Jerry Bridges is a renowned author and speaker in the field of spiritual growth and Christian living. With his wisdom and insight, he has inspired countless individuals to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith in practical ways. Today, I have the great honor of sitting down with Jerry to delve into his life, experiences, and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. Join me as we explore his remarkable journey and discover the profound impact he has made on the lives of others.
Jerry Bridges (1929-2016) was a highly respected American author, speaker, and theologian. Known for his deep understanding of biblical principles and his ability to communicate them in a practical and relatable manner, Bridges has left a lasting impact on countless individuals seeking to grow in their faith and knowledge of God. With a career spanning over six decades, he authored numerous books, including bestsellers such as “The Pursuit of Holiness” and “Trusting God Even When Life Hurts.” Jerry Bridges not only possessed a remarkable ability to unpack complex theological concepts but also had a heart for helping believers apply those truths to their everyday lives. His commitment to the timeless truths of Scripture and his passion for holiness continue to inspire and challenge Christians to this day.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with Jerry Bridges
1. Can you provide ten The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges quotes to our readers?
The Pursuit of Holiness quotes as follows:
a) “Holiness involves both an inward separation from sin and an outward dedication to God.”
b) “The pursuit of holiness is not about perfection but about progress, about growing in Christlikeness.”
c) “Holiness begins in the mind and is expressed in our actions.”
d) “God’s grace is not a license to sin, but a power to transform us and enable us to live holy lives.”
e) “We cannot pursue holiness in our own strength; we need the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
f) “Holiness requires daily dependence on God and a deliberate commitment to obeying His Word.”
g) “Sin is not to be toyed with or taken lightly; it is a serious offense against a holy God.”
h) “Our pursuit of holiness should be motivated by love for God and a desire to please Him.”
i) “Holiness is not just about avoiding sinful actions; it also involves cultivating godly attitudes and thoughts.”
j) “We must constantly renew our minds and fill them with God’s truth to combat the world’s influence.”
2.What inspired you to write “The Pursuit of Holiness”? Can you share the story behind the book and explain why you felt compelled to explore the topics within it?
“The Pursuit of Holiness” was inspired by a personal journey I underwent in my own spiritual life. I realized that despite my profession of faith, I was lacking in true holiness and godliness. This epiphany led me to study and reflect on what it means to live a holy life.
Through my exploration, I discovered that holiness is not merely a one-time event but a lifelong pursuit. It is not achieved by our effort alone, but by God’s enabling grace and our obedience to His Word. Moreover, I realized that many believers struggle with this concept and have a misconception about the role of holiness in their lives.
Feeling compelled to address this issue, I decided to write “The Pursuit of Holiness”. My aim was to help fellow believers understand the biblical foundations of holiness, the importance of personal responsibility, and the transforming power of grace.
By sharing my own experiences and biblical insights, I hoped to encourage and challenge readers to actively pursue holiness in their everyday lives. Ultimately, my desire was to bring glory to God by promoting a genuine understanding and practice of holiness within the Christian community.
3.Your book focuses on the theme of holiness and spiritual growth. Can you highlight some key principles and strategies for readers to pursue holiness and deepen their relationship with God, as discussed in your book?
In my book, I emphasize several key principles and strategies to pursue holiness and deepen one’s relationship with God. Firstly, I believe that holiness is not a one-time achievement but a lifelong journey. It requires daily dependence on God’s grace and constant renewal of our minds through the study of His Word. The Holy Spirit, who resides in every believer, empowers us to live holy lives.
Secondly, personal discipline plays a crucial role in pursuing holiness. It involves intentional choices such as setting aside regular time for prayer, meditation, and the examination of our hearts. This discipline also includes actively resisting temptations and cultivating godly habits.
Furthermore, our pursuit of holiness should be fueled by a genuine desire to please and glorify God. We must align our values and priorities with His, seeking to reflect His character in all areas of our lives.
Finally, I highlight the importance of community and accountability. We should surround ourselves with believers who challenge and encourage us in our pursuit of holiness. Engaging in transparent and honest relationships fosters spiritual growth and enables us to learn from one another’s experiences.
By embracing these principles and strategies, readers can embark on a transformative journey towards holiness and enjoy a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.
4.”The Pursuit of Holiness” emphasizes the role of God’s grace in the process of sanctification. How do you convey the balance between human effort and divine empowerment in the pursuit of holiness, and what steps do you recommend for readers to experience transformation, as inspired by your book?
In “The Pursuit of Holiness,” I emphasize the crucial role of God’s grace in the process of sanctification. I convey the balance between human effort and divine empowerment by stressing the reality that our pursuit of holiness is a partnership between us and God. It is through our deliberate and intentional efforts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, that we grow in holiness.
To experience transformation, I recommend readers to first recognize their complete dependence on God’s grace. By acknowledging our inability to pursue holiness on our own strength, we open ourselves to His empowering presence. Secondly, we must engage in the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. These practices allow us to connect with God and His truth, transforming our hearts and minds. Finally, readers should commit to ongoing obedience to God’s Word, relying on His strength to resist temptation and walk in holiness.
In short, the pursuit of holiness necessitates both our efforts and the empowering grace of God. By relying on His strength, engaging in spiritual disciplines, and pursuing obedience, readers can experience transformative growth and intimacy with God.
5.In your book, you discuss the concept of “putting off” and “putting on” in relation to holiness. Could you provide practical examples of how readers can apply these principles in their daily lives to grow in holiness and righteousness?
In my book, I emphasize the biblical concept of “putting off” the old sinful self and “putting on” the new righteous nature that we have in Christ. To apply these principles practically, readers can start by identifying specific areas of sin or ungodliness in their lives that need to be “put off.”
For example, if someone struggles with anger, they can intentionally work towards putting off this sinful behavior by seeking God’s help through prayer and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. They can also seek out practical steps, such as memorizing Scripture verses that address anger and actively replacing angry thoughts with thoughts of forgiveness and understanding.
Additionally, readers can actively “put on” godly virtues and characteristics. If someone desires to grow in kindness, they can make a conscious effort to show acts of kindness in their daily interactions – whether it’s through a simple act of service or choosing to respond with gentleness in difficult situations.
Ultimately, applying these principles requires heartfelt obedience to God’s Word, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a desire to consistently pursue holiness. By intentionally setting aside sinful attitudes and actions while actively cultivating godly virtues, readers can daily grow in holiness and righteousness.
6.Your teachings often stress the importance of self-examination and repentance. Can you elaborate on the practice of self-examination and how readers can develop a habit of introspection and repentance, as discussed in your book?
Self-examination is a crucial aspect of the Christian life, and its practice can greatly enhance our spiritual growth. In my book, I emphasize the need for regular introspection to assess our hearts, motives, and actions in light of God’s truth. This involves taking intentional time to reflect on our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors, measuring them against the standard of God’s Word.
To develop a habit of self-examination and introspection, I recommend establishing a daily routine that includes prayer, reading the Bible, and quiet reflection. As we invite the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of sin or unbelief within us, we must honestly confront our shortcomings and ask God to forgive and transform us through repentance. Repentance is not just remorse for our sin, but a genuine turning away from it, surrendering our will to God’s.
Maintaining a humble and teachable heart is key; we should regularly ask God to reveal areas in which we may be blind to our own faults. Additionally, seeking accountability through a trustworthy Christian friend or mentor can provide valuable insights and encouragement in the process of self-examination and repentance. Ultimately, the goal is to align our lives with God’s truth, growing in holiness and drawing closer to Him.
7.”The Pursuit of Holiness” includes guidance on dealing with sin and temptation. Can you share insights on how readers can resist temptation and experience victory over recurring struggles, as outlined in your book?
In my book “The Pursuit of Holiness,” I provide practical guidance for readers on dealing with sin and temptation. One key insight I share is that we must have a proper understanding of the gospel and our identity in Christ. Recognizing that we are no longer under the control of sin but are new creations in Christ enables us to resist temptation.
Additionally, readers will find encouragement in understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I stress the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us in our daily battles against sin. By nurturing a consistent relationship with Him through prayer, studying God’s Word, and fellowship, we can experience victory over recurring struggles.
Furthermore, I highlight the significance of renewing our minds with Scripture. Regularly meditating on and memorizing God’s Word equips us with truth and strengthens our ability to discern between right and wrong. It also provides us with a proper perspective on the temporary nature of sin’s pleasures.
Overall, by embracing the truths presented in “The Pursuit of Holiness” and implementing these practical tools, readers can resist temptation and experience true victory over recurring struggles on their journey toward holiness.
8.Your book encourages readers to pursue holiness as a lifelong journey. Can you provide guidance on how individuals can stay committed to this pursuit and continually grow in their relationship with God, as inspired by the principles you’ve shared in your book?
In my book, I emphasize that pursuing holiness is a lifelong journey and a continuous process. To stay committed to this pursuit and grow in your relationship with God, there are a few key principles to keep in mind.
Firstly, we need to understand that holiness is not achieved through our efforts alone but by relying on the Holy Spirit’s power within us. We must yield ourselves to the Spirit, moment by moment, asking for His help and guidance in our daily lives.
Secondly, we need to saturate our minds with God’s Word. Regularly studying and meditating on Scripture helps us align our thoughts and actions with God’s truth, enabling us to live in obedience to Him.
Additionally, consistent prayer is crucial. Maintaining a constant dialogue with God fosters intimacy and dependence on Him. Continual communication with God helps us discern His will and seek His help in our pursuit of holiness.
Lastly, connecting with a community of believers who share the same desire for holiness is beneficial. Engaging in fellowship, Bible studies, or accountability groups provides support and encouragement as we walk this path together.
By embracing these principles of reliance on the Holy Spirit, immersion in God’s Word, fervent prayer, and fellowship with other believers, individuals can stay committed to the pursuit of holiness and continually grow in their relationship with God.
9.”The Pursuit of Holiness” offers a path to spiritual growth and transformation. Can you describe the transformative journey that readers can embark on by applying the principles and strategies presented in your book?
In “The Pursuit of Holiness,” I would describe the transformative journey as a purposeful pursuit towards becoming more like Christ. By applying the principles and strategies outlined in the book, readers can embark on a path of spiritual growth and transformation.
The journey begins with understanding the foundational truth that holiness is not an optional add-on to the Christian life but an essential part of it. Through Scripture and personal experiences, I would emphasize that holiness is not merely an external act, but a matter of the heart, reflecting an intimate relationship with God.
The book provides practical guidance on how to cultivate holiness, such as through biblical meditation, prayer, and accountability. It challenges readers to examine their thought patterns, habits, and motivations, encouraging a mindset shift towards aligning with God’s will.
By consistently applying the principles and strategies explained in the book, readers will experience tangible growth in their faith. They will witness a transformation taking place within them, as they grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Ultimately, “The Pursuit of Holiness” offers readers a roadmap to deepening their relationship with God, allowing His transformative power to work in and through them. It encourages a lifelong journey of becoming more Christ-like and experiencing the abundant life that God has planned for them.
10. Can you recommend more books like The Pursuit of Holiness?
a) “The Discipline of Grace” by Jerry Bridges
This book, also written by Jerry Bridges, complements “The Pursuit of Holiness” by focusing on the role of grace in the Christian life. Bridges explores how God’s grace empowers believers to live a holy and godly life, providing practical advice on cultivating spiritual disciplines and relying on God’s unmerited favor.
b) “The Holiness of God” by R.C. Sproul
In “The Holiness of God,” R.C. Sproul delves into the character and attributes of God. With a clear and accessible writing style, he highlights God’s infinite holiness and righteousness, demonstrating their significance in our understanding of sin, salvation, and the pursuit of holiness.
c) “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis, one of the most influential Christian authors of the 20th century, explores the core beliefs of Christianity in “Mere Christianity.” By addressing various theological themes, such as morality, faith, and the nature of God, Lewis encourages readers to understand the importance of holiness and transform their lives accordingly.
d) “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “The Cost of Discipleship” provides profound insights into the true meaning of following Christ. Through an exploration of grace, faith, and obedience, Bonhoeffer challenges readers to pursue a life of radical discipleship and selfless commitment to Christ, emphasizing the call to holiness as an integral part of the Christian journey.
e) “Desiring God” by John Piper
John Piper’s “Desiring God” presents a revolutionary perspective on Christian joy and delighting in God. While not solely focused on holiness, this book explores the idea that true happiness and holiness go hand in hand. Piper encourages readers to delight in God’s glory and to make Him their ultimate pursuit, which in turn transforms our pursuit of holiness into a joyful endeavor.