R. Kent Hughes

The book of Hebrews conveys a double dose of spiritual power: it not only presents the supremacy of Jesus Christ unlike any other New Testament book, but it also repeatedly demands a heart response from the reader. No one can study Hebrews and not grow spiritually as he or she comes face to face with God’s one and only Son.
In this insightful commentary, readers will find a gold mine of helpful discussion related to a book of the Bible that is easily misunderstood and often overlooked. show more Written by a pastor with decades of ministry and preaching experience, this volume abounds with wise insights into the book of Hebrews. With divisions and outlines that are never forced but flow naturally from the Biblical text, this commentary will be a great resource for anyone studying or teaching the book of Hebrews. show less

Set Apart: Calling a Worldly Church to a Godly Life by R. Kent Hughes, the author of The Disciplines of a Godly Man, is one of the best books I have read on the subject of Christian separation and holiness. It is very practical and hard-hitting, confronting Christians with their love for the world while maintaining a positive, encouraging spirit.

Hughes begins with the story of Lot, a righteous man who, though vexed by Sodom’s worldliness, still allowed it to drag him and his family down. show more He points out that though Lot was influential in Sodom, he could not and would not impact Sodom for good because he was worldly. We, like Lot, cannot reach the world unless we are distinct from the world. God’s plan is for us to be “a people set apart from the world to reach the world.”

Hughes then identifies nine different areas in which the church today must recognize their worldliness and correct it:materialism, hedonism, sensuality, violence and voyeurism (vicarious participation in sin), sexual conduct, modesty, pluralism, marriage, and the church and the Lord’s Day. In each of these areas the church is pointedly confronted with her sin and called upon to repent. Yet, Hughes deals with each of these areas very tastefully.In addition Hughes does not lapse into negativity. Instead he focuses on the blessings that result from obedience in these areas.

In the last chapter especially, Hughes describes the “unending yes.” He states, “There is no power in the no. . . . A people set apart merely by the noes have no power. . . .The power is in the yes because all the yeses are yeses to Christ: yes to his riches, yes to his pleasures, yes to his mind, yes to his peace, yes to his relationship, yes to his clothing, yes to the cross and the covenant and Christ, yes to him as the only way, yes to his body the church, and yes to the Gospel of God.” There is great joy and blessing in separation unto God.

Also in the final chapter, Hughes issues a call to return to historic fundamentalism. He says, “the instincts of early fundamentalists were right in their attempt to maintain theological orthodoxy and separation from the world, but that movement was sidetracked . . . into a shallow separatism. What is needed today is a new old fundamentalism. . . that while being in the world is morally separated from the world and that unashamedly preaches the Gospel.”

I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment, and I am very encouraged to hear it. I do have a couple of minor disagreements with the book. In connection with the chapter on materialism, Hughes strongly emphasizes tithing as mandatory for believers today. I believe that the tithe is not taught in the New Testament – having a giving heart is emphasized instead. A tithe may be a good standard to go by, but cannot be imposed as law upon Christians. Similarly Hughes conflates the concepts of the Old Testament Sabbath with the Lord’s Day.

I highly recommend this book for any Christian. It inspired and encouraged me, fueling a greater desire for holiness. show less

Very practical, but very non-technical commentary. Plenty of sermon illustrations and a few endnotes where Hughes cites other sources. Overall, this is more devotional than scholarly, but well worth the read, even if some of his conclusions seem off the mark a bit.

This book is an excellent overview of the practices that Christian men should work to incorporate into all aspects of their lives.
As someone who has attended church, Bible studies, and retreats for most of my life, I’ll admit that the content is mostly information that I have heard in the past. However, Hughes’ writing style is loving yet relentless in pointing out areas that we all struggle. I felt as if I was being poured into by one of My faith mentors and I am encouraged to continue show more growing in those disciplines in which I fall short.
I also appreciate the book recommendations near the end of each chapter and Those given by many of the pillars of our faith near the end of the book. These works, both classic and contemporary are a great resource that I will draw from in the future. show less