and then move on to the real meat. We are to be dependent on it from conversion to death. He references Paul's correction of the Galatians in Gal 3:3-5:
Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
(Updated:
And so what we should be saying is, "Please, preach the Gospel, because my soul and spirit need it always!" It is the reminder of God's glory and His work in us.)
Below is an excerpt from a post by Tim Challies on his blog where he discusses the same thing with better words. You can read his entire post, titled "The Heart's Position", here.
I have written often of those authors and pastors who encourage Christians to preach the gospel to themselves every day. I see some of the value of doing this, though my practice of it is too sporadic. What such teachers want us to see is that the gospel is not merely the gateway to the Christian life, but the fuel of the Christian life. What they want us to understand is that the gospel is not simply defensive, the thing we turn to when we have sinned and are eager for some assurance of pardon. Rather, the gospel puts us on the offensive against sin and toward holiness. We ought to continually bring the gospel into our hearts and minds as a means of spurring ourselves to greater love for God which in turn generates a greater desire for obedience to him.
And here he explains how he "preaches the Gospel to himself":
...As I turn to the Bible to read the predictions and prophecies of the coming Messiah, as I consider the narratives of Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection, as I ponder the epistles where all of these things are explained and illuminated, as I consider the day of Christ’s return, my love for God and my trust in him must necessarily increase and thrive. As my love swells, so will my desire to do those things that honor him and bring him glory.
...And what has he promised to do? He has promised to make me holy. He has promised to sanctify me, to help me put sin to death and to replace it with joyful obedience. He has promised that the Holy Spirit is operating within my life to bring me into closer conformity with Jesus Christ. He has promised that the very same power that has saved me is now sanctifying me. Now I have hope and confidence that this really is happening and that this really can happen. I really can put sin to death, I really can grow in holiness, I really can grow in Christ-like character and look more and more like the One who saved me.
I simply cannot trust that all of this is happening and that all of this will continue to happen if I have no ability to trust in what has already been accomplished. However, when I trust God for what he has done, now my heart is properly positioned to trust God for all that he has promised to do. And, therefore, the gospel must be my joy and meditation every day.
Here's something I wrote recently. I have written poetry in the past, though I wouldn't call myself a poet. I enjoy writing it, but usually don't share them. So I hope you feel special.
The Dark March of Time
My wrists are bound with shackles,
The Chains pull me forcefully forward,
In front and behind, my neighbors all walk.
I can hear their agonies, and pain and grief,
We plead for mercy, to end our despair.
Yet Time pulls us on and on.
"Why are you so cruel? Why so uncaring?"
"I am, It is, but great was your rebellion."
"But it was not me for the cause!"
"Not me who deserves such cruel injustice!"
But then in my heart I see a beat,
The rhythm, of that dreadful insurrection.
The thoughts of my mind rise up to self-exalt
and so convicts me to this march.
My eyes awaken and I see the view,
The land of torment awaiting.
But oh so gloriously, before that may come,
a man does stand to set us free.
He stands by the way, with judgment in hand
to save poor sinners like me.
Through much toil and great pain,
we go along our march, pressed on.
But there is a One who may set us free
Though our rebellion cost Him so much.
A brief paraphrase of John Owen (1616-1683) from his book on Temptation. (Overcoming Sin and Temptation p.210-11)
To not be overcome by temptations we must become well acquainted with the Word of Christ, the Gospel. There are four Powers of the Gospel, if known, that will enable us to effectively battle temptation and not be overcome by it:
Grace and Mercy - is able to save us: "it is the power of God for salvation" (Rom 1:16), "the grace of God... bringing salvation" (Titus 2:11), "the word implanted, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) When the soul comes to know the Grace and Mercy of the Word, its ability to pardon, and its eternal inheritance, it will fight to protect the Word and keep it close.
Holiness and Purity - is able to sanctify us: Jesus says, "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to
you." (John 15:3) And He prays this way for us, saying, "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth." (John 17:17). Those who don't know the Word as a sanctifying and cleansing power over themselves, they don't know the Word nor do they keep it. The empty professing of Christ of our day (Owen's day) knows nothing of how to do this, and therefore they are overcome by the power of temptations.
Liberty and Power - is able to exalt us and set us free. Not only does the Gospel set us free from the guilt of sin and wrath, done by Grace and Mercy; not only does it also set us free from the power of sin, done by Holiness and Purity; but it also sets us free from the opinions of man and the world that might entangle and enslave us. It declares us to be free in Christ (John 8:32), and in bondage to no one (1 Cor 7:23). However, we are not free from subjection to superiors nor free to sin (1 Pet 2:16). But it is a freedom from bondage in respect to conscience in our worship of God (Gal 5:1), and in respect of enslavement to man and the things of this world. The Gospel gives us a free and noble spirit, in subjection to God and no one else. It is a spirit not "of timidity, but of power, love, and discipline." (2 Tim 1:7). Those who rightly know the Word as Liberty and Power are freed from many great temptations.
Consoling - is able to support us in every condition, and to be our full portion when we are in need. It is "joy inexpressible and full
of glory." (1 Pet 1:8). It is able to give us relief, peace, joy, and glory in every condition possible. So, rightly knowing the power of His Word to Console us enables us to battle temptation, and not be overcome by its power.
