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

1. is it helpful
2. does it bring me under it’s power
3. does it hurt others
4. 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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Last two chapters of The Pursuit of Holiness touch on making it stick in every day life. He admits that we are called to be holy while living in a very unholy world. Surrounded by images and values and actions trying to draw us away or beat us down. We must be aware and prepared for these assaults. We must have a plan, have conviction to live by our Christian values. He mentions that one way to do reinforce this is to publicly declare our status as a Christian. In a gracious manner, not to beat people with it. We do know that expectations will be different if it is known that we are (or say we are) Christian. Sure, it may lead some to try even harder to tempt us or to disgust us, but it also validates our response when we refuse the temptation. And most of the people want to see that obedience on our part, even while they are cynical enough to expect us to give in.

He also mentions that our response shouldn’t just be defensive. We are called to be salt and light and our steadfast witness is combating moral and spiritual decay. But he doesn’t mean shoving our faith on others. Interesting reading this chapter after this blog post from earlier today. She has some sharp comments, about the current need to convert as many people as necessary being a terribly impersonal and misguided (something stronger perhaps?) attitude today. And about the attitudes toward people who don’t live as if every single word had to be aimed at converting someone. We are called to live a holy life and hopefully others will be intrigued and encouraged by that. Many others will also be offended by that.

Bridges provides an example of Henry Clay Trumbull, an evangelist, riding on a train beside a young man  drinking quite steadily. Each time he would take a swig, the man would offer some to Trumbull who would politely decline. Notice, Trumbull didn’t frown in judgment or initiate some monologue telling the man how awful it was to be drinking so heavily. Finally the young man started the conversation, saying he supposed Mr. Trumbull thought he was a pretty touch fellow. Trumbull’s response was “I think you’re a most generous-hearted fellow.” That is a personal conversation, and probably a good bit of forbearance as well.

The way to live in this unholy world, as we’ve heard throughout this book, is to stay in the Word. Let the Word cleanse our minds of the pollution that surrounds us, and shape and encourage us to seek God and His glory.

The last chapter is about the joy of living a holy life. We should not be a depressed or sour people. If we are obeying God, we are living the only way that can bring true joy. If we are in rebellion against God, and sinning, then the pleasure will not last and the results will (eventually) catch up with us, here in this life and in eternity. But as we obey the will of God more, we will know more pleasure. That doesn’t mean life gets easier and shinier, but that what we count as joy changes.

I’ll let Bridges have the last word.

But to experience this joy, we must make some choices. We must choose to forsake sin, not only because it is defeating to us, but because is grieves the heart of God. We must choose to count on the fact that we are dead to sin, freed from its reign and dominion, and we can now actually say no to sin. We must choose to accept our responsibility to discipline our lives for obedience.

The blog title is a quote attributed to George Santayana. And I would agree with it. I will do something because I’m used to doing it, even if I don’t “think” I should do it.

Chapter 14 of The Pursuit of Holiness is about our Habits. The downside to habits is that “the more we sin, the more we are inclined to sin.” The upside is that we can defeat old habits and build new ones. Bridges pulls in discipline and structure again, with the encouraging note that we can put off the sinful habits and develop godly habits. We need the frequent reminder that no one can do this in their own strength. We are to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and depend on the Holy Spirit in all of this. We put in the time and effort to stick to reading the Word, meditating on it, applying it to our lives. The Holy Spirit will work the fruit in us.

Bridges lists a few principles about habits. First – they are “developed and reinforced by frequent repetition.” So, building a habit of reading the Word, memorizing Scripture, thinking about what we’ve read when making a decision to act, is dependent on our doing it each day, throughout the day as appropriate. The second principle is a bit tough – “in breaking sinful habits and acquiring new ones” it is necessary “to lever let an exception occur.” In the context of the entire chapter and book, Bridges is not saying that we must be perfect, but that we cannot get into the habit of thinking “just this once” where we avoid admitting that it will be even harder to defeat the habit tomorrow.

Third principle is that “diligence in all areas is required to insure success in one area.” We can’t ignore or indulge one sin thinking we will be successful in any other area. The more we sin (of any type) the more inclined we are to sin (of any type). And last, he reminds us to not be discouraged by failure. We are not a failure unless we give up. We are to stay in the fight.

Chapter 15 is about Holiness and Faith. Holiness is not just about separating us from the World. As we’ve seen through the chapters, it is about obedience to God. Even when that obedience is costly and even painful. Bridges talks about the difference between Cain and Abel and how Abel offered his sacrifice by faith. God told them how he wanted sacrifices done and Abel took God at His word and offered a sacrifice as required, even if he didn’t understand why it needed to be a lamb. Cain didn’t see any real reason it had to be a lamb so he offered his grain and his sacrifice was not accepted. We are called to take God at His word and obey Him, even when we think it doesn’t really make sense or even make a big difference.

We talked about this last Wednesday night talking about Samson in the book of Judges. Some of the comments (including one of my own) lead to Corrie ten Boom and The Hiding Place. Corrie told about times she fudged the truth or lied to protect someone – her motivations were good and it usually worked out well. But her stories about her sister were electrifying. Her sister never lied, she always told the truth even to the bad guys. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to protect and help people, it was that she trusted God to be faithful and honor her obedience to tell the truth. And God did in amazing ways. So, sometimes we lie or at least shade the truth from good motives. And often God accepts that and even blesses the person (think the midwives in Exodus) But the examples of people who obeyed wholeheartedly and told the truth while still having the motivation to protect and help others but the ultimate motivation to glorify God, are examples that should inspire us and convict us. They do convict me of my small weak faith.

Bridges, on page 143, says:

The path of obedience in the pursuit of holiness is often contrary to human reason. If we do not have conviction in the necessity of obeying the revealed will of God as well as confidence in the promises of God, we will never persevere in this difficult pursuit. We must have conviction that it is God’s will  that we seek holiness – regardless of how arduous and painful that seeking may be. And we must be confident that the pursuit of holiness results in God’s approval and blessing, even when circumstances make it appear otherwise.

In a world with very different values, it can be a challenge to live this way. But it is what we are called to do.

Still reading along in The Pursuit of Holiness. Reaching the end soon actually. The  last post was on chapter 10  and the place of personal discipline. Chapter 11 gets a bit personal – the title of the chapter is Holiness in Body. He starts out by accusing us of indulging and pampering our bodies, quoting from Romans 12:1 (which is a recent Fighter Verse) “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Bridges points out that we do not do this – we give in to our desires and let them rule over us instead of being master of them.

One of his points in this chapter is that if we do not and cannot control our physical desires (eating, getting exercise, watching tv, etc) then we cannot expect to control other desires. We should flee temptation, take steps to avoid things that entice us to sin, and avoid thinking of ways to indulge our sins. We should even study our sinful desires to see how they rise up against us and be prepared.

After this very convicting chapter about how every part of our life is called to be involved in the work to be holy, he turns to Holiness in Spirit in chapter 11. Not only should our outward conduct be regulated, but our inner life as well. He points to the commandments and the Sermon on the Mount. It is not enough that we do not kill, we must also not hate. (Studying the Westminster Shorter Catechism a few years ago I found it interesting how “do not murder” applies to even being angry at someone or thinking bad thoughts about someone. Convicting!!)

Bridges touches on Phil 4:8 and points out that “we cannot focus on controlling the body while ignoring our thought life”. Then he points to Ephesians 5:3-4 and that “we need to be reminded to be careful what we expose ourselves to and what we allow ourselves to think.”

This leads right in to chapter 13 on Holiness and Our Wills. Before the fall, our mind and emotions and will worked in harmony with each other and sought the glory of God. After the fall our “reason was darkened, our desires were entangled, and our wills perverted.” With rebirth this is undone but not all at once and we still have conflicting desires and don’t always do what we know we should.

We should use our minds to reach a decision, our will to implement it, and then our emotions to affirm it. But we often work in reverse and let our emotions control our actions with no good reasoning involved. We must be on guard about what “enters our minds and influences our emotions.” This takes us back to the Word of God. “The protective influence…comes as a result of diligent, prayerful, and purposeful intake of Scripture.”  So, we are back to discipline and having a structured plan.

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I am always surprised at the failure of the mind and will to do what I want (Paul covered this in Romans). I have been doing the Desiring God Fighter Verses and also refreshing the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I find that at night after the lights are out it is helpful to rehearse my verses. And often in the morning as I am getting up and getting ready. The point is there are no other distractions during this time so I can focus. But I can construct a distraction out of thin air. One of the verses is Psalm 62:5-8 and this is often how it goes. “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, [silence] hey, I fell asleep. What am I going to wear today? I should do my memory verses. Oh wait, I started those. where was I. Oh right. For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation… I have a meeting tonight, I need to remember to put that notebook out so I am ready. How did the toothpaste get moved over here? Oh yeah, where was I? He only is my rock and my salvation, I shall not be shaken….. (you get the idea).

So, I build my structure – I make my plans. I fall away frequently, but there is always a fresh start and at least there is a plan to come back to. What if I were to want to want to? That is what I am aiming for. For my will to want to do His will.

In reviewing my posts so far (it has been a little while since I found time to blog) I realized I skipped talking about chapter 8 of The Pursuit of Holiness. I understand why, given the topic I was trying to cover in chapter 9. But I did find chapter 8 to contain a very good point in those 4 pages.

The title of chapter 8 is Obedience – Not Victory.

The point is that if we use language like “victory over sin”, then we tend to use language like “defeated by sin”. That is passive voice victim whining right there. (my words, not the author’s)

Romans 8:13 says “you put to death the misdeeds of the body” making it clear there is work for us to do too. With the help of the Holy Spirit, as chapter 7 made clear. But very specifically in our will as chapter 8 makes clear. Chapter 9 and 10 points out ways we do it.

The wording we should use is obedience and disobedience. This put the responsibility squarely on our shoulders. We are defeated because we have chosen to disobey.

Chapter 9, covered in the previous post about this book, talked about the need for conviction and commitment.

Chapter 10 is all about discipline. If we are going to become obedient, it requires planning and effort. We don’t stop sinning overnight. There aren’t 3 easy steps to righteousness. There’s no pill or miracle machine that we can use. We have to just do it, and do it over and over until we start to get it right.

Discipline is not easy for me. Hard work and training even when something is hard is not my cup of tea. But the Bible is clear that we need to exercise discipline, we need to train, we need to put in the time and effort and perseverance necessary to change our patterns of living. In 1 Cor 9:25 says that like the athletes we must exercise self-control. Then 1 Tim 4:7 says we must train for godliness.

Bridges points out that all discipline begins with the Word of God, see 2Tim 3:16. That means a disciplined plan for intake of the Scriptures and for applying them to our lives. That means we need a planned time for being in the Scriptures every day. And we need a planned method of intake – hearing, reading, studying, memorizing are all different and are all necessary (not every single day maybe, but regularly).

And we must meditate on it – think about it and its application to life. This can be done during blocks of minutes throughout the day – a commute (not my short one down the hall) or while waiting for service somewhere. Remember that the objective of meditation is application – obedience to what the Word says. This requires discipline to change the patterns in our life.

He suggests that 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?

And he ends with the fact that a necessary ingredient of discipline is perseverance. We will always fail at the start. But we cannot stop, we have to get up and keep going. Know that it will take time, have a plan for getting back in the game. It’s like changing eating habits, just because you blow one meal isn’t reason to blow the rest of the day. And just because you blow one day doesn’t mean you might as well give up on the whole week, or month, or year. You start again from right now. Sinning is the same way. If you sin, acknowledge that you did, repent, and get back to your plan for working toward obedience in this area.

He also points out that the more we read and see God’s law, the more we will see just how far we fall short. Romans 7:15  describes our struggle. This isn’t meant to discourage us or make us give up. It should reassure us that what we are going through is normal and part of the ongoing daily battle. Keep working at it.

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My last post about this book was Feb 11. In that post I confessed my attitude at work and my intention to to fix that. Since the Holy Spirit is convicting me of this in just about everything I read lately, there is good reason to expect ready assistance from Him any time I cry out. And I do mean everything I am reading. This blog post by Octamom was just another place where the Holy Spirit was speaking directly to me.

So, I know I need to work on it, I’m actually keeping up with my Bible reading and memorization plans, and I even shared some plans with a friend for “catching” myself each time I have a fit. All of that means I have surely seen great success since then, right? Welllll, not exactly. Things have been busy and work is crazy, and really, if people would just read the documents I’ve written I wouldn’t have to repeat all of this to them over and over.

Now you know why I write these blog posts – to keep myself honest. I’m starting (again) and I’ll start (again) as many times as necessary. I will cry out to the Holy Spirit, I will pray for myself and the others that I’m frustrated with, I will stay in the Word. And there is no telling how long it will all take before I see victory. And even then I promise you there will be something more to work on.

It’s a lot of work, it’s hard, and it is worth it!