Note to Self by Joe Thorn Summary

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.