Christian Book Notes

Hughes, R. Kent. Disciplines of a Godly Man. Wheaton: Crossway, 2006. 304pp. $15.99. Purchase at Westminster Books for $10.55.

Audiobook

Narrated by Wayne Shepherd. Escondido: christianaudio Hovel. 7 1/2 hours. Download – $16.98, CD – $28.98.

Introduction

R. Kent Hughes’ book Disciplines of a Godly Man has impacted countless Christian men for the kingdom of God.  Hughes is Senior Pastor Emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois and is the author of numerous books. He is also editor and contributor for the projected 50-volume Preaching the Word series, including Mark: Jesus, Servant and Savior.

Review

When was the last time you were told to sweat at what you do?  Well, Kent Hughes’s book on the spiritual disciplines is just that–a call to holy sweat.  He lays a foundation for these disciplines from 1 Timothy 4:7 where Paul tells Timothy he should train himself for godliness.  From this biblical foundation, Hughes offers seventeen different disciplines in which a Christian man must adhere to.  These include the discipline of purity and fatherhood to discipline of work and church.  He also touches on the discipline of the tongue, giving, devotion, prayer, friendship and ministry to name a few more.   In the last chapter, Hughes states that none of these can be held to legalistically as some might claim.  The entire point of these disciplines is that we are looking to become more like Christ though them.

Since I “read” this as an audiobook, and I did not have the book in front of me, this review is a bit different.  I must say that I found myself shaking my head over and over as the words being spoken struck me deep.  Just when I thought I had discovered a chapter that I would “do well in,” I quickly found out that I fell far short of the mark.  Nonetheless, I was comforted by the words of the author as he lovingly challenged me to sweat for the sake of godliness.  This will be an audiobook I will listen to on a regular basis as I am sure I will need the reminder over and over of just how much work the Christian life is this side of heaven.

For those Christian men who do not have the time to read a book like Disciplines of a Godly Man, I would highly recommend picking up an audio copy.  You will be humbled by listening to it and, Lord willing, driven more into a relationship with God your Father through the experience.