Summary
"Respectable Sins: Student Edition" by Jerry Bridges, adapted by Anne Christian Buchanan, delves into the often-overlooked sins that Christians tend to excuse or downplay, offering a stark contrast to the more obvious transgressions typically acknowledged. Bridges challenges the notion that certain sins are less serious, asserting that all sin is a violation of God's law and grieves the Holy Spirit. The book aims to awaken believers to the reality of their ongoing sinfulness, even after salvation, and to inspire a deeper commitment to holiness.
The book begins by addressing the concept of believers as saints, set apart by God for His purposes, while simultaneously acknowledging their persistent struggle with sin. Bridges uses the analogy of cancer to describe sin's insidious nature, emphasizing how it can metastasize and contaminate various aspects of life. He underscores that sin is not merely a matter of outward actions but a deep-seated inner force, referred to as "the flesh," that battles against the new nature believers receive in Christ. This internal conflict necessitates a daily reliance on the gospel for both cleansing from guilt and empowerment to overcome sin.
Bridges explores various "respectable sins," including ungodliness, anxiety, discontentment, unthankfulness, pride, selfishness, lack of self-control, impatience, irritability, and anger. Each chapter provides a detailed examination of these sins, highlighting their subtlety and the ways in which they manifest in everyday life. He encourages readers to recognize their responsibility in combating these sins while also depending on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. The book stresses the importance of memorizing Scripture, cultivating prayer, and involving other believers in the pursuit of holiness.
The latter part of the book focuses on specific strategies for addressing these sins, emphasizing the need for honesty, humility, and a willingness to confront personal failings. Bridges encourages readers to apply the gospel to their lives continually, recognizing that God's forgiveness and the imputed righteousness of Christ are the foundation for genuine transformation. He also emphasizes the importance of cultivating a God-centered perspective, seeking to please and glorify Him in all aspects of life. Ultimately, "Respectable Sins" calls believers to take their sin seriously, rely on God's grace, and pursue a life of increasing holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in their thoughts, words, and actions.