Overcome by Clayton King

King wants readers to identify the lies we believe, those that form the basis of our choices, deal with them and then walk with new freedom in Christ. He helps us to see how the lies progress: infiltrate, insinuate, intimidate, re-create.

I did not find anything really new or enlightening in this book. King's suggestions are typical. “We overcome the lie by believing what God has told us and living according to the truth.” (114) He suggests the human actions we need to do: hate it, starve it, outsmart it. He does say it it not just self-control but human effort rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit. Overcoming will take effort yet the fight is won by faith.

King does provide much good information about the lies we believe. He shares stories and lots of information, for example, about the disastrous consequences of destructive sexual habits. He suggests a battle plan to resist temptation. While the strength to do so comes from the Holy Spirit, we must make the initial decision to hate sin. “An attitude of complete intolerance is the only attitude that will work in the war against temptation.” (134)

King admits that he has not conquered all that needs to be overcome. Writing this book was preaching to himself, he says. Overcoming is a life long journey requiring daily attention.

Those who have read other books on overcoming temptation and lies may not find anything new here. King has provided practical questions at the end of each chapter as well as space for writing. While the material in this book may not be new, the questions and space for writing do make it a book I recommend.

Food for thought: “Learn how to live in the victory Jesus won for you.” (142)

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Clayton King is founder and president of Clayton King Ministries as well as Crossroads Missions and Summer Camps. He is a professor of evangelism at Anderson University and pastor at NewSpring Church, one of the largest churches in America. He is the author of over a dozen books and regularly speaks all over the world. He and his wife have two children and live in South Carolina. You can find out more at http://www.claytonking.com/.

Baker Books, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.