Tuesday, April 08, 2008
The Disappearance of Sin
I am reading *Respectable Sins* by Jerry Bridges. I just finished reading chapter 2. Remember when I said it was going to be a big ouchy...well, that it is. It has been very convicting so far and I know, as I get deeper into this book and it starts getting even more specific, I will begin to see that I don't measure up...I really never thought I did and have been becoming increasingly more aware of my own sinfulness. But, it is tempting to get through the day just in a survival mode...busy schedule, homeschooling, preparing meals, loving on children, etc can be the focus of my time. It is easy to see the big sins of the world...abortion, ho*mose*xuality, adultery, stealing, murder and so on and miss the point that the saints(set apart believers) sin, too...and sometimes we are tempted to see our sins as somehow *respectable* leading us to overlook them. This then leads to unconfessed sin, a lack of repentance, and displeasing the Lord with our lack of concern.
The disappearance of sin is even seen in our churches today...there has been a softening of the word sin...to make people feel more comfortable...more accepted...more right with God at the expense of toning down God's Word about sin. The word is not even used as much! Strong Biblical words for sin have been replaced from our vocabulary.... Jerry Bridges says:
Jerry Bridges says in chapter 2:
He says later in the chapter:
This paragraph was very convicting:
I must say that it is going to get even better as I go...because the chapters are going to cover some very specific sins that we may see as acceptable. I look forward to God teaching me through this book and through His Word as I study. I definitely need this!
The disappearance of sin is even seen in our churches today...there has been a softening of the word sin...to make people feel more comfortable...more accepted...more right with God at the expense of toning down God's Word about sin. The word is not even used as much! Strong Biblical words for sin have been replaced from our vocabulary.... Jerry Bridges says:
People no longer commit adultery; instead they have an affair. Corporate executives do not steal...they commit fraud.
Jerry Bridges says in chapter 2:
The attitude toward sin reflected in the prayers of those men seems all too prevalent within our conservative evangelical circles. Of course this is a broad-brush observation and there are many happy exceptions. But on the whole we appear to be more concerned about the sins of society than we are the sins of the saints. In fact, we often indulge in what I call the respectable or even acceptable sins without any sense of sin. Our gossip or unkind words about a brother or sister in Christ roll easily off our tongues without any awareness of wrong doing. We harbor hurts over wrongs long past without any effort to forgive as God has forgiven us. We look down our religious noses at *sinners* in society without any sense of a humble "there but for the grace of God go I" spirit.
He says later in the chapter:
Our sinful actions stem not from a failure to achieve, but from an inner urge to fulfill our own desires. As James wrote,"Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire". We gossip or lust because of the sinful pleasure we get out of it. At that time the lure of that momentary pleasure is stronger than our desire to please God.
This paragraph was very convicting:
Sin is sin. Even those sins that I call "the acceptable sins of the saints"--Those sins that we tolerate in our lives are serious in God's eyes. Our religious pride, our critical attitude, our unkind speech about others, our impatience and anger...even our anxiety.(See Philippians 4:6) All of these are serious in the sight of God.
I must say that it is going to get even better as I go...because the chapters are going to cover some very specific sins that we may see as acceptable. I look forward to God teaching me through this book and through His Word as I study. I definitely need this!
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
12 Comments:
Great review, this sounds like a book I need to read! Look forward to reading more of your thoughts on it.
What a great concept for a book -- SO TRUE!! I can't wait to read more about what you think of it as you go through the book.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts. Hubby will be preparing this summer to teach this class in the fall. I have skimmed his copy and am anxious to read it myself. It looks to step on toes--something necessary for growth and sanctification!
Ouch. You're right. We have softened EVERYthing! Thanks for the insights and your words of wisdom and sharing from J. Bridges. ; )
I remember when you posted the list this book looked like one that should be read. Now I really want to get it.
I have also been reading this book and find it equally challenging. It feels so good when God speaks to my heart and challenges me like this. Hard, but good.
We just got our copy back from someone we loaned it to (after Jimmy finished reading it), and I have just recently began reading it as well. It IS going to be a great book. I definitely need help exposing the hidden sins in my life.
Kim, I just finished reading Chpt. 3. This is a very piercing and chanllenging book. Don't you love when an author like Jerry Bridges can speak the truth so boldly yet seem so humble in his approach? I had a hard time putting it down, but wanted to allow the Lord to speak to me before filling my mind with so much to think on. An excellent book to suggest! Thank you!
I totally agree with your review. I started reading it this past weekend while on a trip and it was incredibly convicting. Steve has been telling me about it. His men's group is studying it. So now I guess we will have to take turns with the book. :)
I have seen a lot about this book and I really want to read it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it - I need to get it.
I just ordered this book yesterday and am greatly anticipating its arrival. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts on it.
My husband and I are currently reading this book together -- outloud in the mornings. Very very convicting. And so humbling.
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