The War Within (Revised and Expanded Edition): Gaining Victory in the Battle for Sexual Purity

By Robert Daniels

Book Overview

Who is the "Faithful and Discreet Slave"?If you are a Jehovah's Witness, no doubt you have a deep love for the truth. Chances are, you would also agree that "no matter how much Bible reading we have done, we would never have learned the truth on our own" (The Watchtower, December 1, 1990, p. 19). Most of what you know about Jehovah God and his Word you learned from the "faithful and discreet slave class." This is why you go door to door: to share what you have learned with others.But isn't it possible that some of the Watchtower Society's teachings could be wrong? After all, they've been wrong in the past. Wasn't C. T. Russell wrong when he expected to be taken to heaven in 1914? Wasn't J. F. Rutherford wrong when he predicted that men like Moses and David would soon be resurrected and live in the Watchtower's mansion in San Diego? And isn't it possible that N. H. Knorr and F. W. Franz were wrong in saying that the generation of 1914 would live to see the end of this wicked system of things? If "God's organization" was wrong about these things, shouldn't we consider the possibility that they are still wrong about other, more important doctrines as well?Why is it, then, that most Witnesses will never question the Society's teachings, even when they "teach commands of men as doctrines" (Matthew 15:9)? What gives them this kind of authority? As you know, their claim to authority rests entirely on their interpretation of Jesus' parable of the "faithful and discreet slave": "Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings" (Matthew 24:45-47). They believe this text makes them God's channel for providing spiritual food to his people. "In 1919 that slave was identified as the remnant of anointed Christians. Since then, as represented by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, it has been the center of theocracy on earth" (The Watchtower, January 15, 1994, p. 16).Since so much rests on this passage, it is only right that we examine just what Jesus meant in this parable. The Society insists that Jesus was speaking not of individuals, but of a group of people who are members of an organization. The problem is, in Luke's account, Jesus specifically applies the parable to individuals. "Indeed, everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him; and the one whom people put in charge of much, they will demand more than usual of him" (Luke 12:48). The parable has to do with Christian stewardship. In fact, it follows the same pattern as the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) or minas (Luke 19:12-27). A master departs, leaving work for his slaves. When he returns, he evaluates their faithfulness and rewards or punishes them accordingly. It's interesting that the Society applies these parables to individuals, while applying the "faithful and discreet slave" parable (Matthew 24:45-51) to an organization. Their interpretation is inconsistent.This teaching on the faithful stewardship of individuals is reflected elsewhere in Scripture. "In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God's undeserved kindness expressed in various ways" (1 Peter 4:10). "Let a man so appraise us as being subordinates of Christ and stewards of sacred secrets of God. Besides, in this case, what is looked for in stewards is for a man to be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:1, 2).Can you say that Jesus is your Master? If so, think about what it says of your stewardship when

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581346697
• ISBN13: 9781581346695
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Crossway
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Effective for All Ages

I lead a small group of high school guys through this book. Each one the guys in my group had a severe addiction to pornography and each felt as though they couldn't be used for Christ due to their addiction. This book offered hope and encouragement through a straight forward and purposeful approach. None of us have been in the military, but I would say his military references were extremely effective in getting his point across to the reader. The lives of these high schoolers were changed as a result of God using this book in their lives. It is a great book for all ages and wonderful in a small group(accountability) setting!

Pertinent & Clear

This book was clear & to the point. Pertinent Scriptural references through-out the book in a systematic style. Unlike many other books on this topic, the author is succinct on his & others' problems and heavy on the solution; how to be IN Christ and Walk in the Spirit (not fulfill the lust of the flesh).The book is pertinent for a man no matter what level of struggle he may have with unholy sexual desires.This is the best book on this topic in the Christian arena, after having read 5 of them...

Excellent - one of the best on this topic.

As a single Christian man in a sexually charged society, I am always on the lookout for books that help me on the path to sexual purity. This book certainly falls into that category. As one who has dealt with this issue firsthand, the author faces this crucial issue head-on, and provides practical and challenging insights that are Biblically-based on how to deal with it. As an ex-military man myself (USMC), I really identified with the author and the temptations he experienced while he was in the Navy. His allusions to the wide variety of sexual pitfalls in the military are not exaggerated, which makes this book especially relevant to those in the armed forces. But almost any man, military or civilian, can relate to the seductive power of pornography and illicit sexuality. Daniels is very honest about his stuggle, and he communicates the need and the means for personal holiness with an immediacy that will challenge any man in His walk with God.I have seen one pitfall with these kind of books (not with this one, however). The danger of focusing too much on fighting a particular sin or struggle to the detriment of what should be our real focus - a positive, love relationship with Christ. Indeed, Jesus said that the fulfillment of the law is to "love God with all your heart, strength, soul, and mind," and the second is like it, to "love your neighbor as yourself." That, coupled with the comparison of the church as "the bride of Christ" leads me to believe that the best remedy for this (or any) issue is to cultivate a constant love relationship with God. Of course, that doesn't negate one's personal responsibility for holiness, nor does it alleviate the need for accountability. But if we fail to meet our need for love and intimacy in the right way, we will continue to try and meet it the wrong way - with sin. Other books on this topic I would recommend are "Every Man's Battle" by Stephen Arterburn, "When Good Men are Tempted" by Bill Perkins (a nice guy - he spoke at one of my Multnomah Seminary grad chapels once, and was very personable yet challenging. I really enjoyed being able to actually talk to an author of a book that I liked and respected, and not being disappointed by the experience.), and "Freedom from Sinful Thoughts" by J. Heinrich Arnold. The Bible is quite helpful as well...;-) God Bless, and finish strong!

heavy on hard-hitting practical advice, light on theology

There are lots of books on "why" you shouldn't give in to sexual temptation. I liked this book because it gives practical advice on "how" to not give in. It is heavily Bible based. I've met the author and he is a committed Christian. Also, the military analogies are great.

How to conquer the porno trap.

I read this book and gained the knowledge I needed to fight the trap I was in, dealing with lust caused by pornography. "The truth has set me free." And FREE INDEED!!!! I can now serve God with a clearer, cleaner spirit.