Jay Edward Adams is a Reformed Christian author. He has written over 100 books and these have been published in sixteen languages. He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri. Adams' book Competent to Counsel launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.
This book offers resolved hope and triumph over all evil for the believer (whether met in our own sin, wrong done to us by others, or the evil forces at work in our world, in any and all areas of life)
"'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' Those words hardly sound like there is any place for self-pity or excuses. Surely they allow no place for defeatism. Defeated Christians (and there are far too many of them) think that their situation is beyond hope, that the wrongs done against them are too tough to handle, so they make excuses for defeat. Not only does this command bring with it the conviction that any such attitude is sin, but it also provides hope. If Christians follow the orders of our great General, rely upon the Spirit, and follow His example, they can fulfill every requirement He has laid upon them. Excuses in the Lord's army are never acceptable." pg 7
This small book is mostly geared towards those of us struggling with being mistreated by others. We maybe carrying a lot of anger, resentment and desire to revenge.
The core message from this passage of Scripture is spelt out in the final verse: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (v21) and Adams takes the reader through various ways of doing good.
I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book where Adams spends a lot of time reflecting on the spiritual war that is taking place all around us. We are in a war but we have the victory if we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and keep leaning on Him. I know in some of my own struggles, when I call out to Jesus, the load lessens immediately.
This is a very good resource for someone who may be struggling with a lot of anger or resentment.
I re-read this small pamphlet by Dr. Jay Adams (author of "Competent to Counsel") every few years. And I have handed out copies to many close friends. It is an excellent and encouraging book that serves as a reminder that sinful habits can indeed be changed. By the grace of Christ, we can in a few weeks undo years of habitual sinning through much prayer and other means of grace. I highly recommend this booklet to anyone who has habitual sin struggles!
Great booklet to Biblically deal with those who hate you. Great perspective and encouragement. Like going through a counseling session. Chapters are short so could be used devotionally. Focusus on passage in Romans 12. First half of the booklet was the best.
A very insightful deep-dive into Romans 12 and how the believer is to respond to evil against them. It was thought-provoking and convicting, but SO repetitive. A bit hard to finish honestly, but an encouragement to me nonetheless.
I found a reference to this book in Martha Peace's The Excellent Wife and thought it sounded very intriguing. I'm so glad I got it. I highly recommend it for thinking through the verse, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." A very worthwhile read and worthwhile to put into practice.
May have been the first Jay Adams book I've read. I think he has a lot of good stuff to say. With a lot of secular psychology floating around I've found it very helpful Adams' thoughts on how to apply the Bible to relationships.