The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
Week 4: Chapter 4 — The Requirement of Holiness
Read Chapter 4 of The Pursuit of Holiness. Primary Scripture: Romans 8:12–13; Galatians 5:16–17.
Previewing Week 4 of The Pursuit of Holiness
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 12-week guide when you’re ready.
Bridges now examines what holiness actually requires of us — moving from inspiration to the harder work of honest self-examination and moral seriousness. Come ready to think carefully.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Bridges argues that the Christian life involves a genuine moral requirement — that we are obligated to live holy lives. How does that sit with you? Does 'obligation' feel like a threat to grace, or is it something else?
2.Paul writes in Romans 8 that we are 'debtors' — not to the flesh, but to the Spirit. Bridges unpacks this 'debt' language. What does it mean to owe holiness to God, and how does the cross create that debt?
3.The chapter draws a sharp distinction between sins that 'break out' despite our resistance and sins we willfully entertain or return to. How would you describe the difference, and why does that distinction matter morally and spiritually?