Customer Reviews

How to Overcome Evil

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Though this is an old book (1977), it is nonetheless a relevant book. "How to Overcome Evil" serves as a pep rally for defeating the enemy -- Satan! Providing not only sound biblical interpretations of the passage in Romans 12:14-21, Dr. Adams also gives the reader practical exhortations to fight the good fight. Using military terms, he speaks of the spiritual warfare raging inside each of us -- as well as in the tumultuous arena of world affairs. And as a courageous general, he gives us our marching orders -- straight from the commands of scripture. He reminds us that no power can stand against the Almighty, and as His children, we have access to that great Resource in all our fights against the enemy! Charge onward! Press forward! Not using the weapons of Satan, but utilizing the weapons of good to overcome every evil! I suggest you give this book to people who have problems with anger, who seek to gain more control of their emotions, who tremble with the mindset of the defeated. This little book replaces such things with godly reminders of our certain victory against evil, because Christ has already overcome!

Every Christian is engaged in a conflict against evil(both from within and without)on a daily basis.In 'How to overcome evil...' Jay Adams is primarily looking at how to overcome evil that is done towards someone because of their testimony for Christ.Are you using the methods(and or weapons)that the Lord has ordained for believers to use in this warfare against evil?The weapons that God provides His people with are powerful and effective,thus if we use them in God's way we will be enabled to defeat evil.
The author gives us an excellent definition of love on p.35"Love is doing whatever good God says you must do for another,to please God,whether(at first)it pleases you or not."I think Christians often fail to overcome evil God's way because they don't love their brother(by brother I mean their fellow man)enough.Mr.Adams helpfully reminds us that "love begins with obedience towards God in which one gives to another whatever the other needs."When someone wrongs us (by nature)we want to exact revenge but what that person needs (if we are to love them)is for us to do good to them(instead of repaying evil for evil).
When a Christian exacts or seeks revenge they are responding as unbelievers do and instead of destroying evil they are promoting it.
One of a number of important emphases that Mr.Adams brings is that a follower of Jesus is never to seek revenge(no exceptions).The reason is because when they do they are usurping God's authority (vengeance is mine saith the Lord,I will repay)and acting contrary to God's revealed will.No believer in a healthy spiritual condition desires that.
The subtitle in brackets under the main title is 'A Practical Exposition Of Romans 12:14-21'.It is the finest exposition of these verses that I have come across.This is a very useful book(which I believe you will refer to over and over)because bitterness and a spirit of revenge are all to commonly practiced among the Lord's people in our generation.

This book is a wonderful resource for christians who are struggling with people (bosses, friends, co-workers) who treat you badly. I have personally struggled with a difficult boss and this book has reminded me that we are to be Christ-like in our responses....always! Jay Adams tells it like it is and if you truly want to grown in your walk with Christ...and are struggling with your reactions to attitudes, language, nasty remarks, put-downs, in-your-face "rants", then this book is for you!
After all,...God has ordained that you should be going through these situations in order to focus your thinking on Him. I Peter 1-5 is all about suffering and really goes hand in hand with Jay's book.

Remember too that whatever you are going through brother or sister in Christ, it is only a tiny dot on the endless line of Eternity.....keep that thought in mind because you are the blessed winner already!!

This exposition of Romans 12:14-21 is excellent. There is great encouragement in this book for dealing with the difficult people in our lives. Overcoming Evil explains how these verses are (to use sports terms) offensive moves not defensive tactics. We do not overcome evil by being doormats as these verses are sometimes explained. This book is a quick read but well worth the time invested. I plan to re-read it at regular intervals as a refresher.