Jim Berg, the author, will give you the 'big picture' of sanctification (the believer's growth in holiness).  He uses Ephesians 4.22ff as his outline for the book.  In that passage, the apostle Paul gives us God's plan for growth in Christlikeness.  Three parts of sanctification are given: putting off the old man, having your mind renewed, and putting on the new man.  These 3 parts of sanctification could also be called 3 responsibilities for the Christian.  This is the blueprint that God gives us for growth in holiness; if a man should expect to see any growth in the Christian life, it is only reasonable that he 'follow God's plan.'

 

Berg's first chapter is an introduction to the book.  There he highlights the goal of sanctification - Christlike humility, and tells us in a nutshell how we reach that goal.  We are to work hard (putting off, renewing our minds, and putting on) while we trust the "Person of Change" (the Holy Spirit) to produce the fruit in our lives.  The rest of the book explains what it means to put off, renew our minds, and put on.  Berg gives 4 chapters per responsibility.

 

Berg does an excellent job explaining Scripture.  He is clear and interesting.  His illustrations are very helpful.  Not only is he clear, he is applicational. Truth from God's Word is never meant to be only 'understood.'  The job of a teacher of the Word is to teach others 'to observe.'  Berg does that.  He shows the reader how to apply the truths.  He intends, as much as he is able, to make it easy to obey by giving simple steps to follow.

 

This book will be one that you will go back to over and over again.  You will use it for your own life.  You will use it as you disciple your children, encourage your husband/wife, give counsel to your co-workers, and on and on.  It will give clarity to your thinking about the Christian life.  It will give you much hope as you see how God intends for you to change to be like Him.  It will give you wisdom as you know how to better counsel others from the Word.

 

Jim Berg is from Bob Jones University.  Expect to see some 'separatist fundamentalism' coming out of him.  It is unfortunate that Berg uses the King James Version throughout the book.  He is not KJV only, but he does prefer the translation for some reason.  He does though, explain the out-of-date words for the reader. 

 

Berg assumes that rock music is wrong.  He does not make a big deal about it by trying to prove that it is so.  He gives an illustration describing a boy that listens to rock music.  Most readers will stumble at that point not getting Berg's point.  Remember that he assumes rock music is wrong.  He does not think that some rock music is wrong, but that all of it is - the very beat itself. 

 

Berg also says that every Christian should be a part of a 'fundamentalist' church.  Just assume that the word, 'fundamentalist,' means 'biblical,' and you will be fine.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, inspite of these things, and I am sure you will too.