How to Overcome Evil

by Jay E. Adams

Book by Adams, Jay Edward

Genres: Counselling, Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Nonfiction

120 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1978

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jen Eidsvoog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and practical. A great resource for anyone who has ever felt wronged by someone. This applies not only to your enemies but also to loved ones who have sinned against you.

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Corrin Sarquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Emerson Hernández · Rating 4 out of 5]

El autor plantea en este libro una verdad absoluta de cómo vencer el mal a través de Cristo Jesús, recomendado para su lectura.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a helpful gem of a book --one to re-read at least once a year!

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dry at times, but he is blunt/direct, just what I needed.

[Eric Durso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful.

[Ryan Ahlenius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe my favorite of Adam’s expositions. Personally convicting and a good counseling resource.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Adams gives practical advice in living out Romans 12 and God's command to 'as far as is possible with you, live in peace with all men.'

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adams takes the reader through Romans 12:14-21, giving very practical counsel and encouragement on overcoming evil with good.