Day 8: Tim Keller - “Gospel Renewal”
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Introduction
Tim Keller spent decades as a pastor, a preacher, and a steady voice for Christians trying to follow Jesus in a busy and changing world. Many people came to know him through sermons and books, but what seemed to matter most to him wasn’t being influential - it was helping people be renewed by the gospel. Keller often shared how we are renewed not just beginning with grace, but by continuing to live in that same grace.
Tim Keller often spoke to skeptics and believers alike, yet his heart was always pastoral. He wanted people to meet Christ, and then keep meeting Christ - until discipleship became less about proving ourselves and more about being changed.
Gospel Renewal
A common danger in discipleship is assuming that the gospel is the doorway to Christianity, and then we “graduate” to different means to keep growing. Spiritual disciplines, new commitments, and diverse ministries are all great, but Keller often reminded us that we do not outgrow our need for grace. The same gospel that saves us is the gospel that trains us. As we keep our eyes on Jesus - His patience, His holiness, His sacrifice - our hearts are softened, our desires are purified, and our love begins to mature.
Keller pointed weary believers back to Jesus with a steady confidence that the grace of Christ really is enough - not only to begin the Christian life, but to keep on going. Tim Keller understood discipleship as a lifelong project that requires believers to renew the gospel message in our hearts each day.
Reflection
Consider if there are areas of your spiritual life where you’ve learned to rely on things other than God’s grace. Let’s bring that specific area to the Lord in prayer today and ask the Holy Spirit to help us fixate our eyes on Christ again. If you have lost sight of the simple gospel, let Christ’s love and His sacrifice on the cross renew your passion and your purpose as a disciple today.