Respectable Sins

By: Jerry Bridges

Narrated by: John Haag

As Christians, we believe that all sins are considered equal in God's eyes. Yet while evangelicals continue to decry the Big Ones - such as abortion, adultery, and violence - we often overlook more deceptive sins. It seems we have created a sliding scale where gossip, jealousy, and selfishness comfortably exist within the church. In short, some sins have simply become acceptable.

Acclaimed author Jerry Bridges believes that just as culture has lost the concept of sin, the church faces the same danger. Throughout, Jerry encourages victory over personal sin through the gospel's transforming power. This release is perfect for listeners who long to thoughtfully examine their lives and discover a deeper walk with God.

©2007 Jerry Bridges (P)2009 christianaudio.com

We are not as good as we tbink

As a teen, church was boring—not because the music was old-fashioned or the sermons long, but because I could easily switch off and follow the habits I had learned. I knew the songs, the expected answers, and the sermons never spoke to me. The preacher talked about heaven, hell, and the bad sins, but none of it seemed to apply that much to me. I grew up in the church and mine were the occasional white lie, skipping school to work, and enjoying fast cars, but those weren’t bad. You could say, the pastor wasn’t preaching to the choir. He was preaching to the people who weren’t there.
Maybe that’s extreme and yet probably not far off for most of us. Jerry Bridges, in this book, shows how we downplay certain sins to the point that we overlook them and even see them as just normal. To lust after a beautiful woman is just being a “real man.” Do we really believe what Jesus said that what happens in your heart is sin just the same as the sins you do? It doesn’t hurt anyone. And why do we easily see flaws in others but often ignore our own. We all struggle to say “I’m sorry” without, as my grandmother used to say, adding a “but,” because our “sins” are excusable. And we easily see the flaws in our society, but fail to see our part. Bridges states, “In effect, we, like society at large, live in denial of our sin.” We judge our world but could it be that we are ignoring the log in our own eye? And, if society has degraded as we think it has, could it be because we have failed to see ourselves as we truly are and therefore our witness has had no positive impact, and maybe even a part of the problem?
I have reread this book after about 20 years. It’s not light reading. Don’t read it quickly or all at once. Take it slowly, reflecting on each part. Avoid thinking of others as you read (though that will be hard, which shows how deep the problem is). Instead, focus on your own heart. Don’t make excuses. You may not agree with everything, but try to listen prayerfully and be prepared for some discomfort. Remember, God’s Word is called a double-edged sword: sharp, but intended to heal, not harm.
Don’t expect this book to cover the usual sins like pornography, immorality, adultery, or theft. Instead, it focuses on the subtler, "acceptable" sins, hence its title, “respectable sins.” What sets Bridges’ writing apart is his use of personal examples. Instead of anonymous illustrations, he candidly shares his own life, making his work relatable and grounded, not an ivory tower discourse.
The first 6 chapters focus on a Biblical discussion of sin and repentance. For much of Western society, the idea of sin seems outdated, as highlighted by Menninger’s 1973 book “Whatever Became of Sin?” However, though we acknowledge the fact of mental illness and personal proclivities, Christians believe in moral absolutes and the reality of sin. But, since sin is universal, we all face the same issue and must address it through the power of the Spirit. Bridges notes that "saint" is rarely used for Christians today, partly due to its association with the Roman Catholic tradition and misconceptions of sainthood as perfection. He reminds us that Paul used the term for all believers and that sainthood is not achieved by good deeds but is a state of being–a position in God’s kingdom bestowed on us by God. Just as I am American by birth without earning it, we are saints because we belong to God, set apart by faith. But since that is true, then we should see ourselves as destined to reflect His likeness, not through any implication or assumption of personal superiority but through genuine acts of love and grace that proclaim the gospel.
The next 14 chapters explore subtle sins we often view as harmless, more like personality flaws or bad habits. They may seem minor compared to the ones that are so obvious. However, as he delves into their true nature and impact, we are compelled to recognize their seriousness, much like Isaiah did when he lamented, “Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips!” and even worse, of an unclean heart.
Bridges addresses the sin of ungodliness, similar to another book I saw recently about how we often say we believe in God but live as if he didn’t exist. He highlights subtle sins like anxiety, frustration, discontentment, unthankfulness, pride, and selfishness. These sins, often involving attitudes rather than actions, are easy to hide, deny, or excuse. The list is extensive. And if reading this list sounds like he’s really getting picky, then you really should read the book.
Bridges concludes with a chapter titled “Where Do We Go from Here?” offering practical advice. This book is ideal for group reading and discussion among trusted members who are open to asking pointed questions, sharing, and challenging each other. It’s best read with an open Bible, but it should be read.

Heart Matters

Bridges
1-reminds us 3:23 of Romans
2- reveals so called respectable Sins like gossip, self righteousness for what they are sin and what God thinks if them
3- repentence , shows us what it means and how to do it

Be prepared to have a transformed heart and life after listening to this

clearly and simply written

Excelente

Often these ‘respectable sins’ are easily dismissed. The author addresses areas where the self righteous person rarely visits or admits. I know for myself I was personally convicted and I am thankful that someone had the courage to address these areas because so many books are written on the ’big outward’ sins but too few on the ‘respectable ‘ sins. A must read for those of us desiring to please the Lord from the inside out.

Excellent!

Eye-opening to our views of “acceptable” sins. I highly recommend this book and author.

An amazing foundational overview of everyday sins we should all become aware of!

This book was excellent. An easy read that gets straight to the point, offering great words of wisdom to make us aware of our sins that we are often blinded by. We should be very aware of all of these sins regularly and this book does an awesome job at bringing them to light, as well as encouraging us to be action provoking rather than just thought provoking.

A foundational book for believers, especially those mature in faith

This book was so edifying to me. There were many times I had to stop reading just so that I could pray, and truly repent brought to true tears of repentance over my sin. I can’t recommend this book enough to all Christians no matter where they are in their walk, but especially to those who are mature and their walk, and in their knowledge and love for the Lord. I burned through almost a full highlighter reading this book, while listening, and many many tears, I think the Lord for this book and for the Holy Spirit work in my heart, as I read it words.

This is a great book - but does not line up with the book

I really love to hear and read at the same time.
This book is awesome! But I suspect it is the books older version. The audible book doesn’t align with the chapters in newer the printed book.
Kinda frustrating…
I wish instead of just saying the chapter numbers they added the title so you could go to where the book is…
But this book is powerful stuff a must for self correction and realizing 🙏🏼

Great Read

This book definitely breaks down the breakdown.
I was unsure if I was ready for this kind of truth
Turns out I wasn’t just ready, I totally needed to hear it!

A Highly Recommended read Especially for Mature Believers

This is one I would add to my “read once a year” list. It reminds me of how these “respectable sins” are well tolerated among believers and this serves as a reminder to me of how sinful I am and how I need to deeply repent in a regular basis!

Phenomenal - Bridges is the best!

Jerry Bridges was a true gift from God. Narrated by one of the best. I truly enjoyed this book.