Note to Self: the discipline of preaching to yourself by Joe Thorn Summary

1. Preach the gospel to yourself daily to combat self-deception and spiritual drift.
2. Replace guilt-driven penance with Christ-centered forgiveness through intentional scripture reflection.
3. Confront shrinking views of Jesus by focusing on His cosmic supremacy.
4. Diagnose divided hearts by asking “What is your greatest hope?”.
5. Apply gospel truth to hidden sins like pride and false humility.
6. Shift from self-reliance to grace-dependence using structured “note to self” prompts.
7. Use Thorn’s three-part framework: Gospel & God, Gospel & Others, Gospel & You.
8. Transform idle self-talk into redemptive dialogue through 2-3 page heart-exposés.
9. Turn wallowing in past failures into active cross-centered repentance.
10. Identify worldliness by measuring eagerness for Christ’s return versus earthly attachments.
11. Practice church transparency by rejecting performance-based masks in community relationships.
12. Recalibrate joy through doctrinal reminders of God’s sovereignty in suffering.

About the Author of Note to Self

Joe Thorn is the author of Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself and a pastor-theologian known for his practical applications of Reformed theology.

As the founding and lead pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, Illinois, Thorn combines his academic training—a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary—with decades of pastoral experience to address themes of spiritual discipline, self-preaching, and grace-centered living.

His writing, including contributions to The Story ESV Bible and The Mission of God Study Bible, reflects a commitment to making deep theological truths accessible to everyday believers. Thorn also co-hosts the Doctrine and Devotion Podcast and actively shares insights through his blog at JoeThorn.net. His follow-up work, Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God, further explores the intersection of doctrine and devotion.

Note to Self has become a staple in Reformed circles, praised for its concise, gospel-driven approach to personal sanctification and its endorsement by prominent evangelical leaders.

FAQs About Note to Self

What is Note to Self by Joe Thorn about?

Note to Self is a practical guide to preaching the gospel to oneself, offering 48 short chapters modeled as personal exhortations. It focuses on applying biblical truths to daily struggles like pride, guilt, and spiritual complacency, emphasizing how self-directed gospel preaching reshapes hearts and actions. Thorn blends direct challenges with grace, urging readers to confront sin and embrace Christ-centered transformation.

Who should read Note to Self by Joe Thorn?

This book is ideal for Christians seeking to deepen their personal spiritual discipline, pastors looking for models of gospel-centered counseling, or anyone battling self-deception, insecurity, or legalism. Its concise format appeals to busy readers needing bite-sized theological reflection.

Is Note to Self worth reading?

Yes, Note to Self is highly recommended for its unique approach to personal sanctification. Reviewers praise its "stinging yet gracious" tone and practicality, calling it a "must-read" for those wanting to bridge theological knowledge and daily obedience. The 2-3 page chapters make it accessible for daily devotions.

What are the main sections of Note to Self?

The book divides into three parts:

• The Gospel & God: How the gospel redefines understanding of God’s character.
• The Gospel & Others: Implications for relationships and community.
• The Gospel & You: Personal application in areas like repentance, humility, and waiting for Christ.

What key quotes define Note to Self?

• On guilt: “Amassing feelings of guilt becomes a perverted penance… your guilt isn’t a means of getting clean”.
• On joy: “Your heart is divided, and your interests spread thin”.
• On self-preaching: “You need to preach truth to yourself, not just listen to others preach”.

How does Note to Self address pride?

Thorn confronts pride by exposing comparison-driven self-righteousness and the idolatry of personal achievement. He argues that recognizing one’s need for grace dismantles arrogance, urging readers to replace self-exaltation with gospel humility.

What critiques exist about Note to Self?

Some readers note the brevity of chapters limits deeper theological exploration, and the direct tone may feel confrontational to those unfamiliar with Reformed theology. However, most praise its balance of conviction and encouragement.

How does Note to Self compare to other Christian living books?

Unlike theoretical discipleship guides, Note to Self offers actionable, first-person exhortations. It complements Jerry Bridges’ The Discipline of Grace but stands out for its “note” format, mimicking self-directed preaching.

What practical frameworks does Joe Thorn provide?

Thorn models how to:

• Diagnose sin patterns through honest self-talk.
• Apply specific Scriptures to struggles like anxiety or unforgiveness.
• Respond to failure with repentance, not self-condemnation.

How does Note to Self help with spiritual dryness?

The book tackles complacency by linking joylessness to divided loyalties (world vs. Christ) and offering gospel reminders to reorient desires. Thorn writes, “You don’t eagerly wait for Jesus because you love the world more than His kingdom”.

Why is Note to Self relevant in 2025?

Its emphasis on internalizing truth counters modern distractions and performative spirituality. In an age of superficial self-help, Thorn’s call to sustained, gospel-driven introspection remains vital.

What other works has Joe Thorn authored?

Thorn wrote Experiencing the Trinity and contributed to study Bibles like The Mission of God Study Bible. His works consistently focus on making doctrine actionable, contrasting with Note to Self’s devotional tone.