Respectable Sins Hardcover – September 4, 2007

Just about a year ago, my bi-weekly Bible study started going through Jerry Bridges' book Respectable Sins. I was expecting a convicting book, and boy was I right.The premise of the book is that Christians too often focus solely on the big sins in each other's lives and the culture around us that we don't focus on the sin in our own life. So the book doesn't discuss things like adultery or murder. Instead, it devotes chapters to sins we try to ignore in ourselves like anger, discontentment, unthankfulness, pride, selfishness, judgementalism, and envy.The first few chapters are an overview of sin and the modern church culture. Jerry Bridges takes aim at how the church has stopped paying attention to these sins and reminds us that all sins are vile in God's eyes. He also reminds us of the importance of repentance and God's grace through sanctification to help us overcome these sins.Chapter seven of the twenty-one chapter book begins looking at the individuals sins. Many chapters are devoted to just one while some take on related sins. For example, he looks at gossip and slander in the "Sins of the Tongue" chapter.Since the chapters are about eight to ten pages each, Dr. Bridges never goes too deep. But he does use illustrations, usually from his own life, to show how easy and prevalent this sin can be. He'll then show from scripture how bad it is and offers us some reminders as we live our lives.Despite the fact that the chapters are short, they really pack a wallop. Most week's we've been going through the book one chapter at a time. While I probably would have read this 180 page book in a few days if it were up to me, this slower pace was good because it allowed me time to really think about what we were reading. Talking about it with others allowed the conviction to truly grow.And don't think you'll get out of conviction here. Every single chapter hit me in some way. Yes, some were more relevant to my life than others, but in all areas I had to do some soul searching and repentance.I can imagine how difficult this book would have been to write. None of the chapters gets too deep, and many of the subjects could use their own book. But I feel that Dr. Bridges does a good job of getting his point across in the limited number of pages he has. And if you want to know more about something, you can always research it on your own.Dr. Bridges even acknowledges that some of the topics addressed, like anxiety, might require greater help than he can provide through one chapter in one book. He assumes that most of his readers are facing normal levels of these sins, but when counseling might be needed, he does mention that in the chapter.If you pick up Respectable Sins and take it seriously, you won't put it down again the same. Not only does this need to be read by Christians, but it should be reread on a regular basis.

This was used in a women's Bible study.One of the best books I have read.There are many things we do out of habit and have never thought of the behaviors as sinful.A real eye opener. You will think about many things you have read- for a long time.This is a must for everyone's library!

Ouch! I had not considered these "faults" as sins but God says otherwise. No, we will never be perfect in this life but we can make a real difference if we consider these overlooked traits as sins in God's eyes. A wonderful book.....much to highlight and apply.

Purchased for a summer small group and highly recommend!

"Respectable Sins" was an eye-opening and thought provoking read on the sins that we tend to overlook and justify. I went through this book with a Bible Study group at work, which really enriched the subject matter. It was beneficial to hear from other people and the areas that they either struggle with or identify with compared to my own.In summary, the book covers sins ranging from the deeply rooted ungodliness, pride, and un-thankfulness, to the ones we probably see more often, such as anger, sins of the tongue, and worldliness. This book is a pretty quick read and serves as a great tool for Christians to use in navigating their own life to seek out and do away with sins that we consider as "subtle", or in this case "respectable".Pros: quick read and great way to learn how to pray for guidance in allowing the Holy Spirit to expose sin in your own life, while also talking with those close to you to provide feedback on any "blind spots".Cons: some of the examples offered by the author, while appreciated, are not always relatable.Bottom line: a great book to read in a small group setting, or even on your own, for seeking out areas of your life that you may not be living in-line with scripture.

A most convicting book but don’t let that stop you from reading it. Those “respectable“ sins need to be identified and addressed if you are serious about your walk with Christ.

A great book! Opened my eyes.

Our small group loves this study! Very thought provoking and growth inspiring.

:) Great book and it came fast :)

Shows the (little) sins we tend to neglect and accept them as common in present day. Shatters the many misconceptions about little sins and makes us to know our own sinfulness more deeply and guides to the Cross.

I loved reading this book, so true to life and it made me own up to many of the respectable sins I have been blind to. Easy reading style and just got on with it, made the point and gives aids to rectify the attitudes alongside obvious repentance. I will be referring to chapters again and again to get the truth into my mind and heart. Very grateful to author for this challenging and most needed look at those sins we need to be rid of.

Only someone who is inspired by the Holy Spirit can write something like this. So powerful and it will convict you.

I haven't finished the book yet, but already Bridges does an excellent job of confronting Christians with the sins we tend to ignore in our own lives because we're too busy condemning society for its atrocities. His description of the word "saint" and what it really meant in the New Testament, and should still mean for us, was eye-opening to me. The chapter titled "The Disappearance of Sin" hits the nail right on the head. This is a great book for anyone striving to look more like Christ...and who is willing to endure the sanding and refining necessary to achieve that goal.