I began listening to The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges in January. It was the free audio book from ChristianAudio. I also own the book so I was reading each chapter after I listened to it. This helps me take notes and meditate on the subject.
I started blogging about my reading on Jan 13. Not entirely pleased that it has taken me over 3 months to finish it. But it has been timely for life over the past 3 months. Future re-reads will be a bit faster, since I don’t try to take notes or blog about each reading session. Below are my blog entries as I read through the book.
God’s holiness covered chapters 2 and 3
What is its motivation covered chapter 4
Little foxes covered chapters 5 and 6
with a little more in My own vineyard
Just do it! covered chapter 7 and 9
continued a bit in Working at it
But it’s so hard covered chapters 8 and 10
What if I were to not want to covered chapters 11, 12, and 13
Habit is stronger than reason covered chapters 14 and 15
Second verse, same… finished with chapters 16 and 17 as of March 21.
High level points from the book:
Why do we struggle so with sin and not able to be holy?
1. our attitude toward sin is more self-centered that God-centered
we are more concerned with our own “victory” over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve the heart of God
God wants us to walk in obedience, not victory. Victory is a by-product of obedience
2. we have misunderstood “living by faith” to mean that no effort at holiness is required on our part
3. we do not take some sin seriously
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About each action and decision – ask
- is it helpful
- does it bring me under it’s power
- does it hurt others
- does it glorify God
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When reading Scripture – as you read ask these 3 questions
1. What does this passage teach concerning God’s will for a holy life?
2. How does my life measure up to that Scripture; specifically where and how do I fall short? (Be specific; don’t generalize)
3. What definite steps of action do I need to take to obey?
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About breaking bad or forming new habits:
first principle: habits are developed and reinforced by frequent repetition
second principle: in breaking sinful habits and acquiring new ones is to never let an exception occur
avoid the “just this once” type of thinking
third principle: diligence in all areas is required to insure success in one area
last: don’t be discouraged by failure
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