What is counseling?

• The dictionary defines “counsel” as:
1. The act of exchanging opinions and ideas; consultation
2. Advice or guidance, especially as solicited from a knowledgeable person
3. A plan of action
4. Synonyms include advice, direction, guidance, consultation, recommendation
• There are many definitions given from various sources for the process counseling. A few of them include the following:
1. Counseling is something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action.
2. Counseling is “the process by which a professional counselor helps a person cope with mental or emotional distress and understand and solve personal problems.” –American Cancer Society
3. Counseling is “the application of mental health, psychological or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systematic intervention strategies, that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology.” –American Counseling Association
• A good working definition for our purposes is:
• Counseling is a in which a trained or knowledgeable person offers advice or education about specific life problems or issues of living.

What are the various types of counseling?

Note: A fuller understanding of these methods is discussed in The Christian Counselor’s Manual by Jay Adams.

• There is the method popularized by Carl Rogers.

The Rogerian model is characterized by some of the following:

1. It presupposes that man has truth and through guided introspection can come to a solution.
2. It usually avoids any direct advice, confrontation and references to .
3. The counselor’s primary function is to help the counselee unlock the inner secrets within and realize his or her inner potential. He does this by mirroring the patient’s thoughts and what has been said.
• There is the method popularized by Sigmund Freud.

The Freudian model is characterized by some of the following:

1. It presupposes that man is basically a when he is born and that any problems he may have are due to the fact that he has been wrongly socialized by someone or something else (e.g. parents, environment).
2. Most Freudians believe that guilt is an artificial and activity that is the result of parental and societal mores.
3. The primary method is to dig deep into the person’s soul (psyche) and past to try to analyze why they are the way they are. Balance is often achieved by being able to blame others or for one’s behavior.
• There is the method popularized by B.F. Skinner.

The Skinnerian model is characterized by some of the following:

1. It presupposes that man is like any other animal and can be trained or behaviorally controlled by manipulating his or biology.
2. The primary method is to employ various behavior modification techniques that include . It may include behavior modification by the use of various drug-related treatments.
• There is the biblical method popularized by .

This, of course, is the method that we will be pursuing in this course about which we will give fuller definition and expression as we continue on.

What is biblical counseling?

• Biblical counseling is to be distinguished from other forms of counseling in several ways:
1. Biblical counseling begins from the premise that man is and did not evolve from lower life forms.
2. Biblical counseling, therefore, sees man as the God’s creation completely distinguished from the other animals, having a spirit, soul, and a body.
3. Biblical counseling acknowledges that the God who created man understands man than man understands himself.
4. Biblical counseling accepts the fact that the God of the universe has about most of the issues that affect mankind.
5. Biblical counseling acknowledges that the Bible is God’s word to man and represents His opinion relative to that it addresses.
6. Biblical counseling assumes that God has given to man everything that man needs to make right decisions and solve (II Pet. 1:2-4).
7. Biblical counseling assumes that man will never be able to function properly unless he is in with God and His word.
• Biblical counseling has been compromised in many ways.
1. It has been compromised by the teaching of psychology that is taught in most institutions of learning.
2. It has been compromised by educators who themselves have been trained in humanistic psychology and tend to see what they have been taught as being to religious teaching or insight.
3. It has been compromised by the teaching of and situation ethics which see the Bible as an antiquated, religious relic.
4. It has been compromised by concepts that pervade many realms of society. These concepts include the ideas that…
   1. Man is inherently .
   2. Man is a product of his .
   3. There is no absolute (God).
   4. Morality is relative and developed.
5. It has been compromised by Christian counselors that have biblical revelation with humanistic ideas.
6. It has been compromised by the attempt to sinful behavior as diseases or disorders making it difficult to achieve biblical solutions.
7. It has been compromised by an exaltation of of counseling rather than the responsible actions of the one being counseled.
8. It has been compromised as pastors and church leaders are by professional counselors.

What are the main reasons why people seek counseling?

“Counseling is the interaction of people at the need level of life sharing insights toward the solutions of real problems.” –Charles H. Nichols

• Counseling is sought in many different realms of life and living.
1. Career Counseling
2. Relationship Counseling
3. Marriage Counseling
4. Family Counseling
5. Financial Counseling
6. Grief Counseling
7. Behavioral Counseling (Addictions, Anger, Worry, Fear)
8. Crisis Counseling
• Counseling is sought for many different reasons.
1. The counselee simply needs advice about a decision.
2. The counselee needs guidance concerning life goals.
3. The counselee needs support through an emotional season.
4. The counselee needs motivation for change.
5. The counselee needs assistance in resolving conflict.
6. The counselee needs to be free from bondage in an area.
7. The counselee needs insight into the expression of gifts and ministries.
8. The counselee needs to understand principles of cultivating and maintaining healthy friendship and relationships.
9. The counselee needs instruction in some of the practical areas of life.
10. The counselee needs to deal with issues of bitterness and unforgiveness.
11. The counselee needs help in sorting out their priorities.
12. The counselee needs direction and inspiration relative to their personal spiritual growth.
• The counseling process may be initiated by the presence of certain symptoms in the counselee(s).

Some of these include: Depression, loneliness, bitterness, resentment, stress, guilt, conflict, fears, frustration, etc.

Where is the ministry of counseling found in the Bible?

• There are not many times when the words “counsel or counseling” are found in the Bible.
1. The closest Old Testament word that is most often translated “counsel” is the word yah-gatz. This word literally means “to advise.”
   1. Jethro gave counsel to Moses (Ex. 18:19, 23).
   2. Ahithophel was a counselor to David and Absolom (II Sam. 16:23).
   3. God is the source of counsel (Ps. 16:7-8). He is the Wonderful Counselor (Is. 9:6; 11:1-4).
   4. Much of the time this word is used in a negative sense of wicked people taking counsel together to devise wicked schemes (Jer. 49:30).
2. The closest New Testament word that is most often translated “counsel” is the word sumbouleo. This word literally means “to give or take advice jointly.” It means “to recommend, deliberate or determine.”
   1. Most of the time it is used in a negative sense of the opponents of Jesus taking counsel how they might destroy Him (Mt. 26:4).
   2. The primary positive use of this word reminds us that God does not need anyone’s counsel (Rom. 11:33-36).
• There are many words that are found in the Bible that enter into the counseling process.
1. Reprove (Elenko)
   1. Definition: To convict, to expose, by conviction to bring to light, to admonish, to correct, to call to account, to show one his fault (demanding an explanation), to chasten, to punish
   2. Other references: Mt. 18:15; Luke 3:19; John 3:20; 8:9,46; 16:8; I Cor. 14:24; Eph. 5:11,13; I Tim. 5:20; II Tim. 3:16; Tit. 1:9,13; 2:15; Heb. 12:5; Jam. 2:9; Rev. 3:19
2. Rebuke (Epitimao)
   1. Definition: To tax with a fault, rate, chide, reprove, censure severely
   2. Other references: Mt. 12:16; 16:22; 17:18; Luke 9:55; 17:3; Jude 9
3. Admonish (Noutheteo)
   1. Definition: To admonish, warn or exhort
   2. Other references: Acts 20:31; Rom. 15:14; I Cor. 4:14; 10:11; Eph. 6:4; Col. 1:28; 3:16; II Th. 3:15; Tit. 3:10
4. Correct (Epanorthosis)
   1. Definition: To correct, to restore to an upright or right state, to raise up again, to reform, to restore, to reestablish
   2. See: II Timothy 3:16-17; James 5:19-20
5. Judge (Krino)
   1. Definition: To separate, put asunder, to select, to approve, to determine, decree, to judge, to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong, to rule, to govern, to preside over with power of giving judicial decisions
   2. Other references: I Cor. 6:2-31; 14:29

What are the most important elements of the counseling process?

• The two most important elements of the counseling process are the and the .
• The Spirit and the Word (Acts 10:44; Eph. 6:17; I Th. 1:5; I John 5:7).

What is the place of the Holy Spirit in the counseling process?

• It is good to remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit is the only one in the New Testament Who is called a “ ” (John 14:16-17).
• It is good to remind ourselves what the Holy Spirit is in relation to the believer.
1. The Holy Spirit is the agent by which the Father (John 6:44; Luke 14:16-23 [the Holy Spirit is the Servant]).
2. The Holy Spirit causes the believer to acknowledge Jesus as (I Cor. 12:3).
3. The Holy Spirit is responsible for the of the human spirit (John 1:12-13; 3:5-6).
4. The Holy Spirit the believer continually (Eph. 5:18).
5. The Holy Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death and enables the believer to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Rom. 8:2, 13).
6. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us, sets us apart and makes us (I Cor. 6:11; II Th. 2:13; I Pet. 1:2).
7. The Holy Spirit works to the believer into the image of Christ (II Cor. 3:18).
8. The Holy Spirit the believer (Tit. 3:5).
9. The Holy Spirit produces Christ-like in the life of the believer (Gal. 5:22-23).
10. The Holy Spirit the believer in the inner person (Eph. 3:16; cf. II Cor. 4:16).
11. The Holy Spirit the believer (Acts 8:29; I Tim. 4:1; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29).
12. The Holy Spirit the believer (Rom. 8:14; Gal 5:16, 25).
13. The Holy Spirit the believer and leads him into truth (John 16:13; I John 2:27).
14. The Holy Spirit reveals the of God to the believer (John 16:14; I Cor. 2:9-14).
15. The Holy Spirit opens the believer's to the things of God (I Cor. 2:12).
16. The Holy Spirit reveals the to the believer (Luke 2:26; John 16:13; Acts 20:23; 21:11; Rev 1:10).
17. The Holy Spirit helps and guides in and intercession (Rom. 8:26-27; Eph. 6:18; Jude 20).
18. The Holy Spirit (John 15:26; Acts 9:31).
19. The Holy Spirit the believer (Eph. 1:13; 4:30; II Cor. 1:21-22).
20. The Holy Spirit is a helper who with us forever (John 14:16).
• It is good to remind ourselves of those things that the Holy Spirit can do that we as counselors cannot do.
1. The Holy Spirit can bring of sin (John 16:18).
2. The Holy Spirit can speak to a person (Ps. 16:7).
3. The Holy Spirit can identify the thoughts and of the heart (Ps. 139:23-24).

What is the place of the Word of God in the counseling process?

It is important to understand that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God.

• It is good to remember the qualities of the Word of God.
1. God is and so is His Word (I Cor. 1:9; II Pet. 1:19).
2. God is and so is His Word (I Pet. 1:22-23).
3. God is and so is His Word (I Pet. 1:25; Is. 40:8).
4. God is and so is His Word (Heb. 4:12; Ps. 107:20; 147:18).
5. God is and so is His Word (Rom. 1:2; II Tim. 3:15).
6. God is and so is His Word (Ps. 33:6).
7. God is and so is His Word (Is. 39:8; Heb. 6:5).
8. God is and so is His Word (Ps. 33:4).
9. God is and so is His Word (Ps. 119:43, 160).
10. God is and so is His Word (Ps. 119:89).
11. God is and so is His Word (Ps. 119:105).
12. God is and so is His Word (John 6:63).
13. God is and so is His Word (Ps. 119:140; Pro. 30:5).
14. God is the source of and so is His Word (Ps. 119:50).
15. God is the source of and so is His Word (Ps. 130:5; 119:74, 81, 114).
16. God is to be and so is His Word (Is. 66:2, 5).
17. God and neither does His Word (Is. 55:10-11; Jer. 1:12).
• It is good to remember the function of the Word of God in the life of the believer.
1. The Word of God is a hammer (Jer. 23:29). It is able to break up and make an impression on .
2. The Word of God is a mirror (Jam. 1:23-25). It reveals to man his spiritual condition.
3. The Word of God is a two-edged sword (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). It works to bring victory to our lives. It works to convict and divide (II Tim. 3:16; Jam. 1:23-24).
4. The Word of God is a judge (Heb. 4:12). The Word of God passes right judgment on the innermost nature of man.
5. The Word of God is water (John 15:3; Eph. 5:26). It refreshes, cleanses and purifies the from the defilements of sin.
6. The Word of God is seed (Luke 8:11; I Pet. 1:22-23). It is sown in the heart to bring forth a spiritual .
7. The Word of God is food (Jer. 15:16). It is that which imparts to the spiritual man (Deut. 8:3; Ps. 119:103; Job 23:12).
1. It is milk for babes (I Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-13).
2. It is bread for the mature (Is. 55:1-2; Mt. 4:4).
3. It is strong meat or solid food for the adult (I Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:12-14).
4. It is as sweet and delightful as honey (Ps. 19:10; 119:103).
8. The Word of God is a lamp (Ps. 119:105; Pro. 6:23; II Pet. 1:19).
1. It imparts life to darkened man (John 6:63; II Cor. 3:18).
2. It exposes areas of sin in our lives (Heb. 4:12-13).
3. It gives direction and guidance (Pro. 6:22-23).
9. The Word of God is true riches (Ps. 19:10; 119:72). It makes the possessor rich and .
10. The Word of God is a fire (Jer. 20:9; 23:29).
1. It warms the heart.
2. It gives zeal for service.
3. It exposes the wood, hay and stubble in our lives (I Cor. 3:12-15).

What are the advantages of a Christian in the counseling process?

• The Counselor has a distinct advantage.
1. The Counselor has an source of truth at his or her disposal (II Pet. 1:3; II Tim. 3:16-17).
2. The Counselor has the unlimited of God at his or her disposal.
   1. When you have the Holy Spirit, you have (Acts 4:31).
   2. When you have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit operate within you.
3. The Counselor has the Holy Spirit or THE Counselor him or her (John 14:16-17).
• The Counselee has a distinct advantage.
1. The Counselee has the Holy Spirit as well (John 14:17; Rom. 8:9; I Cor. 3:16; 6:17; II Cor. 6:16; Gal. 2:20; II Tim. 1:14; I John 2:27).
2. The Counselee has broken the in water baptism (Rom. 6:1-14).
3. The Counselee has been by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, 8; 2:4).
4. The Counselee has the of God upon his or her life (I Cor. 1:4; Heb. 12:15).
5. The Counselee has God working him or her (Phil. 2:12-13).

What temptations do Counselors need to resist?

• The Counselor needs to resist the temptation to lean on his or her and strength rather than on the wisdom from above represented to us in the Word of God and on the power available to us by the Spirit of God (I Cor. 2:1-5).
• The Counselor needs to resist the temptation to the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God (Jam. 3:11).
• The Counselor needs to resist the temptation to build on a life that has (I Cor. 2:13-14).

How can Jesus be seen as the model counselor?

• Jesus was called the " Counselor" (Is. 9:6).
1. He counseled Nicodemus (John 3:1-5).
2. He counseled the woman at the well (John 4:18).
3. He counseled a man concerned about his inheritance (Luke 12:15).
• Jesus had to counsel.
1. Jesus had a heart of (Mt. 9:36; 14:14; 20:34).
2. Jesus had the heart of a (John 13:3-5; Mark 10:43-45).
3. Jesus was willing to work with the and untouchable (Mt. 8:1-4; John 8:11).
4. Jesus did not have a heart (John 8:11). Jesus was touched by the condition of mankind (Heb. 4:15).
• Jesus had the right attitude toward .
1. Jesus was not by sinners (Mt. 9:10-13; Luke 15:2).
2. Jesus was not by sinners (John 8:1-12).
3. Jesus was not of the demon-possessed (Mt. 17:14-18; Mark 5:1-8).
4. Jesus was confident and in Himself and understood Who He was before the Father (John 13:3-4).
• Jesus had the to counsel.
1. Jesus was from sinners (Heb. 7:26).
2. Jesus was able to to the human condition (John 2:24-25).
3. Jesus was with people (John 20:24-29).
4. Jesus functioned in of the Spirit.
   1. Word of Knowledge (John 4:18).
   2. Word of Wisdom (Mt. 22-21-22).
   3. Discerning of Spirits (Mt. 9:32-34).
   4. Working of Miracles.
   5. Gifts of Healing.
5. Jesus had a good working knowledge of the .
• Jesus used of God in counsel.
1. Jesus the Word of God regularly in dialogue (Mt. 13:13-15; Mark 7:6-7; Luke 4:18-19).
2. Jesus the Word of God for self-discovery (Mt. 9:13; 12:3-5).

Is there such a thing as a "ministry of counseling" from a biblical point of view?

The answer to this question is both and .

• The ministry of counseling is one of the ministries listed in the New Testament.
• The function of counseling is seen as an aspect of the work of .
1. As such, the ministry of counseling is an extension of to the needy (Ps. 23).
2. As such, the ministry of counseling is an extension of the ministry in the local church.
• The nearest ministry to that of counseling that is referenced in the Bible is that of an (Rom. 12:8).
1. The word "exhortation" in the New Testament refers specifically to "an appeal, an entreaty, encouragement, consolation, and
2. To exhort someone is "to admonish, or to urge someone to pursue some course of action. It literally means:
   • To appeal to, urge, encourage, and exhort.
   • To implore, request, entreat.
   • To comfort and cheer up.
   • To try to console or conciliate, and speak to someone in a friendly manner.
3. In the New Testament, an exhorter is one who is called to someone's .
4. An exhorter is someone who offers strength and comfort that the (Rom. 15:5; II Th. 2:16-17), the Son (I John 2:1; 14:6), and the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7; Acts 9:31) provide.
5. is called to a ministry of exhortation (I Th. 5:11; Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25).
6. There will be those who seem to have a in this area of function in the body (Rom. 12:8). Those who function in the ministry of exhortation operate in the following manner:
   1. They and encourage people in times of tribulation, affliction, sorrow, and bereavement (Mt. 2:18, 5:4; I Th. 3:2-3).
   2. They for those that are sick (Mt. 8:5).
   3. They encourage and people regarding their future in relation to God's purposes (I Th. 5:14-18; Luke 3:18).
   4. They people when they are not entering into the full privileges of their inheritance (Luke 15:28).
   5. They the careless and apathetic of impending danger and encourage watchfulness (Rom. 16:17-18).
   6. They exhort and others to follow the ways of God (Acts 2:40; 11:23; Eph. 4:1; Jude 3).
   7. They warn others of they sense in the course they have set for themselves (Acts 21:12; I Th. 5:14; II Th. 3:11-12).
   8. They come to the side of those who have , but have demonstrated repentance (II Cor. 2:6-8).

What are the different levels of counseling?

• Level One: The speaking directly to the heart of an individual.

One of the objectives of the Counselor is to get people to function at this level. The Holy Spirit is committed to speaking to people from .

• Level Two: The of the church ministering to members of the church.

Leaders of the church have been called by God to minister to the needs of the flock.

• Level Three: counselors ministering to those entrusted to them.

Trained counselors are really an extension of the pastoral ministry of the local church.

• Level Four: counseling other believers (Rom. 15:13-15, Amp.; Gal. 6:2; I Th. 5:14).

*May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. Personally, I am satisfied about you, my brethren, that you yourselves are rich in goodness, amply filled with all [spiritual] knowledge and competent to admonish and counsel and instruct one another also.*

Some of the presuppositions have already been noted in the previous lessons.

• Every man, woman, and child in the world is created by and accountable to God for their .
• God's desire is for everyone to live a purposeful and life (John 10:10).
• Every believer has the power of Christ within them and the grace of God upon them to live according to the Scripture (Rom. 8:1-11).
  1. They have the of Christ.
  2. They have the love and the of God.
  3. They have the of the Holy Spirit.
• The three main resources in the hands of the counselor are the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the .
• The measuring rod for our lives is the word of God, and it is not .
• Good sowing will always produce a good fruit or .

Some additional presuppositions.

• There are no problems (I Cor. 10:6-13).
  1. There may be unique external .
  2. The superficial associated with the problem may be unique.
  3. The on the inside of man are the same from person to person.
  4. All of the difficulties that anyone may experience have been by others (I Cor. 6:9-11).
  5. When we insist that our problems are too big, we the power of God and the faithfulness of God.
• Every human being shares certain .
  1. Billy Graham identified certain "responsive chords" in everyone's heart (*Ministries Today*, Sept/Oct, 1989).
     1. Life's needs are not by social improvement or material affluence.
     2. There is an essential in every life without Christ.
     3. There are many people desiring meaningful .
     4. People live with a sense of .
     5. There is a universal fear of .
  2. There are other needs that every person shares whether they have come to Christ or not.

     These include:

     1. The need for a sense of in life.
     2. The need for a sense of personal and worth.
     3. The need for personal .
     4. The need for meaningful .
     5. The need to love and to be .
• All human difficulties are ultimately the result of .
  1. There are only three basic sources of all personal problems.
     1. The direct work of .
     2. Personal sin or in our lives.
     3. Physical or organic or deficiency.
  2. There are three that are identified in Scripture against which we must contend—the world, the flesh, and the devil.
     1. The world speaks of a person's or the context of their living.
     2. The flesh speaks of the person themselves and the , desires, and cravings that must come under God's control (Gal. 5:16-25; Rom. 13:12).
     3. The devil speaks of the spiritual realm of temptation arising from of the believer (Eph. 6:10-19; I Pet. 5:8-9).
  3. Ninety-five percent of all problems in the life of the Christian arise from personal .
  4. There are of sin that are most commonly manifested—pride, love of money, selfishness, blame shifting, gossip, slander, excusing, self-justification, etc.
• There is a for every problem.

  There are dynamic tools that God has placed in the hands of His people that have an application in almost every problem.

  1. The dynamics of repentance, confession, and a plea for mercy.
  2. The dynamics of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restitution.
  3. The dynamics of faith to overcome contrary feelings.
  4. Etc.
• Problems left to themselves do not get ; in fact, they will always get .
• Problems experienced by one's parents are not in one's own life and experience (See: Jer. 31:29-30; Ezek. 18:1-32).
• God cares about of our problems (Mt. 6:25-34; 11:28-29; I Pet. 5:6-7).
• Every Christian if they really want to change.

  Every believer can change if three things are present in them:

  1. They must change.
  2. They must be willing to change.
  3. They must understand change.

  Steps to all change include:

  1. Acknowledging the of Jesus.
  2. Humbling yourself before Him and His word.
  3. Focusing on what rather than what others must do (Acts 9:6).
  4. Being willing to enlist the help of to support you in change.
  5. Concentrating on your new mission of and sowing good seeds for a future harvest.
• Whenever two or more Christians meet, they can depend on God (Mt. 18:19-20).

There are significant reasons why the Christian can have hope in any situation.

• Because of whom .
  1. God is (Jer. 31:3; Rom. 8:37-39; I John 4:8, 16).
  2. God is (Lam. 3:22-23; I Cor. 10:12-13; II Th. 3:3; I Pet. 4:19).

     Notice from the Psalms what God does for me in His faithfulness, He...

     • Accomplishes what concerns me (Ps. 57:2; 138:8).
     • Acts on my behalf (Ps. 68:28).
     • Anoints my head with oil (Ps. 23:5; 92:10).
     • Answers me (Ps. 20:6; 34:4; 65:5; 86:7; 91:15; 118:5, 21; 119:26; 120:1).
     • Bears my burden daily (Ps. 68:19).
     • Blesses me (Ps. 5:12; 67:6; 107:37; 112:2; 115:12, 13).
     • Blesses me with peace (Ps. 29:11).
     • Blesses my children (Ps. 147:13).
     • Breaks off my bands (Ps. 107:14).
     • Brings forth my righteousness as the light (Ps. 37:5).
     • Brings me into a broad place, a place of abundance (Ps. 18:19; 66:12).
     • Brings me near to Him (Ps. 65:4).
     • Brings me out of darkness and the shadow of death (Ps. 71:20; 107:14).
     • Brings me out of distress (Ps. 25:17).
     • Causes me to lack nothing (Ps. 34:9-10).
     • Causes me to rule in the midst of my enemies (Ps. 110:2).
     • Chooses me for His inheritance (Ps. 33:12; 65:4).
     • Comforts me (Ps. 23:1; 86:17; 94:19).
     • Conceals me in times of trouble (Ps. 27:5).
     • Counsels me (Ps. 16:5; 32:8).
     • Covers me with His wings (Ps. 91:4).
     • Crowns me with compassion, loving-kindness (Ps. 103:4) and glory (8:5).
     • Deals bountifully with me (Ps. 13:6; 16:7; 140:7).
     • Defeats my enemies (Ps. 21:8-12).
     • Delivers me (Ps. 18:17, 43; 37:40; 91:14; 97:10).
       • From fear (34:4).
       • From trouble (Ps. 34:17-19; 54:7).
       • From death (Ps. 33:19; 56:13).
       • From destruction (Ps. 107:20).
       • From my enemies (Ps. 18:48).
       • From deadly pestilence (Ps. 91:3).
       • From the devil's traps (Ps. 91:3).
     • Does great things for me (Ps. 126:2; 107:15, 21).
     • Encamps around me (Ps. 34:7).
     • Enlarges my heart (Ps. 119:32).
     • Enlarges my steps (Ps. 18:36).
     • Enlightens my eyes (Ps. 19:8).
     • Establishes me (Ps. 37:23; 89:29).
     • Fills my hungry soul with what is good (Ps. 107:9).
     • Forgives me (Ps. 32:5; 78:38; 85:2; 86:5; 99:8; 130:4).
     • Girds me with strength for battle (Ps. 18:39).
     • Gives His angels charge over me (Ps. 91:11).
     • Gives me eternal life (Ps. 21:4).
     • Goes before me (Ps. 68:7).
     • Guards me in all my ways (Ps. 91:11; 121:7; 127:1).
     • Guides me (Ps. 31:3; 48:14).
     • Heals me (Ps. 30:2; 103:3).
     • Hears me when I call out to Him (Ps. 4:3; 22:24; 34:15-17; 40:1; 55:19; 145:19).
     • Hears my prayers (Ps. 6:9; 31:22; 116:1).
     • Helps me (Ps. 37:40; 86:17; 118:13; 124:8).
     • Hides me in the secret place (Ps. 27:5; 31:20).
     • Holds my hand (Ps. 37:24).
     • Illuminates my darkness (Ps. 18:28).
     • Keeps me (Ps. 145:20).
     • Keeps my feet from slipping (Ps. 18:36).
     • Leads me (Ps. 23:2; 31:3; 77:20; 139:10).
     • Lifts me up (Ps. 27:5; 30:1).
     • Redeems me (Ps. 43:20; 49:15; 103:4; 130:8).
     • Remembers me (Ps. 9:12; 136:23).
     • Rescues me (Ps. 18:19, 46; 34:6; 81:7; 91:15; 136:8).
     • Restores me (Ps. 14:7; 19:7; 23:3; 53:6; 85:1).
     • Revives me (Ps. 71:20; 119:93; 138:7).
     • Saves me (Ps. 7:10; 20:6; 37:19-40; 38:22; 55:16; 91:16).
     • Sets me on high places (Ps. 18:33).
     • Strengthens me (Ps. 18:32; 29:11).
  3. God about us (I Pet. 5:6-7).
  4. God will never (Heb. 13:5).
  5. God is always working to that which concerns us (Phil. 1:6, Amp).
• Because of what God .

  A good definition of hope is confidence in to restore our lives to such an extent that we can experience a fresh start in facing life's challenges.

  1. With God are possible (Mt. 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:27; 18:27).
  2. God can do what man .
• Because of the that are available to us.
  1. We have the .
  2. We have the .
  3. We have the (II Cor. 9:8; I Tim. 1:12-16).
• Because of whom we are .

  If I am a Christian, then...

  1. I am a child of God (John 1:12).
  2. I have direct access to the Heavenly Father (Eph. 2:18).
  3. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus (II Cor. 5:17).
  4. I am a member of Christ's spiritual body (I Cor. 12:27).
  5. I am forgiven (Eph. 1:7).
  6. I am a citizen of heaven (Phil. 3:20).
  7. I am God's temple (I Cor. 3:16).
  8. I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
  9. I am seated with Christ in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6).
  10. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).

There are certain people who especially need a sense of hope.

Jay Adams in his Christian Counselors Manual lists eleven people who especially need hope (page 41-46).

1. People with long .
2. People with particularly problems.
3. People who have been improperly by psychiatrists or others.
4. People who are harassed by .
5. People whose hopes have been dashed .
6. People who have tried and .
7. People who are and find it difficult to change.
8. People who are in a state of .
9. People who have or are contemplating .
10. People who have suffered experiences.
11. People who are (Rom. 8:24).

There are some assurances that you can give to people that will help to give hope.

• We can assure them that God .
• We can assure them that we .
• We can assure them that have had this problem and by God's grace have (I Cor. 6:9-11; I Tim. 1:12-16).
• We can assure them that it is God's purpose to bring out of what appear to be (I Cor. 11:19; II Cor. 4:16-18; Rom. 8:28).
  1. God wants to give beauty for ashes
  2. God wants to give the oil of joy for mourning.
  3. God wants to give a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
• We can assure them that God not only wants to fix their problem, He wants to make them to His grace and power (Is. 61:1-7).

There are some cautions in relation to instilling hope.

• We must be careful not to give
  1. False hope is hope.
  2. False hope is hope that
  3. False hope is hope that is based on results
• We must be careful not to that will be needed.
• We must be prepared to at various stages in the counseling process.

There are several aspects to nearly every problem.

• There are problems or symptoms.

  Some of these symptoms may include both attitudes and actions.

  1. Relational conflict (parents, spouse, in-laws, neighbors, co-workers, employers, etc.)
  2. Pornography
  3. Substance abuse
  4. Explosive fits of anger
  5. Sleeplessness
  6. Procrastination
  7. Physical problems (ulcer)
  8. Depression
  9. Stealing
  10. Physical abuse
  11. Cheating
  12. Financial mismanagement
• There are surface .
• There are underlying .
• There are problems or causes.

  If problems are going to be solved in a permanent way, the root must be discovered and dealt with (Mt. 3:10; 7:15-20; 12:33-35).

There are common roots to a variety of problems.

• The Bible makes reference to several roots of sinful behavior.
  1. The love of (I Tim. 6:10)
  2. The love of (II Tim. 3:2)
     1. There are those that say that we cannot love others until we can properly love (Mt. 22:39).

     This viewpoint is exemplified in such books as Love Yourself by Walter Trobish.

     One statement that is made in this book is as follows, “It was difficult for her to love others because she did not love herself enough. It is impossible for us to accept the other one as he is if we have not accepted ourselves as we are” (Intervarsity Press, 1976, pg. 10-11).

     It is important for us to know that the Bible teaches this.

     2. The Bible presumes that we ourselves (Eph. 5:28-29).

     When it says that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves it means that we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

     God’s kind of love is characterized by the following:

     • It is an love (Rom. 5:6-8).
     • It is a love (Deut. 7:7-8).
     • It is an love (Eph. 5:1-2, 25).
     • It is an love (Rom. 8:38-39; Jer. 31:3; Heb. 13:5; Deut. 31:8).
     • It is an love (Phil. 2:1-7).
     • It is a love (Eph. 5:25-27).

     We constantly have to remind people that the road to true happiness and lasting fulfillment is one of to God and others (Mark 10:43- 45).

     3. The Bible presumes that we all tend to for ourselves (Phil. 2:3-4, 21).
     4. The Bible teaches that we are to ourselves (Mt. 10:38-39; 16:24-25; Luke 9:23; Gal. 2:20).
     5. The Bible tells us that we are to love (I John 4:7-11).

     This kind of love is always giving and always puts the needs of others above its own sense of comfort and satisfaction.

  3. (Pro. 16:18)

     Pride was the original sin found in Satan (Is. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:17). There are many characteristics of the proud as seen in the Bible:

     • They are dependent on their own abilities (Dt. 8:11-18; Obad. 3).
     • They are confident in their wealth (Ps. 52:7; Rev. 3:17).
     • They are boastful (I Sam. 2:3; Ps. 10:3; 73:8).
     • They promote themselves (Pro. 17:19; 30:13; Mt. 23:12).
     • They glory in self-accomplishment (Pro. 25:27; I Cor. 4:6-10; Gal. 6:3).
     • They despise the less fortunate (Ps. 10:2; Pro. 11:12; 14:21; Zeph. 2:10).
     • They do not seek God (Ps. 10:4).
     • They do not trust in God (Ps. 52:7).
     • They are pure in their own eyes (Pro. 30:12).
     • They are disobedient (Ps. 119:21, 69).
     • They think evil thoughts (Mark 7:21).
     • They believe themselves to be wise (Rom. 1:22).
     • They reject correction (Pro. 10:17; 15:5).
     • They despise instruction (Pro. 15:5).
     • They are mockers (Pro. 3:34).
     • They are quarrelsome (Pro. 13:10; 28:25; I Cor. 4:6).
     • They are never satisfied (Hab. 2:5).
• All of these root conditions amount to the same thing— , selfishness, self-centeredness.

There are many things that can compound a person's problem.

• There are issues.
  1. Time management
  2. Financial management
  3. Relationship issues (e.g., in-laws)
  4. Occupational stress (e.g., police, fireman)
• There are .
  1. Death of a loved one
  2. Personal tragedy
  3. Natural disaster
  4. Relocation
  5. Job loss
  6. Financial reversal
• There are issues.
  1. Physiological changes (e.g., puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, change of life).
  2. Sleep issues
  3. Disabilities

Complex problems must be broken down into .

• This involves identifying specific problem areas (Refer to Supplement 1).
  1. Specific problems can lead to solutions.
  2. Generalization must be by the counselee.
• This involves pinpointing underlying .
• This involves tracing the problem back to .
• This often involves problems and taking them on one issue at a time.

There are several things that we must believe about the Scripture.

• It is the word of (I Th. 2:13).
• It represents the God (Rom. 12:2).
• It is the ultimate over the believer's life (Deut. 4:1-2; Rev. 22:18-19).
• It gives us an of the heart of man (Ps. 51:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 7:15-25).
• It gives us that we need to live godly in Christ Jesus (II Pet. 1:2-4).
• It will thoroughly equip us for work (II Tim. 3:16-17).

“The idea is, that whatever good work the man of God desires to perform, or however perfect he aims to be, he will find no deficiency in the Scriptures, but will find there the most ample instructions that he needs.” –Barnes Notes

• It is powerful in to reveal hearts and affect change (Ps. 107:19-20; Is. 55:10-11; Heb. 4:12).
• It must not with humanistic thought (I Cor. 2:14).
• It is the by which we measure all activity (Is. 8:19-20).
• It gives an accurate of human behavior (I Cor. 6:9-11).
• It has the power to set our (Ps. 33:4).
• It can give us in an age of uncertainty; it is a foundation and it offers a sure (Ps. 119:89; I Pet. 1:25; I John 2:17).

There are several ways that the Scriptures will assist us in the counseling process.

The Scriptures can assist the counselor in…

• the specific problem.
• Locating specific that relate to the problem (See Supplement).
• Identifying scriptural that may apply to the situation.
• Identifying scriptural to the specific problem.
• Developing a biblical .

Biblical plans of action will always include words like repentance, confession, forgiveness, restitution, reconciliation, putting off and putting on.

• Following on the biblical plan of action.
  1. For this we need grace.
  2. For this we need the power of the Holy Spirit.
  3. For this we need positive encouragement.

There are certain times when it is appropriate to use the scripture to challenge the counselee.

• When the counselee seems to be you or accusing you of being too hard.
• When the counselee does not consider their activity to be .
• When the counselee needs to be warned of ultimate and accountability.
• When the counselee needs to be assured of God's to them.
• When the counselee doubts and genuine concern for them.
• When the counselee feels like their situation is .
• When the counselee needs a challenge to live by faith not .

There are several ways to use the scripture in the counseling process.

• specific scriptures that apply to problem or solution areas.
• Giving assignments may include Bible reading and memorization.

There are some things that lay the foundation for sharing solutions.

• We prepare them for solutions by the foundational commitments.
  1. Do you still have a desire for the in this area?
  2. Are you willing to accept that God's word is for you in this area?
  3. Are you interested in what God's word about this area?
• We prepare them for solutions by bringing them to a place of personal and of failure (Pro. 28:13; Jam. 5:16).
  1. True repentance involves several things.

     A good pattern for what takes place when true repentance occurs is patterned by the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-21).

     1. He realized he had a .
     2. He understood that had to change.
     3. He was willing to confess that he had sinned both before .
     4. He was willing to those whom he had wronged.
     5. He prepared a so that he would confess accurately.
     6. He made a plan and on that plan.
     7. He refused to blame for his condition.
     8. He did not presume upon of others.
     9. He was willing to do what he could to for which he had been responsible.
  2. Confessing one's sin accomplishes several things.
     1. It helps the counselee to take personal for what has been done.
     2. It helps to pinpoint the specific areas that require or adjustment.
     3. It helps to develop a for change.
     4. It can serve as a basis for for changed behavior (Mt. 5:3-6).
• We prepare them for solutions by assisting them in asking for from God and other offended parties.

  A good pattern for asking for forgiveness would be the following:

  "I am sorry for , I know I was wrong and there is no excuse for my behavior toward you, would you please forgive me for what I have done and pray for me that I will be able to change."

  1. A true apology is to be made without .

  A true apology does not make additional statements like, “I know I was wrong, but Lame excuses include statements like…

  2. A true apology is to be made without .

  A true apology does not make additional statements like, “I know I was wrong, but Blaming others or making accusations will add statements like…

  3. A true apology is best made .

  For additional teaching on forgiveness especially related to “forgiving oneself” refer to the course Victorious Christianity, Lesson 15-17.

There are common solutions to many problems.

• If counselees expect the counseling process to have long-term benefits, they must be willing to change the orientation of their spiritual compass to include the basics of the Christian life.

  These include the following:

  1. Personal Prayer
  2. Family Devotions
  3. Regular Bible Reading
  4. Church Attendance
  5. Tithing and Giving to the Poor
  6. Local Church Involvement (Serving)
  7. Building Christian Friendships and Relationships
  8. Participating in Christian Small Groups
  9. Balanced Living (Diet, Exercise, Sleep)

There is a specific prescription for specific problems.

• There are several questions that can serve to assist in making a proper prescription.
  1. What actions and attitudes must be ?

     Here we identify the specific things that we are hoping to shed.

     1. This includes that need to be broken.
     2. This includes specific or responses that need to change.
     3. This includes unbiblical toward certain things.
  2. What actions and attitudes must be ?

     The following verses deal with this putting off and putting on process: Romans 13:12-14; Ephesians 4:17-5:20; Colossians 3:1-14.

     The following chart gives us a summary of these verses.

  Put Off The Old Man	Put On The New Man
  Works of Darkness	Armor of Light
  Lying	Speaking the Truth
  Stealing	Honest Labor
  Corrupt Communication	Edifying Conversation
  Bitterness	Kindness
  Wrath	Tenderheartedness
  Anger	Forgiveness
  Malice	Love
  Fornication	Worship of God
  Uncleanness	Goodness
  Filthy Language	Truth
  Foolish Talking	Carefulness
  Drunkenness	Filled with the Spirit
  Covetousness	Generosity
  Evil Desires	Mercy
  Idolatry	Humility
  Selfishness	Serving Others

  Jesus taught this same principle of You cannot just cease doing something, you must do something in its place because nature loves a vacuum (Mt. 12:43-45).

  3. What activities should I doing?

     Some common things include:

     1. Staying away from places where I am tempted to do this.
     2. Withdrawing from people who live the same way.
     3. Altering my driving habits and other established routines.
  4. What activities can I do that will ?
     1. Go places where the right behavior is reinforced.
     2. Build relationships with people who live the right way.
     3. Establish new routines that reinforce my new decision.
     4. Burn or destroy those things that reinforce the bad behavior (e.g., pornography, alcohol, drug paraphernalia, cigarettes, etc.).
  5. Where can I go ?
  6. Why am I doing all of this?

     We do it to and because it is the right thing to do. It is the way Christians live.

• There are some questions that will help to glean facts that assist in determining an appropriate prescription.
  1. How long have you had this problem?
  2. How often does this problem occur?
  3. Is there something that happens that seems to trigger this behavior?
  4. When is it most likely to occur?
  5. Is there a particular setting where this would most likely occur?
  6. Is there a setting where this would never occur? Why or Why not?
  7. Is there anyone else who has brought this to your attention?
  8. Is there anyone that you feel you can trust to help give accountability in this area?

  The answers to all of these questions will help you give advice regarding their change in behavior.

There is an important purpose in giving and checking homework.

• Homework has great value for the counselee.
  1. Homework helps us a person's sincerity and willingness to work.
  2. Homework establishes a sense of for what has been discussed.
  3. Homework helps us over a long period of time.
     1. We want solutions to become .
     2. We want habits to become .
  4. Homework paves the way for the counselee becoming of the counselor.
  5. Homework helps us to measure and maintain .
  6. Homework helps people to see that they actually can do things that they do not doing.
  7. Homework can help the counselees to between the actual counseling sessions.
  8. Homework can help people to get on track with of behavior.
  9. Homework can create a measure of .
• Homework also has value for the counselor.
  1. It forces the counselor in advance for coming sessions.
  2. It helps the counselor to on the issues.
  3. It helps keep the focus on rather than problems.

There are some fundamental guidelines for giving homework.

• Homework assignments should be .
• Homework assignments should be by the counselee.
• Homework should be to the focus of the counsel.
• Homework should begin with some form of the (See Lesson 13).

There are other considerations relative to the giving and checking of homework.

• Homework should be after the prayer to open each session.
  1. If the homework was not completed...
     1. Find out if there was any as to how to do the homework.
     2. Give them an opportunity to give why it was not completed.
     3. If the reason is anything other than an , send him or her home and set up another appointment.
     4. In this case, remind them of for the homework and if they are not serious about it, you cannot and will not take it seriously either.
  2. If the homework was completed, they should be given the opportunity to share of the homework.

     There are some questions that the counselor can ask to gain more information from the homework assignment:

     1. Did you find this assignment easy or difficult to do?
     2. If it was difficult, why do you feel that it was difficult?
     3. Did you feel that the exercise was productive?
     4. What do you feel that you learned from the doing of it?
     5. Would you ever do something like this without it being an assignment?
• Homework results can be kept in a reserved for that purpose.
  1. In this book, they will write down the homework that has been given.
  2. In this book, they will record of their assignment.
  3. In this book, they will take notes during the counseling sessions.

There is a wide range of homework assignments that can be given.

• Time Management Issues
  1. Keep a log of everything that you did this week, noting the actual times.
  2. Memorize some scriptures that deal with accountability to God for our life.
  3. Develop a schedule for your normal weekly flow of activity, including all of your major responsibilities.
  4. Listen to Life Management II, Lessons 5-6 on Time Management.
• Parenting Issues
  1. Keep a log of each time that you raised your voice to one of your children and the context in which it happened.
  2. Discuss the issue of child discipline with your spouse and come up with three primary guidelines on which you can both agree.
  3. Spend a quality five minutes with each child individually each day where you discuss their day and affirm your love to them.
  4. Conduct family devotions three days each week and record what you did and the results.
  5. Plan a family outing that is especially geared for the ages of your children.
  6. Plan a regular weekly family night with your children and keep a record of what you did.
  7. Plan a family vacation and begin budgeting for it.
  8. Listen to the CD series on parenting from the Family Issues course and fill in the notes. Be prepared to discuss your observations.
• Marriage Issues
  1. Spend 15 minutes per day in prayer and Bible reading with each other.

     Ask the following questions from the passages read:

     1. Is there an example for me to follow?
     2. Is there a promise for me to claim?
     3. Is there a sin for me to avoid?
     4. Is there a special thought or teaching or insight about God?
     5. Is there a special application for my life today?
  2. Go out on a date this week that is completely planned by the husband.
  3. Give each other one conscious and sincere compliment each day. Keep track of your own statements.
  4. Work out a solution that you both can agree to regarding .
  5. Make a list of activities that you both enjoy that could serve as a basis for regular dates.
  6. Pray together each night before you go to bed.
  7. List five areas that you are happy with in your marriage, two issues that you know you need to work on in your marriage, and two issues that you feel the other person needs to work on.
  8. Listen to the marriage series from the Family Issues course and fill in the notes. Be prepared to discuss your observations.
• Financial Issues
  1. Keep a record of every purchase that you made this week.
  2. Bring your shopping list and shopping receipts.
  3. Fill out a budget worksheet and a list of all outstanding bills.
  4. Contact each of your creditors, apologize for your lateness, assure them of your sense of responsibility, and inform them of your proposed payment plan. Record the results of each call.
  5. Open a savings account and make an initial deposit. Establish guidelines as to how that money can be used.
  6. Listen to Life Management II, Lesson 7-12 on money management.
• Personal Issues
  1. Keep track of every time that you lost your temper, including with whom, when, and what led up to it.
  2. Do a Bible study on anger and the fruit of it in one's life.
  3. Write a letter to your father and forgive him for past sins against you. Bring the letter to the next session. Do not send it until I have approved it.
  4. Give a full six hours each working day to look for work. Bring a record of all calls made, all resumes delivered, and all interviews conducted.
  5. List three long-term goals that you have for yourself and when you hope to achieve them. Evaluate your progress in relation to each goal.

Some resources that will help with assignment ideas for the counselor.

• Wayne Mack has developed a number of homework manuals available from his website at mackministries.org.
  1. A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling: Personal and Interpersonal Problems (Vol. 1).
  2. A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling: Family and Marital Problems (Vol. 2).
  3. A Christian Growth and Discipleship Manual: A Homework Manual for Biblical Living (Vol. 3).
  4. Strengthening Your Marriage.
• Some other books include the following:

  Christian Therapist's Notebook: Homework, Handouts, and Activities for Use in Christian Counseling by Phillip J. Henry, Lori Marie Figueroa, and David R. Miller.

  Remember that no matter what resource you use for the counselee's homework, review it ahead of time to be sure it is consistent with your belief system.

There are some cautions relative to the counseling schedule.

• Work counselees into schedule.
• Keep counseling sessions to a specified .

  The first session might be longer because there will be a significant amount of information gathering. However, all subsequent sessions should be within the context of or less.

• Give ample time in so that they can work some things out.
• Don't be afraid to take a " " from counseling.
• Know when the counseling process.

  At some point, the counselor will have to decide when enough is enough. The termination of the process should be as a graduation to the next step.

There are some cautions relative to the counselor.

• Be sure you hear of a matter before you render judgment.

  Resist the urge to empathize with the person who came to you . Resist the urge to identify with a particular .

• Don't answer a matter before you .

  Take the time necessary to give appropriate attention to the problem at hand, gathering as much information as is necessary to the situation.

• Don't presume that people or the basic principles of the Bible.
• Don't counsel when you are emotionally and physically .
• Don't counsel but refer counselees to where they can get help.
• Don't .
• Follow the guidelines that have been given by .
• Do not or question counsel that has been given to the counselee by another minister or counselor without checking out their statements.
• Guard your so that you do not have to repent yourself (Col. 4:6).

  This leads to a whole discussion of confidentiality in the counseling process. We give extensive treatment to this subject in the course titled Pastoral Ministry, Lesson 11-12. For our discussion in this course, we will focus on some of the practical implications of confidentiality.

  1. We have a responsibility to operate under the laws of love, faithfulness, and edification.
     1. Watch what you share with your and other leaders concerning matters of counsel.
     2. Be careful at home, especially in front of the , not to discuss the problems of the people.
     3. Do not repeat stories of the , especially when you do not have all of the facts (Ex. 23:1).
     4. Do not allow requests for prayer to become a .
     5. Do not use people and their problems in with other leaders.
  2. We have a responsibility as Christians to operate with a commitment to the Lord, to the person, and to our designated role as a counselor.
     1. Make sure your counseling office is .
     2. Make sure your waiting area is not the center of .
     3. Keep counseling notes under .
     4. Ask to share with other leaders or pastors for your own outside advice and counsel.
• Be careful about what you identify to be of the problem.

  There are four main sources from which problems can arise:

  1. Demonic Activity

     If the problem is diagnosed as demonic activity, the solution requires some form of deliverance ministry. The solutions to the problems must be the correct diagnosis of the problem.

  2. Physical Illness

     If the problem is diagnosed as brain disease, the solution requires either a miracle of healing or treatment by a professional in the field.

  3. Chemical Imbalance

     If the problem is a chemical or hormonal imbalance due to some change of life (pregnancy, puberty, menopause, etc.), the solution to the problem may include prayer but more often than not will involve some assistance from the profession.

  4. Living and Lifestyle Issues

     Research psychiatrist E. Fuller Torrey says that about 5 percent of those who come to a psychiatrist are people with organic brain disease, about 75 percent are people with problems of living, and the other 20 percent "will require closer examination to make a final judgment."

     --The Death of Psychiatry, Torrey, page 195

• Learn to keep mercy and truth in perfect (Ps. 85:10; 40:11; 89:14; 61:7; Rom. 11:22). Refer to the course on Pastoral Ministry, Lesson 6.

  See: Psalm 85:10; 40:11; 89:14; 61:7; Romans 11:22

  1. Jesus knew when to be the kind, compassionate, forgiving minister of .
  2. Jesus also knew when to be the rebuking, correcting, and cleansing minister of (Luke 17:3).
  
  3. The counselor must know when to be merciful and when to be (Ezek. 34:16-17; II Sam. 22:26-28; I Cor. 4:21).
  4. The counselor who must wound must also be prepared to the wound (Deut. 32:39; I Sam. 2:6-7).

     If the counselor opens wounds and does not bind them up, it will lead to infection or bitterness in the counselee.

     Part of this process is to let the counselee know what you are doing and why you are doing it. The counselor should be able to say, "Why am I doing this? Why am I being so hard? I am doing this because I care about you. I am doing this because I am interested in your recovery. If you know the truth, you can eventually be free."

• Don't make promises that you cannot keep.

There are some cautions when counseling members of the opposite sex.

• While counseling with members of the opposite sex is to be avoided if it is at all possible, there are a few times when it cannot be avoided. In such cases, you should observe the following guidelines:
  1. Make sure that there are nearby who are aware of the counseling session.
  2. Make sure you are in a room into which others .
  3. Make sure to sit in a way that there is an object you and the counselee.
  4. Make sure that you the counselee physically during the session when offering comfort or prayer.
  5. Explain to the counselee your guidelines so that they understand and do not take your apparent personally.
  6. Make sure that you do not enter into " " discussions about personal or sexual matters.
  7. Make sure to get a member of the same sex involved .

There are several things that using illustrations in counseling will accomplish.

Illustrations are a way to add another dimension to the learning process.

• Illustrations will help to or clarify the truth.
• Illustrations will help the counselee or retain the truth.
• Illustrations will and keep the session from becoming too "heavy."
• Illustrations will the pathway for repentance, change, and recovery.

  Think of the story of the prodigal son. It teaches many things about the process of recovery (Refer to Lesson 19).

  1. He realized he had a problem.
  2. He understood that it was he who had to change.
  3. He was willing to confess that he had sinned both before God and man.
  4. He was willing to face those whom he had wronged.
  5. He prepared a careful speech so that he would confess accurately.
  6. He made a plan and followed through on that plan.
  7. He refused to blame anyone else for his condition.
  8. He did not presume upon the mercy of others.
  9. He was willing to do what he could to right the wrongs for which he had been responsible.
• Illustrations can present material that can be looked at more .
• Illustrations can help establish .

There are several sources from which illustrations may come.

Illustrations can come from many sources.

• Illustrations may come from and experience.

  Personal examples are a tremendous aid in the counseling process. In a sense, they can provide a form of modeling, imitation, or discipleship. This is a type of mentorship that flows from God to us. The Son imitated the Father (John 5:19, 30). Paul imitated Jesus (I Cor. 11:1). Paul enjoined his followers to follow him (I Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17).

  Personal illustrations may include:

  1. Personal victories over life-dominating sins.
  2. Financial victory over debt.
  3. Personal dealings of God in specific areas of character development.
  4. Growth in areas of family responsibilities.
• Illustrations may come from the lives of (Heb. 6:11-12; 13:7).

  Be sure that any story you use about another person is public knowledge or that you have been given permission by the person to use it as an illustration.

• Illustrations may come from things you about the counselee (Phil. 2:12).
• Illustrations may come from .

  Here are a couple of examples:

  1. For people who have tried to do something and failed over and over again.

     You can tell them about Abraham Lincoln, who is considered one of the greatest U.S. presidents ever. He had a string of failures before he was elected to the highest office in the land.

     • 1831 — He failed in business.
     • 1832 — He was defeated for state legislature.
     • 1833 — He again failed in business.
     • 1834 — He was elected to the state legislature.
     • 1835 — His sweetheart died.
     • 1836 — He had a nervous breakdown.
     • 1838 — He was defeated for speaker of the house.
     • 1840 — He was defeated for Congress.
     • 1846 — He was elected to Congress.
     • 1855 — He was defeated for Senate.
     • 1856 — He was defeated for Vice President.
     • 1858 — He was defeated for Senate.
     • 1860 — He was elected President!
  2. For people who feel that they are too old to start over.

     You can tell them about a man who lived in the southern United States who had a service station and restaurant business but went bankrupt at the age of sixty-five. It appeared that all was lost. As he assessed his condition, he took stock of what he could do.

     He knew how to do one thing well—fry chicken. He thought he might be able to sell his knowledge to others. He kissed his wife good-bye and in a battered old car, with a pressure cooker and a can of specially prepared flour, he set out to sell the idea to other restaurants.

     It was tough going, and he often slept in the car because there was not enough money for a hotel room. A few years later, he had built a nationwide, franchised restaurant chain called Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The man's name was Colonel Sanders.

• Illustrations may come from stories, movies, or songs.

  To be effective as illustrations, the stories that are used should be commonly known or at least known by the counselee. Also, it is important that when illustrations are drawn from these sources, they are in and do not call into question your maturity as a counselor.

• Illustrations may come from the world of .
  1. This includes the kingdom.

     Even the Bible used the animal kingdom to exemplify certain behavior. For instance, it uses the ant as a role model of and advanced planning (Pro. 6:6-11).

  2. This includes the kingdom (sowing, fertilizing, watering, pruning, reaping, etc.).

     An illustration of life coming out of death is found in the whole cycle of the seed (John 12:24-25).

  3. This includes the natural processes (seasons, tides, new moons, erosion, sowing and reaping, etc.).

     Jesus often used illustrations from nature.

     1. He spoke of the four different kinds of and the yield that could be expected from them (Mt. 13).
     2. He spoke of the rain, flood, and beating against the house of the wise and the foolish man (Mt. 7:24-27).
     3. He spoke of the power of in the measures of meal (Mt. 13:33; I Cor. 5:6).
• Illustrations may come from with which they may be familiar.
• Illustrations may come from .
  1. of the Bible
     1. The faith of Abraham.
     2. The suffering of Job.
     3. The heart of David.
     4. The servant spirit of Joseph.
     5. The determination of Joshua and Caleb.
     6. The humility of Moses.
  2. of the Bible
     • The two debtors (Luke 7:41-50).
     • Sewing a new patch on an old garment (Mt. 9:16).
     • Putting new wine into old wineskins (Mt. 9:17).
     • Sowing of seeds in the field (Mt. 13:3-23).
     • The wheat and the tares (Mt. 13:24-30, 36-43).
     • The mustard seed (Mt. 13:31-32).
     • Leaven (Mt. 13:33).
     • The treasure hidden in the field (Mt. 13:44).
     • The pearl of great price (Mt. 13:45-46).
     • The dragnet (Mt. 13:47-50).
     • The good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).
     • The rich fool (Luke 12:16-21).
     • The barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9).
     • The great supper (Luke 14:15-24).
     • Building a tower (Luke 14:28-30).
     • Going to war (Luke 14:31-33).
     • The lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7; Mt. 18:10-14).
     • The lost coin (Luke 15:8-10).
     • The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).
     • The unjust steward (Luke 16:1-8).
     • The rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).
     • The unprofitable servants (Luke 17:7-10).
     • The persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8).
     • The Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:10-14).
     • The unforgiving servant (Mt. 18:23-35).
     • The householder (Mt. 20:1-16).
     • The two sons (Mt. 21:28-31).
     • The vineyard (Mt. 21:33-44).
     • The marriage supper (Mt. 22:2-14).
     • The faithful and wise servant (Mt. 24:45-51).
     • The wise and foolish virgins (Mt. 25:1-12).
     • The talents (Mt. 25:14-30).
  3. from the Bible
     1. The potter's wheel (Is. 64:8).
     2. The shaping of an arrow (Is. 49:1-2).
     3. The refining of gold (Ps. 66:10).
     4. The shepherd and sheep (Ps. 23).
• Illustrations may come from the world of .

  Paul used athletics often to illustrate his challenges to people. He talked of runners in a race (I Cor. 9:24; Heb. 12:1). He spoke of boxers and how they fight (I Cor. 9:26-27).

• Illustrations may come from the stages of human growth and .
• Illustrations may come from human biological .
  1. The digestive system.
  2. The respiratory system.
  3. The nervous system.
  4. The skeletal system.
  5. The circulatory system.

There are guidelines that apply to the use of illustrations.

• Make sure that the illustration is .
• Make sure that the illustration is .
• Make sure that the illustration is or appropriate.
• Make sure that the illustration is .

There are charts or diagrams that can be used as illustrations.

• Begin to keep a file for charts or diagrams that help you to explain concepts.

  The law of sowing and reaping (See Lesson 9).

  

  How marriage relationships can come together.

  

  How guilt and blame are balanced.

  

What are the dangers of being dedicated to the primary ministry of counseling?

No one is emotionally built to handle one problem after another without the danger of several things happening.

1. They can become about life, wondering if there are any stable people left in the world.
2. They can begin to carry people's problems, which can become in their own life.
3. They can become or callous to the problems of people.

What are some guidelines for how a counselor should introduce themselves to the counselee?

1. Do not portray yourself as a counselor, psychologist, or psychotherapist.
2. Do not imply that you have professional when you do not.
3. Keep your terminology biblical instead of .
4. Do not present yourself as someone who has " " in relationship to all areas of life.
5. Let the counselee know that the is the basis for your advice.

What are some important guidelines when counseling with minor children?

1. It is important that or guardians are aware of any counseling that occurs in relation to their child.
2. It is wise to have present when children are counseled.
3. The counselor should never go into a child's home unless the parents are .
4. The counselor should never meet with a child in a private or secluded place .

What are some ways to confront people without becoming confrontational?

Learn how to turn direct statements into .

For instance, instead of telling a married person that they have a strong will, you might ask the question, "Would you or your spouse say that you have a strong will?"

When is it inappropriate to hear the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

There are times in the counseling process when you may have to stop the counselee from revealing all. The fact of the matter is, you do not need to hear all of the intricate details of shameful, sinful behavior. This is true whether it is sexual activity or some other type of bad behavior.

What should be in the heart of the counselor at all times?

In the heart of the counselor should be a love for people and a genuine care and concern for them. The purpose of counseling or confrontation is to assist people the same way a caring father or mother would assist their own children. To be a good counselor, you must be a people person.

Notice the following verses that demonstrate the heart needed to minister to people:

• I Corinthians 4:14-15

I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

• Philippians 1:3-8

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

• I Thessalonians 2:3-12

For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness--God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

What are some common complaints that people have expressed regarding their counselors?

1. The counselor was not really listening to me; they seem to be .
2. The counselor seemed to be whenever I tried to explain my situation.
3. The counselor seemed to be in to go somewhere.
4. The counselor treated me like I was a in the classroom who was acting up.
5. The counselor didn't take me seriously; he acted as if my problem was .
6. The counselor seemed to care more about than he did me.
7. The counselor gave a clear impression that he didn't know .
8. The counselor from my problem and simply talked of others that he had helped.
9. The counselor listened but gave no suggestions, no direction, no motivation, and no insight.

How important is the issue of sleep?

Sleep deprivation can have serious effects on your health in the form of physical and mental impairments. Inadequate rest impairs our ability to think, to handle stress, to maintain a healthy immune system, and to moderate our emotions.

Without adequate rest, the brain's ability to function quickly deteriorates. The brain works harder to counteract sleep deprivation effects, but operates less effectively. In such a case, concentration levels drop, and memory becomes impaired.

In addition, the brain's ability to problem-solve is greatly impaired. Decision-making abilities are compromised, and the brain falls into rigid thought patterns that make it difficult to generate new problem-solving ideas. Other typical effects of sleep deprivation can include:

• Hypertension
• Irritability
• Slower reaction times
• Slurred speech
• Tremors

What are three all-important areas in data gathering?

The following thoughts are taken from *Coping with Counseling Crises* by Jay Adams, pages 28-29.

Three all-important areas in the data gathering process are:

1. The involved in the crisis.

Who are they? In what ways are they involved? Are there others besides those who are immediately apparent to the counselee?

2. The of the counselee to each person involved and their to each party.

Does he owe money? Must he seek forgiveness? Has someone slandered his name?

3. The that need to be resolved.

What are they? Of what sort?

What are some things that may cause failure in the counseling process?

1. The counselor gets emotionally involved and becomes to the excuses given by the counselee.

The counselor must uphold the truth that there is no situation that can occur for which we do not have God’s grace to do the right thing (I Cor. 10:13).

2. The counselor comes to a conclusion without hearing all of the facts or all of the sides of an issue.
3. The counselor becomes by the person they are counseling and takes the matter personally.
4. The counselor in an issue because of some factor totally unrelated to the problem.
5. The counselor his or her involvement over that of the Spirit and the Word.

What are some things that you have learned about the counseling process?

1. No change will be permanent unless the person is changed on .
2. No problem is ever solved until it is solved according to the .
3. No matter how much you care about people, you everyone.
4. After all is said and done, people are freewill beings and will do what they .
5. People who resist the counseling process or balk at the advice they are given often than before they confronted truth.
6. People who are not open and walk out on your counsel will eventually have to face the truth and may come back to you if you keep .

What is the ultimate motivator when it comes to moving people toward biblical behavior?

When nothing else works, people need to understand that every believer will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ.

*For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.*

1. This judgment involves believers only and does not deal with the issue of forgiven sin and the salvation of the believer (Eph. 1:7-8; Is. 43:25).
2. This judgment concerns the believer’s faithfulness to all the (Luke 12:42-48).

And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”

Counseling Resource Books

1. The Renewed Mind by Larry Christensen

This is a very basic but outstanding book built on the premise that significant changes can take place in our lives as our minds are renewed to simple biblical truths. The author makes clear the distinction between what God has done and what we are to do as a result. This is a brief but helpful presentation on the difference between faith and grace and law and works.

He also addresses such topics as temptation, guilt, and forgiveness; the timing of God in the affairs of our lives, the power to forgive; the place of faith and patience; the purpose of trials and afflictions, and some helpful principles of prayer.

The Renewed Mind is a help for discipleship as well as a counseling tool for the very basic areas needed for growth in the life of a Christian.

2. Common Care Counseling Course and Materials by Terry & Cheryl Edwards and Bill Rose Kimball

This is by far one of the best resources for the Christian Counselors. It is designed for the Christian who wants to be of service to those in need around him. The course and its material offer specific practical helps for solving the most basic problems that we face as believers.

This course and its booklets also provide guidelines for counseling and specific scriptural instruction in 16 basic problem areas. Subjects covered include worry, fear, anger, depression and condemnation… just to name a few. Each booklet can be used for instruction, discipleship, counseling and accountability; all with a view toward effecting change in the life of a believer.

3. Competent to Counsel by Jay Adams

Adams clearly presents the authority of biblical counseling in sharp contrast to the humanistic approaches offered not only in secular society today but also in the church. He particularly emphasizes the finished work of Jesus Christ, the power of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, the personal responsibility of every believer and the ability of Christians to serve one another in the counseling process.

While this volume primarily addresses the foundations of counseling, it also offers practical instruction in the counseling process.

4. The Christian Counselor’s Manual by Jay Adams

As the title suggests this tool is a comprehensive handbook of counseling procedures and practices and their application to many of the problems that we will confront as counselors. Adams discusses the responsibility of the counselor and the counselee, the actual counseling session, the variety of approaches to various problems, the use of homework and accountability, and the various scriptures that apply to each of these problems and situations.

This work is invaluable as a textbook for instruction as well as a handbook for application.

5. Christian Counseling/ A Comprehensive Guide by Gary R. Collins, PhD

This book like Jay Adams’ Counselor’s Manual is a comprehensive textbook of problems, needs and issues requiring the assistance of a competent counselor. This work is extraordinarily thorough in its selection of counseling problems and its biblical solutions to those problems.

Collins deals with personal issues such as depression, anger and guilt; single/marital problems, family issues such as child-rearing, adolescents, and vocational counseling; and other issues such as finances, drugs and alcohol, grief and life traumas.

This also would be an invaluable addition to a counselor’s library.

6. More Than Redemption by Jay Adams

Not a book of “how-to’s” More Than Redemption is a study in the various doctrines that are foundational to all counselors. Jay Adams discusses the relationship between God and man, the affects of sin, and the role of the church in the counseling process. These are just a few of the theological themes that are presented as a means of helping us understand the root causes and basic solutions to the counseling problems that we face.

7. Handbook for Helping Others by Kenneth Stafford

This handbook gives basic yet very helpful material for counselors. It presents basic Christian counseling methods and topical helps for specific needs and problems.

8. Strengthening Your Marriage by Wayne Mack

This book is full of teaching outlines and homework assignments on issues related to building a strong marriage. He deals with understanding God’s purpose for marriage, the responsibilities of the wife, the responsibilities of the husband, communication in marriage, finances in marriage, sexual unity in marriage, raising children and family devotions. Wayne Mack has a website where other materials can be found including the homework manuals that were referred to in Lesson 20 of this course.

9. The Peace Maker by Ken Sande

This book is a biblical guide to resolving personal conflict. A key work of every counselor is bringing people back together, restoring relationships and resolving conflict. This book has become a classic work on these areas of counsel.

10. The Premarital Counseling Handbook by H. Norman Wright

Norman Wright has become a household name in the area of premarital counseling. This book brings together some of his best material and gives alternative resources from which the counselor may draw including three other books that he also authored, How to Speak Your Spouse’s Language, So You’re Getting Married, and Before you Say I Do.

11. How to Counsel from Scripture by Martin and Deidre Bobgan

This book is a great resource for the counselor. It focuses on the issue of change including methodology for change, the dynamics of change and key elements in the change process. It has some good discussions on the receiving and giving of love, the receiving and giving of forgiveness and the difference between inner and outer change.

12. Crisis Counseling by H. Norman Wright

This book is a good book when dealing with specific crisis issues. It has chapters on such themes as depression, suicide, death, divorce, wayward children, teenagers, life transitions and post-traumatic stress. It also has a chapter on the process of intervention.

13. Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible by Jay Adams

This is perhaps the best book on the subject today. The object of the book is to truly discover what the Bible teaches in this area. At all times it attempts to balance mercy and truth.

School of Ministry Resources

School of Ministry can be an important resource to the counselor when dealing with various issues. The following are some of the topics that are discussed at length in school of ministry.

• The Internet is a good source for counseling resources.

  While it is absolutely critical to screen the material that you find on the internet and be sure that it is in line with the principles of biblical counseling that you have learned in this class, it is amazing how much material is out there and available for free. There are articles and outlines on nearly every subject that you could name. Some of the material you will find is very good and useful; some of it is not so good and not so useful. However, often the counselor will be able to find some good material on the subject of their choice.