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Daybreak: A Guide to Overcoming Temptation
"Sometimes the sun is more than just the sun and night is more than just night." The sun rose on Jacob after his wrestling match with God. A new day dawned and he had a new name to match his new life. A similar call for daybreak is made for Christians today: come out of the darkness and into God's marvelous light (1 Pet 2.9). As Christians, we must not live in the night. We have experienced our own daybreak and should walk in the light-but far too often, we find the darkness alluring. DAYBREAK examines the call to overcome temptation, a closer look at the enemy, and some practical principles for winning the battle with sin.
- GenresNonfictionReligion
112 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2013
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September 30, 2013
Daybreak: A Guide to Overcoming Temptation is not a groundbreaking book on helping Christians battle with the inevitable temptations that accompany the Christian life. However, it is one of the best and most succinct books that I have read on temptation. Nathan Ward does a fabulous job of biblically laying out how we as Christians should view temptations in light of the Gospel.
Chapter One lays out a call to holiness that is Gospel-centered, and really sets the tone for the rest of the book. If we want to hate sin and deal with it the way that God wants us to, then we must see sin as God does. Too often we are numbed by the worlds constant presentation of sin as not really being that bad, and we lose complete sight of the fact that sin was/is so wretchedly evil that it cost Jesus Christ His life on the cross to redeem us. Nathan talks about how sin is constantly fighting against us, trying to kill us, insulting to God, an affront to God's glory, and opposed to God's calling for our lives. Nathan then finishes up Chapter One with the How and Why to be holy using 1 Peter 1:13-19 as his scripture reference. The How to be holy deals with our mental preparation in being sober-minded, setting our hope firmly on God's grace, and being obedient as children The Why to be holy focuses on the power of Scripture in its call for our holiness, the fact that God Himself is holy, God is a righteous judge who will judge everyone according to their deeds so that should behoove us to be holy, and, finally, because we have been purchased by the blood of Christ.
Chapter Two deals with self-denial in the Christian life. Why do we sin, and why do we fail to overcome temptations, instead of living the holy life that we have been redeemed to live? What causes us to turn our backs on God's revealed will for our lives in His Word, and gratify the desires of our flesh? Nathan provides the answer in the second paragraph of this chapter when he says, "My biggest enemy is me." We ignore the promises of God in favor of the gratification of self, which is completely contrary to the Word of God. I loved this quote from CS Lewis that Nathan included in this chapter: "Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the seas. We are far too easily pleased." Nathan does an outstanding job of encouraging readers in their battle with sin and self by laying out how we can be successful by doing the following: deny self (Matthew 16:24-27), crucify self (Galatians 2:20), sacrifice self (Romans 12:1-2), and die to self (Romans 6:1-14). Nathan brings the chapter to a close with the following summation, "Christianity-and with it, defeating sin-is all about getting rid of self: self-denial, self-crucifxion, self-sacrifice, death to self. If we try to cling to our desires, our rights, and our entitlements, then we will constantly live a life of sin."
Chapter Three deals with our liberation from sin and our call to a new life in Christ using an exposition of Colossians 3:1-17. As Christians, we possess The Risen Life (vv 1-4), The Garments of the Grave (vv 5-11), and the Garments of Grace (vv 12-17). It is crucial as born-again believers that we deny our self (Chapter 2), but that we set our minds on things above (Chapter 3). An asceticism that only takes away, but never adds anything that is Christ-centered, is an unbiblical asceticism and something we should be adamantly against.
Chapter Four places the readers focus on our enemy, Satan. Just as a good coach watches film on his opponent to learn their nuances, weaknesses, tendencies, etc, we should be biblically aware of who Satan is, what motivates Satan to try and cause us to disobey God and sin, and how we can fight against him. Nathan divides this chapter up into the following: (1) Who is Satan? [providing a brief glimpse at the creation of Satan, how he fell Heaven, why he fell from Heaven, and what motivates him to do what he does]; (2) How Does Satan Tempt Us? [A brief exposition of The Fall is given to show how Satan tempted Eve in the Garden and how he continues to tempt mankind in much the same way]; (3) Why Does He Tempt Us? [Because he is totally opposed to God and anything that might honor God].
Chapter Five deals with the enemy of Self. The chapter is broken out into sections labeled: Implications Against Self, The Problem of Desire [desires of the flesh], and Toward a Solution [which stresses the need for every Christian to crucify self and it's desires and to focus on God and His desires for our life]. I loved this quote by Douglas Moo that Nathan includes in Chapter Five and think it sums up perfectly the point that Nathan wants to convey to readers of his book: "To be sure, as one develops more and more of a Christian's 'mind', the frequency and power of temptation should grow less. But temptation will be a part of our experience, as it was the experience of the Lord himself (Heb 2.18), throughout our time on earth. Christian maturity is not indicated by the infrequency of temptation but by the infrequency of succumbing to it."
Chapter 6 talks about Temptation in the believers life, and how we should gird ourselves up to battle against temptation BEFORE we are being bombarded with temptations. Nathan uses Psalm 101:2-3a as his text and exhorts his readers to have the following mindset: (1) I Will Ponder the Way That is Blameless [quit assuming that sin is a normal part of your life and go to war against it]; (2) I Will Walk with Integrity [resolve right now that you will walk in a way that is pure and blameless before the Lord in the power of His grace and do not waver from that mindset]; (3) I Will Not Set Before My Eyes Anything That Is Worthless [avoid tempting circumstances in your life by proactively identifying your weaknesses and avoiding them if at all possible]. The following quote is crucial for believers to read and understand as it pertains to temptation: "Temptation is not an extreme sport. Spiritual warfare is not about testing our courage. Battling Satan is not about pushing our limits. Our souls' well-being is not about seeing how much we can handle without going over the edge. The exact opposite is true: stay as far away from it as you can. Do everything within your power to avoid evil."
Chapter Seven talks about how to deal with temptations when they are actively present in our lives. To be tempted is not a sin in and of itself. However, giving into temptations those temptations is a sin...there is a difference and it is important to make sure that we are aware of that. Nathan tells us to: (1) Look to Christ [Heb 4.14-16]; (2) Look to Christians [help to bare each other's burdens and fulfill Gal 6.1]; (3) Look to Christianity [know, grow, and do the things that God has called you to do in His Word].
The final chapter, Chapter 8, talks about how the Christian should feel and respond after dealing with Temptation. We will have either been successful in our fight against temptation, and thus honored Christ by taking advantage of the "way of escape" provided by God. Or, we will have succumbed to the temptation, and thereby need to repent with godly sorrow and rejoice that we serve a God who is "slow to anger" and radically dispenses mercy to his repentant children.
Nathan's book is definitely a must-read for those wanting a succinct read on temptations in the lives of Christians, and how we can honor God through our fight against them.
I received this for free from Deward Publishing via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Chapter One lays out a call to holiness that is Gospel-centered, and really sets the tone for the rest of the book. If we want to hate sin and deal with it the way that God wants us to, then we must see sin as God does. Too often we are numbed by the worlds constant presentation of sin as not really being that bad, and we lose complete sight of the fact that sin was/is so wretchedly evil that it cost Jesus Christ His life on the cross to redeem us. Nathan talks about how sin is constantly fighting against us, trying to kill us, insulting to God, an affront to God's glory, and opposed to God's calling for our lives. Nathan then finishes up Chapter One with the How and Why to be holy using 1 Peter 1:13-19 as his scripture reference. The How to be holy deals with our mental preparation in being sober-minded, setting our hope firmly on God's grace, and being obedient as children The Why to be holy focuses on the power of Scripture in its call for our holiness, the fact that God Himself is holy, God is a righteous judge who will judge everyone according to their deeds so that should behoove us to be holy, and, finally, because we have been purchased by the blood of Christ.
Chapter Two deals with self-denial in the Christian life. Why do we sin, and why do we fail to overcome temptations, instead of living the holy life that we have been redeemed to live? What causes us to turn our backs on God's revealed will for our lives in His Word, and gratify the desires of our flesh? Nathan provides the answer in the second paragraph of this chapter when he says, "My biggest enemy is me." We ignore the promises of God in favor of the gratification of self, which is completely contrary to the Word of God. I loved this quote from CS Lewis that Nathan included in this chapter: "Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the seas. We are far too easily pleased." Nathan does an outstanding job of encouraging readers in their battle with sin and self by laying out how we can be successful by doing the following: deny self (Matthew 16:24-27), crucify self (Galatians 2:20), sacrifice self (Romans 12:1-2), and die to self (Romans 6:1-14). Nathan brings the chapter to a close with the following summation, "Christianity-and with it, defeating sin-is all about getting rid of self: self-denial, self-crucifxion, self-sacrifice, death to self. If we try to cling to our desires, our rights, and our entitlements, then we will constantly live a life of sin."
Chapter Three deals with our liberation from sin and our call to a new life in Christ using an exposition of Colossians 3:1-17. As Christians, we possess The Risen Life (vv 1-4), The Garments of the Grave (vv 5-11), and the Garments of Grace (vv 12-17). It is crucial as born-again believers that we deny our self (Chapter 2), but that we set our minds on things above (Chapter 3). An asceticism that only takes away, but never adds anything that is Christ-centered, is an unbiblical asceticism and something we should be adamantly against.
Chapter Four places the readers focus on our enemy, Satan. Just as a good coach watches film on his opponent to learn their nuances, weaknesses, tendencies, etc, we should be biblically aware of who Satan is, what motivates Satan to try and cause us to disobey God and sin, and how we can fight against him. Nathan divides this chapter up into the following: (1) Who is Satan? [providing a brief glimpse at the creation of Satan, how he fell Heaven, why he fell from Heaven, and what motivates him to do what he does]; (2) How Does Satan Tempt Us? [A brief exposition of The Fall is given to show how Satan tempted Eve in the Garden and how he continues to tempt mankind in much the same way]; (3) Why Does He Tempt Us? [Because he is totally opposed to God and anything that might honor God].
Chapter Five deals with the enemy of Self. The chapter is broken out into sections labeled: Implications Against Self, The Problem of Desire [desires of the flesh], and Toward a Solution [which stresses the need for every Christian to crucify self and it's desires and to focus on God and His desires for our life]. I loved this quote by Douglas Moo that Nathan includes in Chapter Five and think it sums up perfectly the point that Nathan wants to convey to readers of his book: "To be sure, as one develops more and more of a Christian's 'mind', the frequency and power of temptation should grow less. But temptation will be a part of our experience, as it was the experience of the Lord himself (Heb 2.18), throughout our time on earth. Christian maturity is not indicated by the infrequency of temptation but by the infrequency of succumbing to it."
Chapter 6 talks about Temptation in the believers life, and how we should gird ourselves up to battle against temptation BEFORE we are being bombarded with temptations. Nathan uses Psalm 101:2-3a as his text and exhorts his readers to have the following mindset: (1) I Will Ponder the Way That is Blameless [quit assuming that sin is a normal part of your life and go to war against it]; (2) I Will Walk with Integrity [resolve right now that you will walk in a way that is pure and blameless before the Lord in the power of His grace and do not waver from that mindset]; (3) I Will Not Set Before My Eyes Anything That Is Worthless [avoid tempting circumstances in your life by proactively identifying your weaknesses and avoiding them if at all possible]. The following quote is crucial for believers to read and understand as it pertains to temptation: "Temptation is not an extreme sport. Spiritual warfare is not about testing our courage. Battling Satan is not about pushing our limits. Our souls' well-being is not about seeing how much we can handle without going over the edge. The exact opposite is true: stay as far away from it as you can. Do everything within your power to avoid evil."
Chapter Seven talks about how to deal with temptations when they are actively present in our lives. To be tempted is not a sin in and of itself. However, giving into temptations those temptations is a sin...there is a difference and it is important to make sure that we are aware of that. Nathan tells us to: (1) Look to Christ [Heb 4.14-16]; (2) Look to Christians [help to bare each other's burdens and fulfill Gal 6.1]; (3) Look to Christianity [know, grow, and do the things that God has called you to do in His Word].
The final chapter, Chapter 8, talks about how the Christian should feel and respond after dealing with Temptation. We will have either been successful in our fight against temptation, and thus honored Christ by taking advantage of the "way of escape" provided by God. Or, we will have succumbed to the temptation, and thereby need to repent with godly sorrow and rejoice that we serve a God who is "slow to anger" and radically dispenses mercy to his repentant children.
Nathan's book is definitely a must-read for those wanting a succinct read on temptations in the lives of Christians, and how we can honor God through our fight against them.
I received this for free from Deward Publishing via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
October 7, 2013
Daybreak: A Guide to Overcoming Temptation
Review
Daybreak is a short little book about how to break the hold of temptation on a Christian’s life. Now to be totally honest, I hate self-help books. Loathe them. Which is ironic because I guess most “Christian Living” books could be considered self-help. I am much more a fan of books that are theological in nature that provide powerful application, which the Spirit in turn can use in my life. I am always skeptical of the “five steps to a more powerful prayer life” and the “three easy ways to energize your marriage”. But a healthy dose of skepticism is okay right? Okay, maybe I need to repent. Probably for my hypocrisy first.
Daybreak was a book I debated not reading, because it seemed to be a self-help book. But I am so glad I did read it. This book is a short book, eight chapters in just over 100 pages, that collects Nathan Ward a professor in Florida’s teachings on temptation. Specifically the book addresses our call to holiness, our enemies, and what temptation is and is not. It is an easily accessible book that covers all the main theological issues head on and with creativity. Several stories and analogies were meaningful to me. I was especially blessed as I read through the footnotes that Nathan Ward was constantly giving credit where it was due for any and all analogies or thoughts that were not his own. His humility was a breath of fresh air. (Yes I read the end notes in books, I am that guy). Overall the book had just enough depth to keep a seminary grad involved and just enough explanation to allow the average church-goer access as well. This is a well laid out book that covers an incredibly important topic in a very accessible way.
I give this book four and a half stars, and it is solely because of a problem I had with the discussion of our enemy, Satan. I felt that Nathan Ward made a little too much of Satan and his attacking us. Now maybe I missed his caveat statement, but countless times he talks about how we have to defeat Satan, and how Satan is coming after us. While this is true in that we are doing his bidding, Ward makes it sounds like each of us is being personally hounded by Satan. I know from reading elsewhere that he does not believe this, but as a stand-alone book this idea that Satan is attacking all of us is not explained. I wish he had continued his discussion from earlier in the book about our flesh and how our flesh rebels against us. Because really our flesh does all the work that Satan would do in our lives. So if one were to read the sections on temptation just substitute the word flesh in for Satan.
A great book, and well worth a read!
Review
Daybreak is a short little book about how to break the hold of temptation on a Christian’s life. Now to be totally honest, I hate self-help books. Loathe them. Which is ironic because I guess most “Christian Living” books could be considered self-help. I am much more a fan of books that are theological in nature that provide powerful application, which the Spirit in turn can use in my life. I am always skeptical of the “five steps to a more powerful prayer life” and the “three easy ways to energize your marriage”. But a healthy dose of skepticism is okay right? Okay, maybe I need to repent. Probably for my hypocrisy first.
Daybreak was a book I debated not reading, because it seemed to be a self-help book. But I am so glad I did read it. This book is a short book, eight chapters in just over 100 pages, that collects Nathan Ward a professor in Florida’s teachings on temptation. Specifically the book addresses our call to holiness, our enemies, and what temptation is and is not. It is an easily accessible book that covers all the main theological issues head on and with creativity. Several stories and analogies were meaningful to me. I was especially blessed as I read through the footnotes that Nathan Ward was constantly giving credit where it was due for any and all analogies or thoughts that were not his own. His humility was a breath of fresh air. (Yes I read the end notes in books, I am that guy). Overall the book had just enough depth to keep a seminary grad involved and just enough explanation to allow the average church-goer access as well. This is a well laid out book that covers an incredibly important topic in a very accessible way.
I give this book four and a half stars, and it is solely because of a problem I had with the discussion of our enemy, Satan. I felt that Nathan Ward made a little too much of Satan and his attacking us. Now maybe I missed his caveat statement, but countless times he talks about how we have to defeat Satan, and how Satan is coming after us. While this is true in that we are doing his bidding, Ward makes it sounds like each of us is being personally hounded by Satan. I know from reading elsewhere that he does not believe this, but as a stand-alone book this idea that Satan is attacking all of us is not explained. I wish he had continued his discussion from earlier in the book about our flesh and how our flesh rebels against us. Because really our flesh does all the work that Satan would do in our lives. So if one were to read the sections on temptation just substitute the word flesh in for Satan.
A great book, and well worth a read!
September 25, 2013
“But you are a chosen people, the King’s cohanim, a holy nation, a people for God to possess! Why? In order for you to declare the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (I Peter 2:9)
The comparison of light and darkness is found throughout Scripture, with light representing deliverance from bondage to sin and darkness in turn being reflective of sin still maintaining a stranglehold on one’s life. As noted in I Peter 2:9, as a chosen people, a royal cohanim or priesthood, we have been called out of the darkness and bondage of sin into the light found only through the shed blood of Christ. Unfortunately, we still live in a fallen world and thus the struggle against sin and the wiles of the enemy will continue until Christ returns. Dr. Nathan Ward, in his book Daybreak: A Guide to Overcoming Temptation, addresses ways in which believers can deal with temptation.
Self-help books abound on the bookshelves of not just Barnes and Noble but also Christian bookstores. Ten ways to be happy and successful or the way by which everyone can ensure each day of the week is a Friday tend to be the popular approach to important matters of living a godly life. Since living a godly life involves understanding how to deal with the fiery darts of temptation that are constantly lobbed our way by the enemy, it is refreshing to read a book such as Daybreak which takes a more clinical and biblical approach to the topic of temptation.
Ward divides his book essentially into three main parts, the first being an overview of the believer’s call to holiness, the second being an engagement of the enemy to include Satan and self, with the conclusion of the book focused on dealing specifically with the matter of temptation. In this final section, Ward provides sound biblical advice concerning temptation before, during, and after one’s fight with darkness in their life.
One element I truly appreciated about Ward’s book and overall approach was his focus on the need to understand our call as believers to be holy. Discussing this important matter from the outset really sets the stage for why temptation needs to be appropriately dealt with in the first place. It is one thing to know that temptation exists and that certain areas of our life will be used by the enemy to try and steal, kill, and destroy, especially since each one of us has some part of our life or perhaps more than one part of our life we struggle with more so than others. I am convinced there is not enough teaching on the matter of holiness, a principle rooted in the desire for God to have fellowship with us. Ward rightly notes “The requirement now is the same now as it was for the audience of Leviticus, who first received that calling to be God’s holy people. As we live our lives in hopeful anticipation of this salvation, we are given a task: holiness. This high calling of holiness is why it is so vital that we overcome temptation.”
Additionally, I appreciated Ward’s forthright approach to sin. There is no sugar coating the fact that sinful behavior is an affront to a holy God. Thus, those who are in love with their Creator will by definition desire to obey Him in all areas of their life. This means that dealing with sin and temptation will be something we will take seriously. Ward mentions several passages in the Old Testament where God referred to Israel who was at the time steeped in sinful behavior, as being akin to playing the role of the prostitute. This is very harsh language yet very appropriate. If we understood that playing around with sin is serious business and is the same as whoring after other husbands, we just might think twice about giving in to temptation or being nonchalant about our relationship with God.
Dr. Ward also does an excellent job of outlining the enemy’s playbook. Understanding the manner in which Satan tries to steer us away from a life of holiness is essential to in turn fully grasping the mechanism by which Scripture outlines how we are to engage in this intense spiritual battle. Ward aptly comments “Neither his aim nor his methods have changed in thousands of years.” In reality, why should he change his methods given he continually plays to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, the big three if you will that Adam and Eve succumbed to in the Garden. Just like the manner in which Satan tempted Eve, he continues to pour out his efforts to focus humanity on self rather than God. Our sinful flesh far too often shakes its ugly fist at God which results in sin. We are called to constantly crucify the flesh. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:24, “Moreover, those who belong to the Messiah Yeshua have put their old nature to death on the stake, along with its passions and desires.” This battle between the desires of the flesh and God’s commands formulates the crux of the battle.
So how does one deal with sin and temptation? Should we give in to the fact that temptation is simply a part of life and there is nothing we can do about it? Ward responds to such questions noting “Although the Bible paints a picture of us all being sinners, all being unholy, and all having failed in this regard, the Biblical concept is not of a defeatist attitude where we hopelessly resign ourselves to sin…We simply cannot resign ourselves to sinning without even fighting against it.” What then is the answer? Ward reminds the reader the answer lies in leaning on the One who is always faithful. The Apostle Paul, in I Corinthians 10:13 declares “No temptation has seized you beyond what people normally experience, and God can be trusted not to allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. On the contrary, along with the temptation he will also provide the way out, so that you will be able to endure.” There is nothing God allows to happen in our lives that He does not provide the means by which we can deal with that issue.
When we approach life with the knowledge that we can don the full armor of God which is fully capable of putting the hurt on an already defeated enemy, we will be better prepared to walk in holiness, to grasp the necessity to act with integrity towards our fellow man, to be aware of what we place before our eyes, and most importantly, to always look to Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith. In all the aforementioned matters, Ward provides the reader with a bevy of valuable methods by which to rest in Christ while recognizing the need to be engaged in the battle and to always be striving towards holiness through the grace of God.
Daybreak is a clarion call for the body of Christ to be the holy and chaste bride we are called to be throughout Scripture. This is not an easy fight as it will involve actively engaging the enemy by the power of the Holy Spirit working in the life of the believer. Understanding that we have been called from darkness and set free from the power of sin is vital to knowing what it means to bask in the light of God and His word. Dr. Ward provides a powerful tool for readers to have at their disposal to live a life of holiness, to understand who this spiritual battle is being fought against, and to live in victory through the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I received this book for free from DeWard Publishing Company via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The comparison of light and darkness is found throughout Scripture, with light representing deliverance from bondage to sin and darkness in turn being reflective of sin still maintaining a stranglehold on one’s life. As noted in I Peter 2:9, as a chosen people, a royal cohanim or priesthood, we have been called out of the darkness and bondage of sin into the light found only through the shed blood of Christ. Unfortunately, we still live in a fallen world and thus the struggle against sin and the wiles of the enemy will continue until Christ returns. Dr. Nathan Ward, in his book Daybreak: A Guide to Overcoming Temptation, addresses ways in which believers can deal with temptation.
Self-help books abound on the bookshelves of not just Barnes and Noble but also Christian bookstores. Ten ways to be happy and successful or the way by which everyone can ensure each day of the week is a Friday tend to be the popular approach to important matters of living a godly life. Since living a godly life involves understanding how to deal with the fiery darts of temptation that are constantly lobbed our way by the enemy, it is refreshing to read a book such as Daybreak which takes a more clinical and biblical approach to the topic of temptation.
Ward divides his book essentially into three main parts, the first being an overview of the believer’s call to holiness, the second being an engagement of the enemy to include Satan and self, with the conclusion of the book focused on dealing specifically with the matter of temptation. In this final section, Ward provides sound biblical advice concerning temptation before, during, and after one’s fight with darkness in their life.
One element I truly appreciated about Ward’s book and overall approach was his focus on the need to understand our call as believers to be holy. Discussing this important matter from the outset really sets the stage for why temptation needs to be appropriately dealt with in the first place. It is one thing to know that temptation exists and that certain areas of our life will be used by the enemy to try and steal, kill, and destroy, especially since each one of us has some part of our life or perhaps more than one part of our life we struggle with more so than others. I am convinced there is not enough teaching on the matter of holiness, a principle rooted in the desire for God to have fellowship with us. Ward rightly notes “The requirement now is the same now as it was for the audience of Leviticus, who first received that calling to be God’s holy people. As we live our lives in hopeful anticipation of this salvation, we are given a task: holiness. This high calling of holiness is why it is so vital that we overcome temptation.”
Additionally, I appreciated Ward’s forthright approach to sin. There is no sugar coating the fact that sinful behavior is an affront to a holy God. Thus, those who are in love with their Creator will by definition desire to obey Him in all areas of their life. This means that dealing with sin and temptation will be something we will take seriously. Ward mentions several passages in the Old Testament where God referred to Israel who was at the time steeped in sinful behavior, as being akin to playing the role of the prostitute. This is very harsh language yet very appropriate. If we understood that playing around with sin is serious business and is the same as whoring after other husbands, we just might think twice about giving in to temptation or being nonchalant about our relationship with God.
Dr. Ward also does an excellent job of outlining the enemy’s playbook. Understanding the manner in which Satan tries to steer us away from a life of holiness is essential to in turn fully grasping the mechanism by which Scripture outlines how we are to engage in this intense spiritual battle. Ward aptly comments “Neither his aim nor his methods have changed in thousands of years.” In reality, why should he change his methods given he continually plays to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, the big three if you will that Adam and Eve succumbed to in the Garden. Just like the manner in which Satan tempted Eve, he continues to pour out his efforts to focus humanity on self rather than God. Our sinful flesh far too often shakes its ugly fist at God which results in sin. We are called to constantly crucify the flesh. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:24, “Moreover, those who belong to the Messiah Yeshua have put their old nature to death on the stake, along with its passions and desires.” This battle between the desires of the flesh and God’s commands formulates the crux of the battle.
So how does one deal with sin and temptation? Should we give in to the fact that temptation is simply a part of life and there is nothing we can do about it? Ward responds to such questions noting “Although the Bible paints a picture of us all being sinners, all being unholy, and all having failed in this regard, the Biblical concept is not of a defeatist attitude where we hopelessly resign ourselves to sin…We simply cannot resign ourselves to sinning without even fighting against it.” What then is the answer? Ward reminds the reader the answer lies in leaning on the One who is always faithful. The Apostle Paul, in I Corinthians 10:13 declares “No temptation has seized you beyond what people normally experience, and God can be trusted not to allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. On the contrary, along with the temptation he will also provide the way out, so that you will be able to endure.” There is nothing God allows to happen in our lives that He does not provide the means by which we can deal with that issue.
When we approach life with the knowledge that we can don the full armor of God which is fully capable of putting the hurt on an already defeated enemy, we will be better prepared to walk in holiness, to grasp the necessity to act with integrity towards our fellow man, to be aware of what we place before our eyes, and most importantly, to always look to Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith. In all the aforementioned matters, Ward provides the reader with a bevy of valuable methods by which to rest in Christ while recognizing the need to be engaged in the battle and to always be striving towards holiness through the grace of God.
Daybreak is a clarion call for the body of Christ to be the holy and chaste bride we are called to be throughout Scripture. This is not an easy fight as it will involve actively engaging the enemy by the power of the Holy Spirit working in the life of the believer. Understanding that we have been called from darkness and set free from the power of sin is vital to knowing what it means to bask in the light of God and His word. Dr. Ward provides a powerful tool for readers to have at their disposal to live a life of holiness, to understand who this spiritual battle is being fought against, and to live in victory through the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I received this book for free from DeWard Publishing Company via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 9, 2013
Have you ever been in that place where you have given in? To temptation? To sin? Or maybe you know someone who you see falling into temptation again and again. We wonder - how can this happen ? We have this amazing truth; we have this wonderful, merciful and grace full Saviour - So how can anyone possibly turn around and give in to sin after having all this revealed to them?
Having been washed in the watery grave of baptism; having received the infilling of the Holy Ghost I know all too well that it does not end there. At no point when we are born again does life become "easy street". In fact if remember correctly, my life got more challenging after I was born again. It seemed in some cases that there was more around every corner to tempt me than ever before.
And having people in my life who were not born again, who did not have the revelation that I had - well that only complicates things all the more. To friends we used to party with suddenly we gave up alcohol, we stopped smoking; we changed our dress and maybe we gave up all that profanity. We are different than before. And they wonder if we are trapped, following some church's crazy rules. Because frankly most of Christianity is so watered down; many churches barely preach sin or if they do it is "a sanitized view" of sin, as says Nathan Ward in Daybreak - A Guide to Overcoming Temptation.
This is a little book but one that grabs you. Lots to contemplate as you read too. I admit to being rather surprised at all the questions, all the scripture - the many gems within this book that really made me think about my sin. And the things that tempt me. Where am I? Am I overcoming?
"God doesn't want us to be happy so much as He wants us to be crucified." I have heard this said another way too; that God wants us not happy, but holy."
What does it mean to be crucified? Why is it so important? We hae to understand the denial of self; the sacrifice of self. We have to know that our worst enemy is not Satan at all; it our our own self. If we do not know ourselves well enough; if we are not honest with ourself, our walk is likely to be more often in the flesh than in the Spirit. Point being, e need to not just believe, but to KNOW that He doesn't want any thing from us. He just wants us. Ad for us to follow Him we must be willing t give up everything we own and everything we are, trusting Him to provide a way that is greater. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (Gal 2:20).
So what about Satan? First of all we need to understand that God is God alone; there is none other. Satan does not have the power to do anything that God has not already allowed him to do. Let's take some of that power away from Satan; remember self? It is far more damaging to us than Satan can be in any ways. If we go back to the Garden, where Satan first tempted man, we must remember that "Eve chose to think of what she could not have rather than thinking of all the good things she was blessed with." How many of us can understand this? Haven't we all fallen for this at some point? We want something new, something better. That temptation stares us right in the face and we forget the blessings we have feeling a desperate "need" fr that which we do not have. Until we have it. And something new comes to tempt us. We desire and feel the need to provide for ourselves; suddenly we distrust God's word. We maybe question, or forget, His promises to us. And we fall. Do you see how important it is for us to have that firm foundation> To know His word and have it hidden in our heart? Barclay says, "every man is a walking Civil War....pulled in two directions...if temptation truck no answering chord than temptation would not be temptation."
We need to control our desires. We need to listen to God and not self. Let us go to His word when we are feeling a need. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for he shall receive the crown of life...let no one say "I am tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one...But each is tempted when he is lured and enticed y his own desires...desire gives birth to sin and sin when grown brings forth death (James 1:12-15).
It is a battle. We are in a war. We need to remember that. And we need to plan ahead. Be a prepper if you will. Let us not forget how revolting sin is; nor that we are alone in our fight against sin. There are numerous examples of those in the pages of God's word, who fought sin. From their playbook we can learn how to prepare for the battle before it strikes. We can better understand how and why we are tempted. Have we already determined to sin? Is our attitude one of defeat or are we sure of the victory we have in Christ? Have we set anything unworthy before our eyes; are we walking in integrity?
What would Jesus do? Its cheesy but there is much we can gain by considering this when trials come our way. Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16). Let us be prayerful in all things. Let us have a plan; who we shall call and where we shall turn when temptation comes our way. And not just for ourselves. We all know others who struggle with sin; some who continue to lose the battle again and again. As Stott says " it's too easy to pray sometimes with some perserverance for some of God's people....to replace some with all...introduces us to a new dimension of prayer." Much like being called to love your enemies and to pray for them that do wrong to you. The challenge comes in looking beyond ones sin and shining the truth of God's word on the lie that sin is. See it for what is it; expose it and it cannot live.
Let us never forget, in any trial we face; He will provide a way of escape. It may not look the way we think it should but it will be there. Let us know it. Let us grow in it. And let us do it. Look to Christ, our example, our advocate, our Lord and Saviour...And we shall never fall.
This is how we overcome. :-)
Having been washed in the watery grave of baptism; having received the infilling of the Holy Ghost I know all too well that it does not end there. At no point when we are born again does life become "easy street". In fact if remember correctly, my life got more challenging after I was born again. It seemed in some cases that there was more around every corner to tempt me than ever before.
And having people in my life who were not born again, who did not have the revelation that I had - well that only complicates things all the more. To friends we used to party with suddenly we gave up alcohol, we stopped smoking; we changed our dress and maybe we gave up all that profanity. We are different than before. And they wonder if we are trapped, following some church's crazy rules. Because frankly most of Christianity is so watered down; many churches barely preach sin or if they do it is "a sanitized view" of sin, as says Nathan Ward in Daybreak - A Guide to Overcoming Temptation.
This is a little book but one that grabs you. Lots to contemplate as you read too. I admit to being rather surprised at all the questions, all the scripture - the many gems within this book that really made me think about my sin. And the things that tempt me. Where am I? Am I overcoming?
"God doesn't want us to be happy so much as He wants us to be crucified." I have heard this said another way too; that God wants us not happy, but holy."
What does it mean to be crucified? Why is it so important? We hae to understand the denial of self; the sacrifice of self. We have to know that our worst enemy is not Satan at all; it our our own self. If we do not know ourselves well enough; if we are not honest with ourself, our walk is likely to be more often in the flesh than in the Spirit. Point being, e need to not just believe, but to KNOW that He doesn't want any thing from us. He just wants us. Ad for us to follow Him we must be willing t give up everything we own and everything we are, trusting Him to provide a way that is greater. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (Gal 2:20).
So what about Satan? First of all we need to understand that God is God alone; there is none other. Satan does not have the power to do anything that God has not already allowed him to do. Let's take some of that power away from Satan; remember self? It is far more damaging to us than Satan can be in any ways. If we go back to the Garden, where Satan first tempted man, we must remember that "Eve chose to think of what she could not have rather than thinking of all the good things she was blessed with." How many of us can understand this? Haven't we all fallen for this at some point? We want something new, something better. That temptation stares us right in the face and we forget the blessings we have feeling a desperate "need" fr that which we do not have. Until we have it. And something new comes to tempt us. We desire and feel the need to provide for ourselves; suddenly we distrust God's word. We maybe question, or forget, His promises to us. And we fall. Do you see how important it is for us to have that firm foundation> To know His word and have it hidden in our heart? Barclay says, "every man is a walking Civil War....pulled in two directions...if temptation truck no answering chord than temptation would not be temptation."
We need to control our desires. We need to listen to God and not self. Let us go to His word when we are feeling a need. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for he shall receive the crown of life...let no one say "I am tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one...But each is tempted when he is lured and enticed y his own desires...desire gives birth to sin and sin when grown brings forth death (James 1:12-15).
It is a battle. We are in a war. We need to remember that. And we need to plan ahead. Be a prepper if you will. Let us not forget how revolting sin is; nor that we are alone in our fight against sin. There are numerous examples of those in the pages of God's word, who fought sin. From their playbook we can learn how to prepare for the battle before it strikes. We can better understand how and why we are tempted. Have we already determined to sin? Is our attitude one of defeat or are we sure of the victory we have in Christ? Have we set anything unworthy before our eyes; are we walking in integrity?
What would Jesus do? Its cheesy but there is much we can gain by considering this when trials come our way. Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16). Let us be prayerful in all things. Let us have a plan; who we shall call and where we shall turn when temptation comes our way. And not just for ourselves. We all know others who struggle with sin; some who continue to lose the battle again and again. As Stott says " it's too easy to pray sometimes with some perserverance for some of God's people....to replace some with all...introduces us to a new dimension of prayer." Much like being called to love your enemies and to pray for them that do wrong to you. The challenge comes in looking beyond ones sin and shining the truth of God's word on the lie that sin is. See it for what is it; expose it and it cannot live.
Let us never forget, in any trial we face; He will provide a way of escape. It may not look the way we think it should but it will be there. Let us know it. Let us grow in it. And let us do it. Look to Christ, our example, our advocate, our Lord and Saviour...And we shall never fall.
This is how we overcome. :-)
December 22, 2025
A simple and applicable book on the concept of temptation.
October 14, 2013
In Daybreak, Nathan Ward observed that many people are wavering when it comes to viewing their own sin and they tend to overlook their sins. They might not really believe their sin is such a big deal. Self-denial is the biggest failure of why we struggle against overcoming temptation. Nathan Ward stated God views sin way different than we currently do. It’s crucial to remember sin is extremely insulting to God and we’re called to live a life of holiness. He breaks down the key truths found in 1 Peter 1:13-19 and shared “how to be holy” and “why to be holy”. We are commanded to be obedience to God and to be holy like Him. When Jesus shed His blood on the cross for our sins we were bought with a Heavenly sacrifice and this leads to salvation being possible. Nathan Ward looked at three main aspects in resisting and fleeting from temptations: “The Call”, “The Enemy”, and “Temptation”.
Nathan Ward explored the strategies of our adversary and enemy, satan. The devil certainly loves to continue deceiving us and the majority of the time, he uses the same tactics since the beginning of time. Satan condemned Eve by asking her a question and making her doubt what God had declared about the forbidden tree. He manipulated and confused her thinking and she began to wonder about the tree. Satan told Eve that she wouldn’t die if she ate from the tree and they she would be like God. Nathan pointed out Adam and Eve was already like God and they were freely walking and talking with Him. But satan deceived her and she began to long and crave for something tasty from the tree. Many of us are still falling for his terrible schemes and deteriorating into temptations.
One of my favorite chapters was “Temptation: In the Fray”. When we are facing a temptation, Nathan Ward encouraged readers to follow how Jesus endured being tempted by satan in the wilderness and practice these same principles to obtain victory in their own battles. Jesus was fasting from food for 40 days and nights and Satan demanded Jesus to turn stones in bread. Jesus answered back that man should live out of the written Word of God. A significant statement Nathan pointed out was believers must realize that telling satan no one time isn’t going to make him run and hide forever. As long as we are on Earth, we will have to combat and repel temptation. Jesus used scripture to defend and conquer against the schemes of the enemy.
I would recommend this astounding book on overpowering temptations to anyone who is struggling with any type of temptations and they are seeking to discover freedom from satan’s power. I believe, Nathan’s stance on actually deciding ahead of time that you will display integrity before you are in the battle of temptation will ultimately assist readers in obtaining liberty. I also liked how he included numerous scripture references and stories to back up the critical essential in fighting against temptations. I immensely enjoyed the inevitably feature of using scripture to attack satan and to weaken his effect and control over our lives. I felt Nathan Ward did a prodigious job in clarifying satan’s schemes and enlightening his intentional strategies in harming believers. I commend Nathan Ward in writing such a life enhancing guide in overcoming temptations. If you’re struggling with temptations, then read this book!
“I received this book for free from Cross Focused Reviews / DeWard Publishing Company for this review”.
Nathan Ward explored the strategies of our adversary and enemy, satan. The devil certainly loves to continue deceiving us and the majority of the time, he uses the same tactics since the beginning of time. Satan condemned Eve by asking her a question and making her doubt what God had declared about the forbidden tree. He manipulated and confused her thinking and she began to wonder about the tree. Satan told Eve that she wouldn’t die if she ate from the tree and they she would be like God. Nathan pointed out Adam and Eve was already like God and they were freely walking and talking with Him. But satan deceived her and she began to long and crave for something tasty from the tree. Many of us are still falling for his terrible schemes and deteriorating into temptations.
One of my favorite chapters was “Temptation: In the Fray”. When we are facing a temptation, Nathan Ward encouraged readers to follow how Jesus endured being tempted by satan in the wilderness and practice these same principles to obtain victory in their own battles. Jesus was fasting from food for 40 days and nights and Satan demanded Jesus to turn stones in bread. Jesus answered back that man should live out of the written Word of God. A significant statement Nathan pointed out was believers must realize that telling satan no one time isn’t going to make him run and hide forever. As long as we are on Earth, we will have to combat and repel temptation. Jesus used scripture to defend and conquer against the schemes of the enemy.
I would recommend this astounding book on overpowering temptations to anyone who is struggling with any type of temptations and they are seeking to discover freedom from satan’s power. I believe, Nathan’s stance on actually deciding ahead of time that you will display integrity before you are in the battle of temptation will ultimately assist readers in obtaining liberty. I also liked how he included numerous scripture references and stories to back up the critical essential in fighting against temptations. I immensely enjoyed the inevitably feature of using scripture to attack satan and to weaken his effect and control over our lives. I felt Nathan Ward did a prodigious job in clarifying satan’s schemes and enlightening his intentional strategies in harming believers. I commend Nathan Ward in writing such a life enhancing guide in overcoming temptations. If you’re struggling with temptations, then read this book!
“I received this book for free from Cross Focused Reviews / DeWard Publishing Company for this review”.
October 8, 2013
Sometimes the sun is more than just the sun and night is more than just night." The sun rose on Jacob after his wrestling match with God. A new day dawned and he had a new name to match his new life. A similar call for daybreak is made for Christians today: come out of the darkness and into God's marvelous light (1 Pet 2.9). As Christians, we must not live in the night. We have experienced our own daybreak and should walk in the light-but far too often, we find the darkness alluring. DAYBREAK examines the call to overcome temptation, a closer look at the enemy, and some practical principles for winning the battle with sin.
I really enjoyed this book, it's important to remember that we are to be shining lights, reflecting Him, the one who made us. The darkness is where evil and sin hides, when God shines His light the sin is exposed. This book is aptly titled. Nathan Ward, in this book discusses what holiness is, who our enemy is (both Satan and ourselves). Mr. Ward also covers the topic of temptation.
I feel this book is a good tool for new believers, or if you are discipling someone, or maybe someone who is having trouble defeating temptations.
I received this book free from www.crossfocusedreviews.com . I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Cross Focused Media, LLC
I really enjoyed this book, it's important to remember that we are to be shining lights, reflecting Him, the one who made us. The darkness is where evil and sin hides, when God shines His light the sin is exposed. This book is aptly titled. Nathan Ward, in this book discusses what holiness is, who our enemy is (both Satan and ourselves). Mr. Ward also covers the topic of temptation.
I feel this book is a good tool for new believers, or if you are discipling someone, or maybe someone who is having trouble defeating temptations.
I received this book free from www.crossfocusedreviews.com . I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Cross Focused Media, LLC
October 14, 2013
The million dollar question when becoming a Christian is do I want to give up sin. How do I view sin. Jesus has done the work on the cross for my forgiveness of sin and it is finished, however, do I cling to my sin or to Christ. Do I rely in faith on what Christ has done? Do I remain in the darkness or do I seek the daybreak? If these words reasonate with you, you may want to pick up this short study on temptation. We all are tempted and being tempted is not a sin, however, giving into our desires can lead us away from God. The eight chapters teach on our calling of holiness, self-denial and new life. Who our enemies are which includes self and the three last chapters dealing with temptation itself. It is laid out foundationally so that we have a grasp of the importantance of dealing with temptation. It is intentional. It is also life changing.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
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