The Overcoming Life

by Dwight L. Moody

Are you an overcomer? Or, are you plagued by little sins that easily beset you? Even worse, are you failing in your Christian walk, but refuse to admit and address it? No Christian can afford to dismiss the call to be an overcomer. The earthly cost is minor; the eternal reward is beyond measure.

Dwight L. Moody is a master at unearthing what ails us. He uses stories and humor to bring to light the essential principles of successful Christian living. Each aspect of overcoming is looked at from a practical and understandable angle. The solution Moody presents for our problems is not religion, rules, or other outward corrections. Instead, he takes us to the heart of the matter and prescribes biblical, God-given remedies for every Christian's life. Get ready to embrace genuine victory for today, and joy for eternity.

Inward topics include:
• Temper
• Appetite
• Envy
• Pride
• The Flesh

External topics include:
• The World
• Business
• Persecution
• Our Children

Updated, Modern English Edition

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality, Classics

127 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1896

About the author

Dwight Lyman Moody was a predominant evangelist, author, and publisher. Raised on a farm in Massachusetts, he moved first to Boston, where he converted to evangelical Christianity in 1856, and then to Chicago, where he prospered in business. He gave up business in 1860 and engaged in missionary work with the YMCA (1861-73).

He founded Moody Church and preached in the slums, emphasizing literal interpretation of the Bible and the need to prepare for the Second Coming. In 1870 he teamed up with the hymn writer Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908), and they began a series of highly popular revival tours in Britain and the U.S. Moody founded the Northfield School (1879), the Mount Hermon School (1881), and the Chicago Bible Institute (1889; now the Moody Bible Institute).

Reviews

[Jason Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this excellent book as a Goodreads First-Reads giveaway!

If you're tired of contemporary messages that are watered down by culture and feel-good "self-help" inspiration and contain very little Gospel, you must read some D.L. Moody. This is the way preachers used to get it done, when the message was about bringing people to Jesus and "inspiring" them to follow Him in obedience and in love.

I deeply appreciate D.L. Moody's simple, but convicting way of delivering the Gospel. Reading his words made me long for something that has been lost in a lot of churches in America today: true, Biblical power preached in such a way that it inspires those who hear it and brings them to the feet of Jesus. I wouldn't call Moody's preaching old-fashioned because that would suggest the messages are dated and not applicable to our lives today. No, this message, like the Word that inspired it, is universal, timeless, and applicable to the walk of every Christian struggling to maintain their identity in Christ in a word that rejects Him.

Read this, let its message sink in. Be changed by Moody's powerful prose and divinely inspired directions. This will be a message that will stick with you.

[Diamond Cowboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book on the life of a Christian after he or she accepts Jesus as his or her savior. The author explains that it is just the beginning of our salvation not the end. We must do good deeds because of our salvation not to obtain it, however.
He explains the importants of how to conduct our lives in a good manner to set an example for others who are looking at us. People tend to judge Christianity by the actions of the followers of Christ.
I highly recommend this book to those who have just accepted Christ into their lives, and to those who are thinking about their own salvation.

[Laurie DelaCruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I want to read the rest of the books in this series! Highly recommend for any Christian looking to be challenged in her walk with the Lord. It reads like you're listening to him preach, and I feel like I would have loved that.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dwight L. Moody wrote The Overcoming Life in 1886 to encourage Christians in their spiritual warfare against sin, self and the world. He lays the groundwork for the book with several statements: "It is folly for any man to attempt to fight in his own strength. The world, the flesh, and the devil are too much for any man. But if we are linked to Christ by faith, then we shall get the victory over every enemy." (p.5) And, "My friend, you and I have got a terrible enemy to contend with. Don't let Satan deceive you. Unless you are spiritually dead, it means warfare." (p. 9)

First he addresses internal foes (pride, uncontrolled appetites, envy, etc.) because "an enemy inside the fort is far more dangerous than one outside." Then he talks about outer enemies such as persecution and worldly pleasures. Sprinkled throughout are homespun illustrations.

I am used to the eloquent writings of A.W. Tozer and Andrew Murray, but really enjoyed D.L. Moody's more down-to-earth prose. He is solidly biblical.

[Hazel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear. Okay here goes...

In my opinion(!), this book has one or two good points within 3.5 hours of repetitive, sanctimonious snobbery, dressed up as biblical humility. IN MY OPINION. Don't come for me... I will cry.

Moody espouses extreme biblical literalism with no room for interpretation. He waxes lyrical about humility then spends most of the book expressing condescending judgement on... everyone? And heaven forbid you've ever even glanced at a glass of wine because this guy is obsessed with the whole non-Christian world being alcoholics. The logical fallacies and dishonest arguments are abundant. I lost track of how many "tragically early deathbed" stories he uses to instil fear into parents to convince them to indoctrinate their children by whatever means necessary.

A genuinely awful book. In my opinion.

[Joshua Terada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by D.L. Moody, and I was deeply impacted as a believer and inspired as a preacher. The truths presented are timeless and just as relevant today as when they were first written. It’s not just because Moody is brilliant, but because this book is a powerful and beautiful presentation of the Bible. He reminds me a bit of C.S. Lewis in the way he brings profound biblical truths down to earth with simple phrases and relatable stories. While C.S. Lewis uses vivid word imagery and creativity to illustrate these truths, D.L. Moody delivers them through clear, concise sentences and everyday examples, bringing eternal concepts to life. As I read Moody I can’t help but think of what the Gospel Mark comments about Jesus, “…and the common man heard Him gladly.” That same Holy Spirit speaks clearly through this book in like manner. I will definitely be reading this again.

[Adrienne Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moody is amazing

His gracious humility and friendliness pour out on every page. Though he lived over 100 years ago his books are totally relevant today and offer a lot of comfort and inspiration.

[A C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that will push you to your knees.

[Ashlee Schmidt]

“When Christ has first place in your heart, you will have victory.”

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Aneko Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

One of the hallmarks of classic writings that is true for Christian classics as well is the way that great books are in a great conversation with each other. In this late 19th century work, D.L. Moody makes references to the passing nature of fame by looking at what had happened within the last 50 years or so regarding the revival before the American Civil War and the loss of fame for Napoleon III after his disastrous defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, and this book also mentions and engages in a dialogue with a couple of other noted and well-regarded Christian classics in the Confessions of Augustine [1] and Paul Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress [2]. Yet even though this book is clearly a part of its time, like any classic work it speaks powerfully to our own time as well. In particular, this book is a powerful and timeless antidote to the popular and undemanding ragamuffin gospels [3] of our times that provide no encouragement for Christians to live a victorious life against the sin that so easily ensnares us all. For that reason alone this book is a superb and worthwhile addition to one's library of Christian classics, aside from its historical value as being a masterwork from one of the late 19th century's foremost American religious writers.

This book manages to pack a sizable punch in a short 120 pages. The author begins with a discussion of the Christian's warfare, and one expects Moody to go deep into demonology and blame Satan, but instead the author puts a mirror in front of ourselves, starting us right off the bat with a realization of the internal warfare Christians are engaged in against our own fallen human nature and our own warped and bent desires. After two chapters on this topic, the Moody moves on to a discussion of external foes, and then a moving call to repentance on the part of believers, and a recognition that repentance is not merely a one-time act but a continual struggle. After this Moody takes on the subject of Noah's ark and the reality of God's grace even mixed with His judgment. Of interest here is the way that Moody feels it necessary to defend the historicity of Noah and the Ark from the attack of the cognoscenti of his day, proving our culture wars over biblical history in Genesis [4] are not a new phenomenon at all. The author then discusses the gifts of grace and closes the book with a discussion on the seven "I wills" of scripture, turning what had begun as a call to self-examination and repentance into a renewed statement of purpose for godly and holy living among believers. The book is a deserved classic.

Despite the brevity of the book, it serves as a tight and well-organized discussion of matters of importance for believers. The author turns to history and the accounts of believers in biblical times and earlier Christian centuries, turns to more recent history in the United States and Europe, and manages to make a stirring call to repentance. Part of the reason for this is that he puts himself under the microscope and comments that the being he has the most trouble with is Dwight L. Moody, namely himself. By looking at his own struggles as being a microcosm of the common struggles of humanity, Moody manages to create in this book a similar effect to that in the middle chapters of Romans from the Apostle Paul, a desire for believers to be victorious over sin, a recognition of his own intense struggles, and a desire to see his people repent from their wicked ways and begin the long struggle against the "old man" which must be put to death continually by believers over the course of a lifetime spent being transformed into the image and likeness of God through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, that is a message that remains important for Christians to keep in mind at all times for all time.

[1] https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...

[2] https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...

[3] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

[4] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a stark difference in what one will find in a book named "The overcoming life" written in the late 19th century and a book written in the 21st century with the same title. This one is the better of the two.

[Aaron Kleinheksel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first chance to actually read something of D.L. Moody. Moody was not a seminary-trained theologian, but he knew his Bible and spent a very substantial part of his time studying it - and it comes through in his writing style, which is very accessible to the average Christian. From everything I know about D.L. Moody, that is exactly how he would have it. I would in fact wager few "credentialed" theologians could surpass Moody in depth of understanding regarding God's Word.

The book is called the Overcoming Life, but it is really a collection of topics arranged in chapters on which Moody expounds in an almost homiletic fashion. Anyone interested can see what those are, but I was very gratified that one of those subjects was humility, which is a (the?) primary Christian virtue far too often overlooked in the church. Most or all of these topics do concern a successful Christian walk, of course, and so the title of the book remains very pertinent.

Moody is liberal w/ his use of anecdotes throughout this short book, and while almost always helpful to whatever point he is trying to make, they are also almost always mercifully relevant even over 100 years after this book was written.

Of particular conviction to me in this reading was his exhortation to all Christians (when fishing for men) to not neglect to "pull in the net" after casting it out.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fantastic. Of course it is. D.L. Moody is one of the most endearing and amazing evangelists of all time; probably the greatest American, and one of the greatest in the world. We need another D.L. Moody.

A complaint would be the lack of theology. The Bible is lacking in much of the writing, and it rests heavily on D.L. personal experiences or stories. Not that that is a bad thing (the introduction makes it clear that this was never meant to be a study in theology), it just makes the book hard to place. Anyone could have written this; what carries the book is the man who wrote it.

Much of what he says is fantastic. The "borderline" legalism is fantastic and should be preached from our pulpits. His comments on converting families not children. His heartfelt plea to see souls won for Christ is awesome.

Some of it is largely forgettable. The man is more impressive than the writing, and most of the material can be found just about anywhere. It's not bad, it is simply nothing new. D.L was an evangelist, he won MILLIONS of people to Christ. It was worth reading this small book to get even a taste of who he must have been.

I recommend finding a biography on Moody. Even ones for children will shed a lot of light on a really cool life.

[Nicholas Seders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pastoral and Practical
The first four chapters really resonated with me. Honestly - just excellent stuff! I did begin to feel lost when he turned to Noah's Ark; I felt as though he veered from the point, and never really found his way back. That's not to say the second half of the book wasn't practical! I just didn't find the thoughts to be as clearly organized as they could have been.
Another thing worth mentioning is the style. The book reads as a sermon sounds, in structure and in content. It's tone is pastoral, layered with anecdotes and cross references. Again, not to say this is a bad thing; after all, Moody was one of his generation's most effective preachers! I just thought an interested reader might like to know that it reads like a sermon transcript.

[Jill Holler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such practical wisdom. I loved this book; it made me want to live more obediently to Christ.

[richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Overcoming Life ~ D. L. Moody

⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

D. L. Moody was a wonderful man of God whom was used for God's glory. In this book Mr Moody sets out to share how we can overcome this life (living in the fullness of God). He has many practical ways for us to do that, basically he says that most Christians have settled for a life that isn't overcoming, a life that thinks the crown is already won and so we need to sit back and do nothing because Christ did it all. He then tells us how we must overcome and to realise that we are in a battle. He says when we come to faith that's like registering in the army, but after that the real battle begins and so we must learn how to take up the weapons of faith and put them into practice.

Anything from D. L. Moody is worth reading and profitable for the Christian believer, He may have died many many years ago, but His voice is clear and still active to all those who have ears and want to progress in the Christian faith.

[Cynthia Prosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been interested in reading one of Moody's works for awhile now because my Grandfather was a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. I know a little about Moody through biographic blurbs I've come across over the years, so I came to this book prepared to like it and I did. I was surprised to find the writing so approachable and easy to follow. So often historic theologians write on a difficult and serious level but this book seemed much more conversational in tone. The topics are presented in a straightforward manner and the chapters are broken down with sub-headings that help you keep the topic organized in your head so you can follow the subject of the chapters as well as the overall theme of the book. While that book would work well with youth/young Christians, there is enough depth that older Christians will find it of use also. I found it to be extremely encouraging.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enriching book!

I enjoyed this book immensely and will definitely read, and re-read it many more times, until the message within its pages has become a part of me, body and soul.

D L Moody was an interesting man and an amazing Christian. He looked deeply into the Word of God to see what the fundamentals of a life lived for Christ would entail and then created this book in order to share his understanding of what is required for the overcoming life of a Christian.

We all owe it to God, and His Son Jesus Christ to give our very best effort to bring others to Christ, and to overcome any obstacle that stands between us and that accomplishment. This book gives us the skills and guidance to help us to do just that.

[Musings of a Middle-aged Mum · Rating 4 out of 5]

D L Moody is one of those names who are renowned for their writings and preaching as an evangelist. Though I don't know much about him as a person, I know the name is considered one of the greats of olden times (yes, I know so little that before reading the wiki link I had no idea what era he lived in!) and that as a Christian, I should at least read some of his works.

This book is very straight-talking. Moody pulls no punches when talking about sin and how it affects us. He does use humour and anecdotes to explain and help convey his meaning, so though it is a blunt book, it didn't feel like he was being accusatory or holier-than-thou.

Being written in the 19th Century, it is written in old English, and all Bible references are from the King James Version, so though it is updated, the language isn't. The other thing that stood out to me, was Moody's damnation of alcohol, and drinking at all. I'm guessing that is part of the social context, as reading about prohibition on wiki, there was a societal movement against alcohol before prohibition became law in the early 20th century. As a Christian who does drink alcohol, I don't agree that we need to abstain entirely, but if it is a problem to you as an individual, then it is certainly wise to not drink.

Overall, though, I'm glad I read the book, and am more inclined to read other books by Moody, or other evangelists of the time (eg Spurgeon).

[Holly Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book! A very well- focused book about overcoming our life is a bountiful and resourceful way to be aware that God is our way to guide us and help us confess what is inside of us to cleanse or repent and cast all of our worries to the Lord. This book helps us to know that God comes to save us; not rejecting us. He wants each of us to know we can can overcome our difficulties in life that God is already there for us. I like this book because in my own awakening, I would like to call it as my “cleaning” prayer because of a lot of discipleship in controlling my mind, my body, and my soul.

Holly

[Paige Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short but powerful book that offers a serious heart-check regarding the state of your Christian walk. There is a reason Mr Moody was one of the most successful preachers of all time - his words carry the Spirit’s power and if you let them, they will be the catalyst God uses to transform you. Highly recomend!

Favorite Quote: “The reason that many a man has no power is that there is some cursed sin covered up. There will not be a drop of dew until that sin is brought to light. Get right inside. Then we can go out like giants and conquer the world if everything is right within.”

[Ave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read

"The Overcoming Life" to achieve that overcoming life, we have to be born of God and overcome the world and that is the victory, even our faith as stated in 1 John 5: 4-5. The fist chapter is titled "Christian's Warfare". In order for us to be victorious we have to engage in spiritual battles. The author touches on topics that are relevant to achieve this overcoming life.
I would recommend this to new converts and all believers in Christ.

[ricky r rachal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeking a true relationship with Christ

I thoroughly enjoyed the teaching of Mr. Moody. As a student of Christ, I think the writing and teaching of Mr.Moody transcends time about the personship of Christ as LORD, in spirit and in truth.
I would recommend reading Mr. Moody in conjunction with the bible and prayer to foster fellowship in Christ.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for the ages

While this book was obviously written many years ago, what the author is saying is very relevant in our world today. I greatly enjoyed reading this book and will read it again and again as part of my Bible study time. Other books by Mr. Moody are equally as good and I encourage you to seek them out as well.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this short book insightful into the struggles facing a Christian spiritual warrior. D.L. Moody's classic book still has incredible insight into the battle that Christian's face in this world. It pulls no punches and is uplifting while teaching biblical principles. The acclaimed author and Christian leader lays out the path to being a repented sinner and a true believer in Christ. He presents Jesus Christ as our defender, burden carrier and savior. Finally, the promises of our Lord are laid out so that anyone who wishes to follow the Lord can do so complete trust and a promise of forgiveness, restoration and resurrection. Take the time to tead this seminal work of Christian writing.

[Suzi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I read an older version - original published 1896, I read the Moody Classic 1995. I appreciated keeping the original language so to keep the originality of the message’s intent. It is amazing to see how the content then remains to be relevant today! (It might look slightly different but down to the root, they’re the same.) Convicting - Comforting - Inspiring.

[Debi Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victory in Jesus' Will

Too many believers struggle in the darkness of this world because they fail to claim the LIGHT of the Gospel is a "life-walk" by faith in thankfulness to God who causes us to triumph in Christ.
Claiming 7 promises in which Jesus said "I will" defines our victorious & abundant life in His righteousness.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

These old Christian books are so refreshing! A wonderful, old-fashioned book of Christian encouragement and exhortation. I felt inspired to pursue wholeheartedly my relationship with God. There are a lot of great nuggets here about overcoming temptation, humility, resting in God, and evangelism.

[Lance Towers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscent of words from the apostle Paul, Moody says, "Life is a battle all the time. So, let us give no uncertain sound." What a refreshing motif today when many want to claim a no-effort kind of faith! I am grateful for the wisdom of this spiritual father from the 1800's.

[Leya · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. definitely something to read over and over again.
the truth written in these pages over 100 years ago is very relevant for today's society. Just goes to show that we as people are still the same and Gods word is relevant no matter what generation or time period.