The Practice of Godliness is a sequel to an earlier book, the Pursuit of Holiness, which dealt largely with putting off the old self - dealing with sin in our lives. The Practice of Holiness focuses on putting on the new self - growing in Christian character. Godliness is more than Christian character. It covers the totality of the Christian life and provides the foundation upon which Christian character is built.
The Practice of Godliness
by Jerry Bridges
NavPress
1996; new edition 2010
The first four chapters deal with the general theme of godliness and the remaining six chapters consider important traits of the godly person. The first four - humility, contentment, thankfulness, and joy - deal with our relationship with God. The next group of three - holiness, self-control, and faithfulness - are qualities that enable us to deal sternly with ourselves. The final six -peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, and love - are qualities that enable us to deal graciously and tenderly with others, the last two divisions reflect the seemly dichotomy of Christian character: sternness with ourselves and tenderness towards others,
1. Values for all Things
2. Devotion to God
3. Train Yourself to be Godly
4. Seeking a Deeper Devotion
5. Taking on God's Character
6. Humility
7. Contentment
8. Thankfulness
9. Joy
10. Holiness
11. Self-Control
12. Faithfulness
13. Peace
14. Patience
15. Gentleness
16. Kindness and Goodness
17. Love
18. Reaching the Goal
When Paul lists those godly traits he calls the fruit of the Spirit, he puts love first - very likely to emphasize its importance. We cannot truly love God without loving one another. Devotion to God is the ultimate motivation for Christian character. Apostle John makes two statements concerning the essential nature of God: "God is light" and "God is love.". Love gives whatever the cost, God proved His love for us when he gave His only Son to die on the cross for our sins - there is no greater love than this.
The practice of godliness is a discipline. It requires serious commitment and perseverance to reach the goal. We have not and will not obtain the goal of godliness in our lifetime.but we must strain forward and persevere until the race is over - the everlasting, heavenly glory. The glory of heaven is our motivation for Christian perseverance. Our race is over when we meet Jesus face-to-face and spend eternity with our Lord and Savior.
The companion study guide for this book is available for use in your personal devotion or Bible Study. Learn how to let the Holy Spirit cultivate the fruit of God's character traits in your life.
Jerry Bridges is an author and conference speaker. He has been on staff of The Navigators for over fifty years. Highly recommended.
