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The Practice of Godliness
Over 600,000 copies sold
Godliness is more than a character trait. This foundational spiritual quality makes the entire Christian life dynamic, effective, and pleasing to God. But how can you develop a godly character? In this sequel to the popular book The Pursuit of Holiness, renowned author Jerry Bridges helps readers establish the foundation upon which godly character is built.
The Practice of Godliness will open your eyes to see how character formation affects the way you relate to God, to yourself, and to others. Great for Christian growth, and practical at any life stage, this book will encourage you to
Devotion to GodContentmentJoySelf-ControlHumilityHolinessAnd more
Now with an added study guide for personal use or group discussion so you can dive deeper into this staple of Jerry Bridges’s classic collection. Your character formation will never be the same!
“The writings of Jerry Bridges are a gift to the church. He addresses a relevant topic with the wisdom of a scholar and the heart of a servant.” ―Max Lucado, pastor and bestselling author
Godliness is more than a character trait. This foundational spiritual quality makes the entire Christian life dynamic, effective, and pleasing to God. But how can you develop a godly character? In this sequel to the popular book The Pursuit of Holiness, renowned author Jerry Bridges helps readers establish the foundation upon which godly character is built.
The Practice of Godliness will open your eyes to see how character formation affects the way you relate to God, to yourself, and to others. Great for Christian growth, and practical at any life stage, this book will encourage you to
Devotion to GodContentmentJoySelf-ControlHumilityHolinessAnd more
Now with an added study guide for personal use or group discussion so you can dive deeper into this staple of Jerry Bridges’s classic collection. Your character formation will never be the same!
“The writings of Jerry Bridges are a gift to the church. He addresses a relevant topic with the wisdom of a scholar and the heart of a servant.” ―Max Lucado, pastor and bestselling author
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
About the author
Jerry Bridges
106 books740 followersJERRY BRIDGES was an author and conference speaker. His most popular book, The Pursuit of Holiness, has sold over one million copies. Jerry was on the staff of The Navigators for over fifty years, and currently served in the Collegiate Mission where he was involved primarily in staff development, but also served as a speaker resource to the campus ministries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
December 30, 2015
Reading Bridges reminds me of the sufficiency of Scripture--his books are so drenched with Scripture. recommended.
August 12, 2012
If you are serious about your relationship with God and want to walk closer with Him, you may find this book very helpful.
January 21, 2018
Obra de leitura deliciosa, na qual somos desafiados ao exercício da piedade, reconhecendo os traços piedosos do fruto do Espírito e sendo confrontados pela aplicação da palavra de Deus às nossas vidas.
O velho Bridges vai deixar saudade. Que bom que o exercício dele já foi completado. Ele já está na glória, e já pode experimentar o gozo de estar com o Senhor e de ser semelhante a Ele.
Que nós possamos nos dedicar a esse exercício, capacitados pelo Espírito, para um dia chegarmos lá também! :)
O velho Bridges vai deixar saudade. Que bom que o exercício dele já foi completado. Ele já está na glória, e já pode experimentar o gozo de estar com o Senhor e de ser semelhante a Ele.
Que nós possamos nos dedicar a esse exercício, capacitados pelo Espírito, para um dia chegarmos lá também! :)
February 24, 2022
Que livro! É daquelas leituras demoradas pra conseguir digerir todos os ensinamentos preciosos. Diversas vezes o autor chama atenção do leitor para a necessidade de memorizar versículos, como o salmista diz “Feliz quem na lei do Senhor encontra sua alegria e nela medita dia e noite” (Sl 1:2). Como meditar na palavra dia e noite se nem sempre temos a bíblia ao nosso alcance? Memorizando versículos!
Além disso, o apóstolo Paulo incentivava a igreja de Corinto a se exercitar na piedade. O se “exercitar” é um verbo, e como todo verbo, representa uma ação, um esforço. Assim, o autor fala que somos totalmente dependentes do Espírito, mas ao mesmo tempo totalmente responsáveis pelo exercício na piedade. O exercício da piedade deve ser buscado diariamente e ter como estímulo a promessa do céu e a glorificação dos santos.
Além disso, o apóstolo Paulo incentivava a igreja de Corinto a se exercitar na piedade. O se “exercitar” é um verbo, e como todo verbo, representa uma ação, um esforço. Assim, o autor fala que somos totalmente dependentes do Espírito, mas ao mesmo tempo totalmente responsáveis pelo exercício na piedade. O exercício da piedade deve ser buscado diariamente e ter como estímulo a promessa do céu e a glorificação dos santos.
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April 18, 2023Read for MC book club. A good basic intro to the topic of godliness.
October 26, 2026
I loved the writing of Jerry Bridges when I first picked up his Pursuit of Holiness. It took me quite a few years to pick up this work, but it did not disappoint! This work is not an academic work. Rather, it is a great devotional work which helps followers of Jesus become more like Jesus. Each chapter is pithy, containing simple but deep ideas about God and godliness. My accountability partner and I just finished reading and discussing this book together. If you decide to read it, I would recommend that you also read and discuss it in community with other Christians who are striving for godliness.
March 19, 2026
My mom came upon this book at a random bookstore the day I told her I wanted to read it! That had to be the Lord putting it there for me because I needed this book right now! I sure do appreciate a book that gives action points that feel very actionable. I feel actioned.
October 27, 2016
I bought this study as a new Christian twenty years ago and never did it until now. Since I'm no longer a new believer the attributes are not new, but I'm pleased the material deepened my understanding to build on what God and His word have been teaching me over the years. I think I absorbed them better and am better able to apply the lessons now than if I had done this study when I first bought it. I highly recommend this book with the accompanying study guide.
June 28, 2019
Really good -sometimes going back to the "basics" is the most important and urgent thing to do.
Note: The narration by Lloyd James was great.
Note: The narration by Lloyd James was great.
March 22, 2022
I'm afraid I found this too soft, sensitive, and sudsy.
The thing about virtue is that its got manliness—vir, from which we also get virile—right there in its name. But there just wasn't a whiff of manly strength in this book. He used the word sensitive over and over in his description of various characteristics of godliness, but rarely (if ever) words like courageous, bold, or strong. And I think the only examples he gave of a husband serving his wife were talking out the garbage and doing the dishes. I'm afraid this sort of half-baked focus on feminine virtues has been a great disservice to the church for many decades now.
The reader was well suited, which in this case isn't much of a compliment. He had a soft, gentle, unmasculine tone.
The thing about virtue is that its got manliness—vir, from which we also get virile—right there in its name. But there just wasn't a whiff of manly strength in this book. He used the word sensitive over and over in his description of various characteristics of godliness, but rarely (if ever) words like courageous, bold, or strong. And I think the only examples he gave of a husband serving his wife were talking out the garbage and doing the dishes. I'm afraid this sort of half-baked focus on feminine virtues has been a great disservice to the church for many decades now.
The reader was well suited, which in this case isn't much of a compliment. He had a soft, gentle, unmasculine tone.
September 10, 2024
Loved it! Read it pretty slowly and as an addition to my morning quiet time. I loved the wisdom, application, and scriptural references that the book provided in the pursuit of growing to reflect Christ more fully! Would highly recommend any of his book!
January 30, 2025
Very helpful reflections on godliness and Christian growth. My copy has a great study guide for reading with others.
December 14, 2020
Excelente livro, duro e forte também. É muito difícil viver uma vida piedosa, mas não é impossível. O Espírito Santo nos capacita a viver dessa forma e este livro nos mostra de forma objetiva e prática o que é viver piedosamente. Certeza que esse livro vai te abençoar. Leia!
April 27, 2010
My Take: I think that with most Christians nowadays (myself included until recently) we think that as long as we are attending every church service going to all the programs that the church has to offer that we are doing what we should be doing. I have noticed that alot of Christians are doing that but they feel like something is missing. This book address that issue very well.
Mr. Bridges says in this book that the crucial characteristic of our growth in godly devotion is to have a balanced approach to all three essential elements of devotion: fear, love and desire.
He talks quite a bit about having a fear of God. I think that this has been lost in todays Christian world. We have been brought up with the images of God as fatherly and that He is someone that we can come to with anything which is true but we also need to have a fear of Him.
Mr Bridges uses the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 as characteristics that we need to strive for so we can practice Godliness.
The set that I received from Navpress for review contained the book, a study guide and blank cards to write verses on . The study guide helps the reader to hone in on what Mr. Bridges has said in the chapters and to apply the material to their personal lives.
I feel that this book has helped me to grow.
I received a copy of the book and the study guide for review from Navpress and am not reguired to offer a postitive reveiw.
Mr. Bridges says in this book that the crucial characteristic of our growth in godly devotion is to have a balanced approach to all three essential elements of devotion: fear, love and desire.
He talks quite a bit about having a fear of God. I think that this has been lost in todays Christian world. We have been brought up with the images of God as fatherly and that He is someone that we can come to with anything which is true but we also need to have a fear of Him.
Mr Bridges uses the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 as characteristics that we need to strive for so we can practice Godliness.
The set that I received from Navpress for review contained the book, a study guide and blank cards to write verses on . The study guide helps the reader to hone in on what Mr. Bridges has said in the chapters and to apply the material to their personal lives.
I feel that this book has helped me to grow.
I received a copy of the book and the study guide for review from Navpress and am not reguired to offer a postitive reveiw.
June 7, 2012
I gave up writing dow quotes in chapter 3, but there were many more things that struck me. This was a very challenging and encouraging read. I specifically recommend the first 3 chapters.
Quotes that stood out to me as I read:
Ch. 1: VALUE FOR ALL THINGS
"The definition of godliness we will use in this book is devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him." (pgs. 15-16)
Ch. 2: DEVOTION TO GOD
"The practice of godliness is first of all the cultivation of a relationship with God, and from this the cultivation of a life that is pleasing to God. Our concept of God and our relationship with Him determine our conduct." (pg. 17)
"The Reverend Albert N. Martin has said that the essential ingredients of the fear of God are (1) correct concepts of the character of God, (2) a pervasive sense of the presence of God, and (3) a constant awareness of our obligation to God." (pgs. 22-23)
Ch. 3: TRAIN YOURSELF TO BE GODLY
"We would much rather pray, 'Lord, make me godly,' and expect Him to 'pour' some godliness into our souls in some mysterious way." (pg. 33)
"The emphasis of our age is on serving God, accomplishing things for God." (pg. 33)
Quotes that stood out to me as I read:
Ch. 1: VALUE FOR ALL THINGS
"The definition of godliness we will use in this book is devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him." (pgs. 15-16)
Ch. 2: DEVOTION TO GOD
"The practice of godliness is first of all the cultivation of a relationship with God, and from this the cultivation of a life that is pleasing to God. Our concept of God and our relationship with Him determine our conduct." (pg. 17)
"The Reverend Albert N. Martin has said that the essential ingredients of the fear of God are (1) correct concepts of the character of God, (2) a pervasive sense of the presence of God, and (3) a constant awareness of our obligation to God." (pgs. 22-23)
Ch. 3: TRAIN YOURSELF TO BE GODLY
"We would much rather pray, 'Lord, make me godly,' and expect Him to 'pour' some godliness into our souls in some mysterious way." (pg. 33)
"The emphasis of our age is on serving God, accomplishing things for God." (pg. 33)
June 3, 2020
When it comes to practical and helpful books on the Christian life, Bridges authors some of the best. In the first five chapters, Jerry Bridges lays the groundwork for practicing godliness. He helps the reader understand what the motivation and goal of practicing godliness should be, and then proceeds to walk the reader through practical ways to put off the deeds of the flesh and put on the fruits of the Spirit. Bridges walks through familiar godly traits like humility, contentment, and love, but also talks about the godly traits of peace, patience, gentleness, and goodness. Bridges is faithful to counsel using the Scriptures, biblically define the godly traits, and urges the reader to seek to memorize Scripture in order to battle against the flesh and pursue godliness. He constantly reminds the reader of their dependency on the Spirit, and that their aim should be God-centered. I would recommend reading this book, but before you read The Practice of Godliness, you should pick up a copy of The Pursuit of Holiness, which is the prequel to this book.
May 23, 2017
"A book to be studied, not just read". Appreciated the author's defining what the New Testament conveys godliness as, a personal attitude toward God that results in actions that are pleasing to Him. I never thought of it that way. What is my attitude towards God, the most wonderful person in the universe (loved this description came upon in book, so accurate!)? He goes on to elaborate on personal attitude towards God being devotion to God. Devotion to God is composed of fear of God, love for God, and a desire for God. This book helped me be aware of what it means to grow in godliness, and how we can do so with the Lord's help.
April 4, 2020
This is the sequel to The Pursuit of Holiness. Jerry Bridges really has a gift for explaining what Christianity should look like in real life, but he doesn't stop there. He is even more gifted in providing practical guidance and counsel for living the life we are called to, which is especially helpful for those of us who didn't grow up under a Christian influence. I look forward to reading more of his work.
November 2, 2026
This book was really eye-opening for me, much like the first one that it expounds upon. It relies on this concept of having responsible dependence when it comes to pursuing holiness and Godly character. “Though it is strength from God, we must use it.” It’s so helpful to understand that we are commanded to strive for holiness, but that it is impossible to get there without the Holy Spirit. The book also explores our motivations behind pursuing Godly character, highlighting that we need to work against the temptation to seek obedience as a means to feeling personal success, victory, or accomplishment.
Devotion to God is not about our success/failure, rather it is about appropriate response to the love and grace that he has already shown us. We also must reframe our disobedience and sin as an affront to God’s dignity and majesty, as opposed to simply being failures on our part. The main idea? It’s all about God, not even your sin is about you.
Some gems:
* “If we are committed to the practice of godliness, our prayer life will reflect it.”
* “Forgiveness cost God his Son on the cross, but what does it cost us to forgive one another? Forgiving costs us our sense of justice… In order to forgive our brother we must be satisfied with God’s justice and forego the satisfaction of our own.”
* “‘To abide in me’ expresses the continual act by which the Christian sets aside everything which he might derive from his own wisdom, strength, merit, to draw all from Christ.”
* “The purpose of joy is to glorify God by demonstrating to an unbelieving world that our loving and faithful father cares for us and provides for us all that we need.”
* “dependability is a duty owed not only to his fellow man but more importantly to God. Reliability is not just a social obligation; it is a spiritual obligation. God is even more concerned about our faithfulness than the person who is relying on us in some particular situation.”
* “Only as we fear God will we submit to the trials He sends or allows. And only as we deeply apprehend His love for us in Christ will we find the courage to bear up under them. Trials always change our relationship with God; either they drive us to Him, or they drive us away from Him.”
In my opinion there were two standout sections:
1. CONTENTMENT
- “I am where I am not by chance, nor by the favor or disfavor of other people, but by the decision of an all-wise and all-loving Heavenly Father.”
- “Whatever our situation might be, it is far better than we deserve.”
2. PEACE
- “It is HIS glory—and the honor of HIS church—that is at stake in our relationships with one another.”
- “If we are serious about intently pursuing peace, we won’t be concerned about which of us is the offending party… unresolved conflict between believers is sin and must be treated as such; otherwise, it will spread throughout the body like cancer until it requires radical spiritual surgery.”
Devotion to God is not about our success/failure, rather it is about appropriate response to the love and grace that he has already shown us. We also must reframe our disobedience and sin as an affront to God’s dignity and majesty, as opposed to simply being failures on our part. The main idea? It’s all about God, not even your sin is about you.
Some gems:
* “If we are committed to the practice of godliness, our prayer life will reflect it.”
* “Forgiveness cost God his Son on the cross, but what does it cost us to forgive one another? Forgiving costs us our sense of justice… In order to forgive our brother we must be satisfied with God’s justice and forego the satisfaction of our own.”
* “‘To abide in me’ expresses the continual act by which the Christian sets aside everything which he might derive from his own wisdom, strength, merit, to draw all from Christ.”
* “The purpose of joy is to glorify God by demonstrating to an unbelieving world that our loving and faithful father cares for us and provides for us all that we need.”
* “dependability is a duty owed not only to his fellow man but more importantly to God. Reliability is not just a social obligation; it is a spiritual obligation. God is even more concerned about our faithfulness than the person who is relying on us in some particular situation.”
* “Only as we fear God will we submit to the trials He sends or allows. And only as we deeply apprehend His love for us in Christ will we find the courage to bear up under them. Trials always change our relationship with God; either they drive us to Him, or they drive us away from Him.”
In my opinion there were two standout sections:
1. CONTENTMENT
- “I am where I am not by chance, nor by the favor or disfavor of other people, but by the decision of an all-wise and all-loving Heavenly Father.”
- “Whatever our situation might be, it is far better than we deserve.”
2. PEACE
- “It is HIS glory—and the honor of HIS church—that is at stake in our relationships with one another.”
- “If we are serious about intently pursuing peace, we won’t be concerned about which of us is the offending party… unresolved conflict between believers is sin and must be treated as such; otherwise, it will spread throughout the body like cancer until it requires radical spiritual surgery.”
March 26, 2024
Wow. Jerry Bridges is both theologically masterful and easy-to-understand. This book was extraordinarily difficult to read; just a straight-up reckoning with my shortcomings (of which are so daily numerous, a review wouldn’t fully do justice to them all). There were several days I did not read it, despite how compelling and Biblically sound it is, simply because I was as too ashamed to bother continuing. Thank God - the answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. I’m even more grateful this season for His blood, death, and resurrection in ways I haven’t been before because the Holy Spirit used this book to thwack me upside the head.
My words are genuinely few to describe how transformative this book is. Should be required reading for every serious Christian who recognizes their need for daily further grace and dependency upon the Living God. I will be repeatedly returning to this book on my shelf for reference with Scripture. It is a book that will reignite passion for the Lord the JOY of His salvation.
My words are genuinely few to describe how transformative this book is. Should be required reading for every serious Christian who recognizes their need for daily further grace and dependency upon the Living God. I will be repeatedly returning to this book on my shelf for reference with Scripture. It is a book that will reignite passion for the Lord the JOY of His salvation.
May 23, 2023
Listened to this off and on over many months and am purchasing a paper copy now to focus in on one topic at a time. Especially appreciated chapters near the end on gentleness and love. He writes some motivational statements based on 1 Cor 13 that I plan to post in my house. A few examples:
“I am patient with you because I love you and want to forgive you.”
“I am kind to you because I love you and want to help you.”
“I do not envy your possessions or your gifts because I love you and want you to have the best.”
“I do not boast about my attainments because I love you and want to hear about yours.”
“I am not rude because I love you and care about your feelings.”
“I am not easily angered by you because I love you and want to overlook your offenses.”
Also as he suggests, I want to begin to memorize and pray a scripture for each topic as I go through them and hope to share and implement, short and sweet, with my kids too.
“I am patient with you because I love you and want to forgive you.”
“I am kind to you because I love you and want to help you.”
“I do not envy your possessions or your gifts because I love you and want you to have the best.”
“I do not boast about my attainments because I love you and want to hear about yours.”
“I am not rude because I love you and care about your feelings.”
“I am not easily angered by you because I love you and want to overlook your offenses.”
Also as he suggests, I want to begin to memorize and pray a scripture for each topic as I go through them and hope to share and implement, short and sweet, with my kids too.
November 10, 2025
Another banger from Bridges. Very convicting - there is a price to godliness, and godliness is never on sale. It never comes cheaply or easily. The verb train, which Paul deliberately chose, implies persevering, painstaking, diligent effort.
“True spiritual self-discipline holds believers in bounds but never in bonds; its effect is to enlarge, expand and liberate.”
“Desire without discipline breeds disappointment, but discipline without desire breeds drudgery.”
“Godly self-respect is possible when we realise that we are created in the image of God, that we are accepted by God solely on the merits of Jesus Christ, that nothing we will ever do will cause him to love us more or love us less, and that he has a plan for our lives and will enable us through his Spirit to live out that plan.”
“True spiritual self-discipline holds believers in bounds but never in bonds; its effect is to enlarge, expand and liberate.”
“Desire without discipline breeds disappointment, but discipline without desire breeds drudgery.”
“Godly self-respect is possible when we realise that we are created in the image of God, that we are accepted by God solely on the merits of Jesus Christ, that nothing we will ever do will cause him to love us more or love us less, and that he has a plan for our lives and will enable us through his Spirit to live out that plan.”
April 26, 2024
I liked the definition of godliness and the call throughout the book to walk with the Lord, but this book did not hit home with me. Perhaps I was a bit distracted. I liked Menikoff's CHARACTER MATTERS even better. It's not the same type of study, but both of them took closer looks at the fruit of the Spirit, and Bridges was not as clear for me.
Still an enriching book, just not one I'll return to.
Still an enriching book, just not one I'll return to.
November 1, 2026
A clear and practical exploration of Christian character and spiritual growth. Bridges shows that godliness is not achieved through mere effort but cultivated through a growing devotion to God and dependence on his grace. Biblical, challenging and encouraging, this is a book that rewards careful reflection and provides much to apply in everyday Christian life.
November 9, 2026
Second read of this excellent, highly practical, challenging and Scripture-drenched book. Reading anything by Bridges is similar to reading Scripture in that it is overflowing with truth and sufficiency. Highly recommend this title and all by Jerry Bridges.
February 8, 2020
Life-changing book that convicts the soul.
June 2, 2020
There is nothing particularly insightful about this book, but I found it very helpful to go over all the traits that Christians should be exhibiting and each day examine a bit of my own life to understand where I can grow.
May 11, 2025
5/10/2020 * 4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Excellent. I definitely need to reread this, and probably more than once. And I'd like to do the study (guide?) that goes with it.
Excellent. I definitely need to reread this, and probably more than once. And I'd like to do the study (guide?) that goes with it.
January 23, 2022
Loved this book!! Highly highly recommend!
Bridges has a way of communicating so clearly in a way that is convicting but also motivates you to continue pursuing God-centeredness and God-likeness.
I really liked how the book was structured, with the first 5 chapters discussing godliness as a whole and the following chapters each focusing on a specific character trait (humility, contentment, joy, thankfulness, self-control, patience, gentleness, etc.). Not only did this give me a better understanding of what godliness really is and what it looks like, but it also helped me identify areas where I most need help to grow. Bridges also provides some counsel as to how you can practically strive to become more godly, exercising your personal responsibility in sanctification whilst also depending on the work of the Spirit.
As some others have remarked, reading this book also reminded me of the sufficiency of Scripture alone as Bridges continually refers back to Scripture to support his points. He also encourages readers to memorise and meditate on passages in order to renew your mind in most if not every chapter (Romans 12:2)
Praise God for bold biblical teachers that are willing to remind you of your sinfulness and point you back to Christ for grace and strength to continue running the race!
Bridges has a way of communicating so clearly in a way that is convicting but also motivates you to continue pursuing God-centeredness and God-likeness.
I really liked how the book was structured, with the first 5 chapters discussing godliness as a whole and the following chapters each focusing on a specific character trait (humility, contentment, joy, thankfulness, self-control, patience, gentleness, etc.). Not only did this give me a better understanding of what godliness really is and what it looks like, but it also helped me identify areas where I most need help to grow. Bridges also provides some counsel as to how you can practically strive to become more godly, exercising your personal responsibility in sanctification whilst also depending on the work of the Spirit.
As some others have remarked, reading this book also reminded me of the sufficiency of Scripture alone as Bridges continually refers back to Scripture to support his points. He also encourages readers to memorise and meditate on passages in order to renew your mind in most if not every chapter (Romans 12:2)
Praise God for bold biblical teachers that are willing to remind you of your sinfulness and point you back to Christ for grace and strength to continue running the race!
October 30, 2025
This isn't a book to rush through. It's full of Biblical truths and down-to-earth common sense explanations of Scriptures. Subjects such as training yourself to be godly and seeking a deeper devotion make this an excellent study for building spiritual maturity. Buddy reading and discussing it with a friend is a great way to enjoy it. Whether you're reading it with a friend or alone you'll get a lot of practical applications in order to practice godliness.
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