THE PRACTICE OF GODLINESS by Jerry Bridges

Resource Description

“Godliness has value for all things” (1 Timothy 4:8)

by Jerry Bridges

Colorado Spring, CO: NAVPRESS, 1983

I read this great book years ago, and when I read it again recently I got just as much out it as I did the first time around. In fact, in my opinion this is a book we could study once a year and still profit from it for our lives. It is so biblical and so practical. I can hardly think of a better book than the Bible itself to learn about becoming a godly person. I recommend it for personal reading, discipling a young believer, or using in a small group.

I would agree with the following blurb: “Bestselling author Jerry Bridges says that godliness is more than a character trait: ‘It is a foundational spiritual quality that makes the entire Christian life dynamic, effective, and pleasing to God.’ Growing in godliness is a twofold process. It involves an ever-deepening devotion to God and developing character that is steadily transformed into His likeness. In The Practice of Godliness, the sequel to the popular book The Pursuit of Holiness, readers will learn how laying an inward foundation of God-centeredness will permit them to build an outward structure of godliness. Character formation will never be the same! Discussion guide included.”

Bridges rightfully observes that the Holy Spirit helps develops these character traits in us, but we have to desire them. He reminds us over and over again that to grow in godliness there must be discipline – the discipline of prayer, the discipline of Bible memory, and the discipline of obedience at all cost.

Below are the titles of the chapters and the theme verse for each. Every chapter includes dozens of other verses on the subject, as well as practical examples of how these qualities should look in our lives.

Chapter 1 – Value for All Things (1 Timothy 4:8)

Chapter 2 – Devotion to God (Revelation 15:4)

Chapter 3 – Train Yourself to be Godly (1 Timothy 4:7)

Chapter 4 – Seeking a Deeper Devotion (Psalm 119:10)

Chapter 5 – Taking on God’s Character (Colossians 3:12)

Chapter 6 – Humility (Luke 18:14)

Chapter 7 – Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6)

Chapter 8 – Thankfulness (Psalm 100:4-5)

Chapter 9 – Joy (Romans 14:17)

Chapter 10 – Holiness (1 John 1:5)

Chapter 11 – Self-Control (Proverbs 25:28)

Chapter 12 – Faithfulness (Proverbs 20:6)

Chapter 13 – Peace (Romans 12:18)

Chapter 14 – Patience (Colossians 3:12-13)

Chapter 15 – Gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23 and Colossians 3:12)

Chapter 16 – Kindness and Goodness (Galatians 6:10)

Chapter 17 – Love (Colossians 3:14)

Chapter 18 – Reaching the Goal (2 Timothy 4:7)