copyright 2008 Cheryl K. Hosken, BSN, MS Psych.
This lecture is a brief overview of the first 10 lessons of the introductory Biblical counseling course. The complete lessons in Russian can be found on the "Bibliologia" CD-ROM. For the full course in English, go to http://www.bcfministries.org. The questions in this lecture are not part of the Biblical counseling course: they have been added to help the student understand and evaluate Biblical counseling as a method for helping a client deal with his psychological problems.
What is Biblical counseling? Every generation has offered man-made philosophies, but personal and interpersonal problems continue to plague mankind. Even in the Church there are unhappy and broken marriages, alcohol and drug abuse, gluttony, depression, fear, worry, and many other problems resulting in psychological and physical illness. As Christians we believe that essential Biblical principles can change our life. But do we actually know what the Bible teaches about this?
If we seriously desire to overcome these problems and to reach spiritual maturity, we must be willing to confront our failures and make the needed changes described in the Bible (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 5:9; Col. 3:1-17). If we do this, we will become mature in the Lord Jesus Christ and will be able to help others in an effective and biblical manner (Mat. 7:1-5; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; Gal. 6:1-5; 2 Tim. 2:2). Thus, Biblical counseling builds the foundation for lasting, positive change in your life.
YOU CAN CHANGE BIBLICALLY
God gives you the ability to make the necessary first step on the way to a continuing transformation on the foundation of the Bible. This step is your response to God's love, incarnate in Jesus Christ (see Jn. 1:12; 3:16-21; Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Jn. 4:10). Even though eternal life is a gift, many reject it (Mat. 7:13-14; Jn. 1:9-12; 3:16-21; Rom. 6:23).
(Principle 1) You must understand that man's way of solving problems is far from God's solutions.
A. There are two reasons for a detailed plan of salvation.
- First of all, it is important for you to understand the spiritual principle that all human wisdom, philosophy, inventions, procedures, ponderings and your sincerity cannot replace God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. All who try to save themselves by another way than through Jesus Christ, the Scriptures compare to a thief and a robber (Jn. 10:1 and 7).
- The next reason agrees with and flows out of the same basic spiritual principle as the first. Problems that come to people as a result of the sin of disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis, chapter 3; Rom. 5:12), are impossible to solve by human means or philosophy (1 Cor. 3:19-20; Col. 2:6-8), in spite of all the vain attempts to combine the Word of God with unregenerate positions and theories (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:19).
- a. The futility of these attempts are especially recognizable when you see what the Word of God declares about its full sufficiency for solving life's problems (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:2-4).
- b. Considering the problem of rebellion and disobedience in a purely superficial way, the human mind tries to distort the very will and plan of God to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and trust in His Word in every area of life.
B. The Word of God is given to man as the only source where one can find God's solutions to real, existing problems that are tearing him apart (Ps. 19:7-11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:2-4).
Question:
1. If all truth comes from God, can a non-Christian scientist discover part of God's truth in nature, including human nature?
yes /
no.
You must understand the difference between man's way and God's way in your search for a full, happy life of inner peace.
C. The basic difference lies in the fact that man's way is oriented on himself: to please himself, make himself pleasant, rely on himself, realize himself, forgive himself, exalt himself and love himself. In the Scriptures all of this is called the old nature (Rom. 6:6; Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:9).
D. God's way envisages your new birth and being changed by:
All of these manmade solutions of problems of the mind, heart and spirit are unacceptable to God as vain human meditations, replacements for salvation and the unchangable truths of God's Word (see Ps. 119:160; Prov. 14:12, 30:5-6; Jer. 17:9-10; Mat. 15:1-20; Jn. 4:23-24; Acts 4:12; Rom. 1:21, 25, 28; 8:5-10; 1 Cor. 3:18-20; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:22-24; Phil. 2:3-5; 3:18-19; 2 Tim. 3:1-5).
After you have received salvation by God's grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, your growth in Christ and your readiness to help others in a Christian way will depend entirely upon your striving to evaluate yourself by Biblical criteria and put God's Word to work in your life (see Mat. 7:1-5;Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 11:31; Gal. 6:1-5; Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Jn. 1:8-9).
I. You must become established in the Christian way of life.
(Principle 2) You must be rooted, grounded and established in the Lord Jesus Christ and not conform to this world (Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 2:6-10). You need to obey the Word of God in order to become mature (Mat. 7:24-27; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 5:12-14; Jam. 1:22-25; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 1:4-11; 1 Jn. 2:5).
II. You must prepare yourself to help others.
(Principle 3) Obeying God's Word begins with a critical attitude toward yourself and removal of sinful barriers from your life (Mat. 7:1-5; 1 Cor. 11:28-31; Heb. 12:1). Then you will have the honor and responsibility of helping others live and overcome sin (Mat. 7:5; Rom. 15:14; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; Gal. 6:1-5).
Question:
2. A psychologist who is living in adultery could be qualified to be a marriage counselor, just as a bank robber could make a good judge because he understands the criminal mind.
true /
false.
MAN'S WAY AND GOD'S WAY
In order to learn how to follow God's way, you must first of all accept the salvation given by the Lord through His Son Jesus Christ and begin a new life that is based on God's truth, His abilities and wisdom, and not trust in your own or someone else's wisdom, philosophy or life experience (see Prov. 3:5-6; Jn. 14:6; Rom. 10:9-10, 13, 17, 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 5:21; Col. 2:6-10; Jam. 3:13-15). By God's grace and mercy you have all that is needed for a godly life (see Jn. 14:26; Rom. 8:11; 2 Cor. 1:20-24; Eph. 1:13-14; Phil. 4:13; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jam. 1:5; 1 Jn. 5:14-15).
I. The Bible does not need any additions.
(Principle 4) Because God's Word is the only unchanging authority for faith and conduct, and is the basis and the measuring rod for all aspects of life, you must not rely on any other source. God's Word gives you hope and leads you toward transformation in your actions (in thoughts, words and deeds). It is able to prepare you for every good work (Ps. 19:7-11; Prov. 30:5-6; Col. 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:2-4) and teach you how to serve people as Christ did (2 Cor. 3:5-6; Phil. 2:5-8).
Question:
3. If the Biblical counseling course is not God's Word but only an interpretation of God's Word, explain how you can rely on the Biblical counseling course.
II. The Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary.
(Principle 5) Only by the power of the Holy Spirit will you aquire life in all of its fullness. The Holy Spirit is your Teacher, Guide and accurate counselor, revealing God's wisdom to you. (Jn. 14:26, 16:7-14; Rom. 8:5-11; 1 Cor. 2:9-14; Eph. 1:13-14; 5:18).
III. Prayer is vitally important.
(Principle 6) In order for your life to be guided by the Holy Spirit, you need to pray. (Ps. 145:18-19; Mat. 7:7-8; Eph. 5:18-20; 6:18; 1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Jn. 3:22). According to God's will, you should be devoted to prayer, and pray about everything (Lk. 18:1; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:1; 1 Jn. 5:14-15).
Man in his wisdom has invented many theories and philosophical teachings, attempting to find an explanation for his thoughts, words and deeds. In them he has proudly denied his sinfulness and has distorted God's definition of truth and falsehood (see Prov. 14:9а, 12, 16; 21:2, 24; 26:12; Is. 5:20-21; 1 Cor. 3:19-20; 1 Tim. 1:5-7; 2 Tim. 3:1-5). God's Word clearly shows the vanity of human life. Man is full of serious inadequacies, which he himself is powerless to correct (see Prov. 14:12; Is. 55:8-9; Rom. 1:28-32; 3:10-12; 1 Cor. 2:14).
IV. Man's way
A. By nature man is imperfect.
(Principle 7) You cannot live in agreement with God's plan if you depend only on your own will and wisdom (Prov. 14:12; Is. 55:8-9; 1 Cor. 2:14).
B. By nature man is rebellious.
(Principle 8) Human nature is egotistical and rebels against God's will (Gen. 3:1-6; Rom. 1:20-32; 3:9-18, 23; 10:1-3). More than that, for God partial obedience is just as unacceptable as conscious rebellion (see 1 Ki. 15:22-23, especially v. 22-23; Is. 1:10-20; Hos. 6:6; Mic. 6:6-8; Mk. 12:28-33, especially v. 33).
V. God's way
Man needs to be transformed.
(Principle 9) Man needs rebirth (being born again, spiritual birth), in order to learn to discern sin in himself, confess it and decide to solve his problems in a godly way. Only God's solutions, grace, inspiration and wisdom are sufficient to have abundant life (Eccl. 12:13-14; Jn. 3:3-8; 10:10; 14:16-17, 26; Rom. 8:5-14; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; Eph. 2:8-10).
Question:
4. How do you think Biblical counseling deals with genetic abnormalities that cause psychological problems?
THE WAY OF BIBLICAL TRANSFORMATION
Many of our problems arise from the fact that we deny, we do not acknowledge God's way. In order to overcome sin, admit your inability and turn to God's power for salvation. Only then can you get on the path of transformation, as a child of God, fully trusting on the Lord and His Word (see Prov. 1:22-23; Rom. 1:16-32; 6:4-7, 11-14; Phil. 2:12-13; Jam. 1:25; 2 Pet. 1:5-10). Biblical transformation begins at the moment of spiritual rebirth and continues life-long. The focus of life shifts from one's own person to the Lord and to Biblical love of people, which is accompanied by the dying out of man's old nature (see Mat. 22:37-39; Lk. 9:23; Jn. 3:3; Rom. 12:1-2; Tit. 2:11-14).
I. Movement downward
(Principle 10) God's thoughts and ways are much higher than ours (Is. 55:8-9), and His Word is truth (Ps. 119:160; Jn. 17:17). If we look down on or deny the Lord's ways and His truth, then problems in life will grow and become worse (Prov. 1:25-32; 13:15; 28:13-14; Rom. 1:20-32; Gal. 5:16-21; Heb. 3:7-19; Jam. 1:14-15).
II. The beginning of Biblical transformation
(Principle 11) The transforming power of being born again is necessary in order for life to be victorious, in order to aquire the power to overcome the world and life's difficulties (Jn. 3:3-7; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Tit. 3:3-7; Jn. 5:4-5).
(Principle 12) The main thing for man is the fear of the Lord (reverence toward God and striving to keep his commandments) (Eccl. 12:13-14; 1 Pet. 1:17). You must love God and people in response to God's love to you (Mat. 22:37-39; Jn. 15:9-14; 1 Jn. 4:11, 19). You must make your life worthy and pleasing to God in all its aspects (2 Cor. 5:9; Col. 1:10), becoming a doer of the Word (Jn. 14:15; Jam. 1:22; 1 Jn. 2:3-4). In obedient response to God's love, you will become mature in Christ, and He will bless you with peace and joy (Jn. 15:10-11; 16:33). The Lord will bless you abundantly (Mat. 6:33; Jam. 1:25; 1 Jn. 3:22). But disobedience to the Word will lead to God's judgment and retribution (1 Cor. 11:31-32; Heb. 12:5-10).
(Principle 13) In order to aquire God's grace and wisdom for solving problems that arise in your life, you must ask in faith (Heb. 4:16; Jam. 1:5-8), live according to God's Word (Jam. 1:22-25) and trust in His power (2 Cor. 3:4-5; Phil. 4:13).
Question:
5. Biblical transformation occurs when:
(One or more of the following answers may be correct.)
You are born again.
You ask in faith for God's wisdom to solve your problems.
You love God and people in response to God's love to you.
You die and go to heaven.
III. The upward way
(Principle 14) Continually submit to God's Word (1 Jn. 2:3-6), in order to grow in godliness (1 Tim. 4:7-8; 2 Pet. 1:3-11) and know true peace (Ps. 119:165; Jn. 16:33) and joy (Jn. 15:10-11).
The hope of every believer is in the Lord. He is the first cause of everything in your life (including problems and testings) so that they will serve for good, to the degree that you constantly show your love for Him as expressed in obedience. Thanks to the hope that the Lord gives us, you have the opportunity to express your love and faith in any circumstances. Understanding and responding to problems in the light of Scripture glorifies the Lord, at the same time as He continues to transform you according to the likeness of Christ (see Prov. 3:5-6; Rom. 8:28-29, 15:13; 2 Cor. 3:16-18; 4:7-10, 16-18; Gal. 5:22-23; Jam. 1:2-4, 22-25; 1 Jn. 3:2-3).
IV. Understanding personal problems:
A. On the level of feelings (that in part reflect your values in life, and also reveal what your inner peace and joy depend upon)
(Principle 15) A feeling of dissatisfaction with the attitude of people points to being focused on oneself, and not on Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:14-15; 2 Tim. 2:24-25; Heb. 12:3).
(Principle 16) Your feelings, attitude toward yourself, to those around you and your surroundings - all of this often tells whether you are living to please yourself, or to please the Lord (Gen. 4:6-7; Ps. 119:165; Jn. 14:27; 15:10-11; Rom. 14:17-18; 2 Cor. 7:10; Phil. 4:6-7; 1 Jn. 4:18-21).
B. On the level of actions (that shows how much you are dedicated to the Lord)
(Principle 17) Those who hear the Word of God and obey it will be blessed (Jos. 1:8; Ps. 19:11; Prov. 29:18; Mat. 7:20-27; Jam. 1:25; 1 Jn. 3:22), and their ability to discern good and evil will grow (Heb. 5:14).
(Principle 18) If you do not obey the Word, you are deceiving yourself (Jam. 1:22-24), showing a lack of love for the Lord (Jn. 14:23-24), placing yourself under the correcting hand of God (1 Cor. 11:32; Heb. 12:5-11) and denying the reality of His life within you (Rom. 6:11-13, 17-18; 1 Jn. 2:3-4; 3:7, 10).
C. On the level of your heart's perceptions (in part expressed in your thoughts, words and deeds)
(Principle 19) Because not even you can fully understand your own heart (Jer. 17:9), God's Word is the measuring rod and the tool for discerning the problems of the heart (Heb. 4:12). Your attitude to problems must not depend on people, circumstances or things. The Lord uses your actions (thoughts, words and deeds) in any situation to show you the condition of your heart (Mat. 15:18-20; Mk. 7:20-23; Lk. 6:45).
Question:
6. What are the three levels of understanding your personal problems, per the Biblical Counseling method?
V. Hope in the middle of a multitude of trials
(Principle 20) Believers in Christ are freed from the power of sin and punishment for it (Rom. 6:6-7, 14, 18, 23).
(Principle 21) God does not permit trials or temptations that believers are unable to bear. He sends His grace and strength to endure any trial and resist any temptation, so that you never have to sin (Rom. 8:35-39; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 4:7-10; 12:9-10; Phil. 4:13; Heb. 4:15-16; 2 Pet. 2:4-9).
(Principle 22) Our Lord Jesus Christ gives us mercy and grace in our need. He constantly is interceding for you as a lawyer before God the Father and fully understands your weaknesses (Heb. 2:18; 4:15-16; 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1).
(Principle 23) Temptations and trials strengthen you and lead you toward maturity in Christ, if you will respond to them in the way God wants (Rom. 5:3-5; Jam. 1:2-4). He never wishes you evil or harm, instead, His plan for you is for your good (Gen. 50:20; Deut. 8:2, 5, 16; Ps. 145:17; Eccl. 7:13-14; Jer. 29:11-13; Rom. 8:28-29; Jam. 1:13-17).
(Principle 24) God's peace and joy are available to believers irrespective of other people, material wellbeing or conditions (Ps. 119:165; Mat. 5:3-12; Jn. 14:27, 15:11, 16:33, 17:13; Rom. 14:17; Phil. 4:4-7; 1 Pet. 1:6-9).
(Principle 25) Only God can change people (Ezek. 36:26-27; Phil. 1:6, 2:13), and this means you can't change them, so you can't be responsible for it. You only answer before God for your own deeds (Jer. 17:10; Ezek. 18:1-20, especially v. 20; Mat. 16:27; Rom. 2:5-10; Col. 3:23-25; 1 Pet. 1:17) and must strive to live in peace with all people (Mat. 5:23-24; Mk. 11:25; Rom. 12:9-21, 14:19; 1 Pet. 3:8-9; 4:8).
(Principle 26) When you confess your sins, God forgives and cleanses you (1 Jn. 1:9).
Question:
7. If you can't change other people, in what way can you offer them Biblical counseling?
THE STRUCTURE OF BIBLICAL TRANSFORMATION
Biblical transformation in your life is born by the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. You are a new creation in Christ, and you are enabled to change your thoughts, words and deeds, casting off your old nature and in love serving God and people (see Mat. 22:37-39; Lk. 9:23; Jn. 3:5-6; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:15, 17; Eph. 4:22-24; Phil. 2:3-8; 3:12-14; Tit. 3:5).
Your steps on the way of Biblical transformation
A. Process
(Principle 27) Effective and continual Biblical transformation is a life-long process. You must obey the commands of God's Word in all you do (in thoughts, words and deeds) (Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jam. 1:21-25; 2 Pet. 1:2-4). Casting off your old sinful nature and beginning to live in righteousness and holiness, you are being renewed in the spirit of your mind (Rom. 6:11-14, 16-23, 12:1-2; Eph. 4:22-24; Phil. 2:12-13; Col. 3:5-17; 2 Tim. 2:19).
B. What you must cast off
(Principle 28) In order to leave sinful habits behind, first of all you must determine what they are, evaluating your life in the light of God's Word (Mat. 7:1-5; 1 Cor. 11:28-31; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12). Once you have determined specific sins in your life, you must repent of them (Prov. 28:13; 2 Cor. 7:9-10; Rev. 2:5), исповедать их (1 Jn. 1:9), and abandon them without delay (Rom. 6:12-13а; 2 Cor. 10:5; Eph. 4:25, 29, 31; 5:4; Col. 3:2, 5-9; 2 Tim. 2:22а).
В. What you must put on
(Principle 29) When by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16; Eph. 3:16-21, 5:18) you are clothed in the works of righteousness (2 Tim. 2:22б; Tit. 2:11-12), then you will glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Pet. 4:11), love Him (Deut. 10:12; Mat. 22:37; 1 Jn. 5:3; 2 Jn. 1:6), and please Him in everything (2 Cor. 5:9, Col. 1:10).
Question:
8. Briefly summarize, in two or three sentences, the structure of Biblical transformation.
THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND
Satan, the enemy of humankind, will constantly tempt you, appealing to your egotistical feelings and desires. You can resist his attacks by renewing your mind according to God's plan. Salvation is the first step in this process, and obedience to God's Word is the guarantee that your mind will be renewed into the likeness of Christ (Gen. 3:1-7; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:3; Gal. 5:17; Phil. 2:5-8, 13; Heb. 5:14; Jam. 1:14-15; 1 Pet. 5:8; 1 Jn. 4:4).
I. The renewing of your mind in the light of growth in Christ
A. Renewing your mind is a process, in which your thoughts and will are more and more oriented on Christ. A growing dedication to and obedience to God's Word indicates the renewing of your mind (see Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:22-32; Col. 3:10-17).
B. The continual renewing of your mind is an inseparable part of your spiritual development (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23; Col. 3:10).
II. The renewing of your mind in the light of personal obligations
A. By the divine power mercifully given you (Jn. 15:4-5; Phil. 2:13), you must think Biblically (2 Cor. 10:5, Phil. 4:8-9; Col. 3:1-2).
B. Your following the Scriptures enables the further renewing of your mind (Heb. 5:14; Jam. 1:22-25). Scripture commands us:
Acting in this way, you give the Word of Christ an opportunity to fill you Col. 3:16). It is also important, that you in actual fact apply the Word in those areas where Biblical transformation is needed. Continually acting in this way, you are renewing the spirit of your mind, becoming like Christ (Col. 3:8-10; Heb. 5:14).
I. The sequence of Biblical transformation
A. Beginning
(Principle 30) Changes come only when you remember where you have fallen from, repent and start living like you did when you first received the Lord Jesus Christ into your life (Rev. 2:4-5). Acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ and become a committed doer of the Word (Lk. 6:46-49). If you are just a hearer, but not a doer of the Word, you will remain spiritually immature (1 Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 5:11-13; Jam. 1:22-24), a fool (Mat. 7:24-27), spiritually deluded (Jam. 1:22).
B. Continuation
(Principle 31) In order that the process of Biblical transformation does not stop, you must diligently fulfill your daily Christian obligations (Eph. 5:15-16; Col. 3:23-24; Jam. 4:17) and cultivate godliness in yourself (1 Tim. 4:7-11; 2 Pet. 1:5-11; 1 Jn. 3:7). Constantly obeying the Word, you learn to discern good and evil (Heb. 5:14). Your spiritual growth is completely under the Lord's control (Gal. 5:22-23; Phil. 1:6, 2:13; Heb. 12:2а, 13:20-21), and is divinely linked with how much your lifestyle corresponds to Biblical principles (Eph. 2:10; 4:14-16; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; Heb. 13:20-21; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 1:5-11).
C. Maturity
(Principle 32) In order to become mature in Christ, you must firmly continue to do what is good in the Lord's eyes, by means of submitting to Scripture (Lk. 17:10; Jn. 14:15; Rom. 2:7; 1 Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9; Jam. 1:22-25). Continue to move toward the high calling in Christ Jesus (Eph. 4:1; Phil. 3:12-14; Heb. 6:1-3), not indulging your egocentric feelings and desires (2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 5:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:19-20, 4:1-6). Discipline your thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5; Col. 3:1-2; Phil. 4:8), express yourself in a way that your words will be grace for the hearers (Eph. 4:29; Col. 4:6), and in a Biblical way love other people with full devotion (Mat. 22:39; 1 Cor. 13:4-8а; 1 Jn. 4:7-8, 10-11, 20). Do not focus on momentary results, but on eternal values, in order to grow in Christ (2 Cor. 4:17-18; Col. 3:1-2; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; 2 Pet. 1:4-10), glorify the Lord (1 Cor. 10:31) and please Him in everything (2 Cor. 5:9; Col. 1:10).
Question:
9. What are the three steps in the sequence of Biblical transformation?
(Only one of the following answers is correct.)
In the light of growth in Christ, in the light of personal obligations and renewing your mind.
To hear the Word, read the Word and memorize the Word.
Beginning, continuation and maturity.
SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF YOUR EGO
You will run into the constant temptation of egotism, out of which your thoughts, words and deeds become destructive for the whole Body of Christ and your fellowship with the Lord. Sins that sprout up in this way are a sign of a life that is being lived apart from the Lord, and in order to grow in God they must be confessed and rooted out (see Prov. 28:13; Jer. 17:9; Mk. 7:20-23; Rom. 6:12-13; 1 Cor. 3:1-3; Gal. 5:16-26; Eph. 4:1, 5:3-5; 1 Pet. 1:14-17, 2:11-12).
I. God's point of view
(Principle 33) No one hates himself; instead everyone loves, cherishes and supports himself (Mat. 22:39; Eph. 5:29). Man's problem is that he doesn't devote too little, but rather too much attention to himself (Lk. 9:24; Phil. 2:19-21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5).
(Principle 34) A correct comprehension of one's own person comes from understanding one's place in Christ (Rom. 8:14-17; Eph. 1:3-14; Col. 2:9-12; 1 Pet. 2:9-10). As a child of God, you can be sure that by His grace and mercy the Heavenly Father is actively participating in your life (Phil. 1:6, 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:3-4), in spite of natural deficiencies you may have (Ps. 63:9; Is. 64:6; Jn. 15:4-5; 2 Cor. 3:5). At the moment when you were totally unable to follow God's way in your own strength, He chose you to be a witness to the world about His mighty power (1 Cor. 1:26-31). The Lord brings the idea into life, moving you toward the likeness of Christ (Mat. 5:16; Rom. 8:28-29; 1 Cor. 1:26-31; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; Eph. 2:10).
(Principle 35) Your psychological balance in every situation depends on obedience to God in all your actions (thoughts, words and deeds) (Gen. 4:7; Ps. 119:165; Is. 26:3; Lk. 11:28; Jn. 15:10-11; 2 Cor. 4:7-10, 16-18; Phil. 4:6-11). Submitting to the Lord in your everyday life, you demonstrate your love for Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:15, 21, 23-24; 1 Jn. 2:4-5) and you demonstrate His Lordship (Mat. 7:21). Your faithful obedience is pleasing to God (1 Ki. 15:22; Heb. 11:6), and not merely a ceremonial declaration of commitment (Prov. 20:6; Mat. 7:21; 1 Jn. 2:4), expressions of repentance (e.g. 1 Ki. 15:24-26) or even positive but thoughtless acts (Ps. 40:6; 51:16-17; Jer. 6:20; Heb. 10:1-4).
Question:
10. According to 2 Tim. 3:16-17, all Scripture is useful:
(One or more of the following answers may be correct.)
In the area of doctrine - the existence and character of God, man's purpose in life, and how we can know God.
As a textbook for physics, pharmacology or neurology.
In the area of moral conduct, encouraging the good and correcting the evil.
As an instruction manual for using and maintaining your automobile.
II. Your hope
(Principle 36) You should be thankful to God for the way you are wondrously and marvelously made (Ps. 119:73; 139:13-14). Even if you have some kind of physical limitations or an incurable ailment, God's plan includes the fact that He can use them for your good and for His glory (Rom. 5:3-5; 8:28; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 12:9-10). God loves you with a perfect love, not thinking of your weaknesses and "limitations," although you are not worthy and cannot earn His love (Is. 53:6; Lk. 15:4-7; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 Jn. 4:10).
(Principle 37) You are able to battle self-abnegation, self-exaltation and self-pity. This becomes possible when a person acknowledges that being focused on himself is sin (Mat. 23:12; Lk. 9:23; Rom. 14:7-8; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 2:3-4; Jam. 4:16-17). Acknowledge this unbiblical position and begin right away to live in agreement with God's Word (Ps. 51:10; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 Jn. 1:9).
(Principle 38) You have been given freedom from the power of every sin (Rom. 6:6, 12-13; 12:21; Col. 3:2-17), including from jealousy, envy, lust and greed, which are an expression of egotism. You can find balance in any circumstances (Phil. 4:11-13), having "the mind that was in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5).
NOTE: Understand that the very best for you is hidden in the heart of your Heavenly Father, the Almighty God of the universe (Jer. 29:11; Mat. 6:7-8; Rom. 8:28). He will carry out His intentions in your life (Is. 46:9-11; Rom. 8:29; Phil. 1:6; 2:13). He promises to answer every need that you will ever have (Ps. 33:10, 15-18; 37:23-25; Mat. 6:33-34; Phil. 4:19), and He will fully equip you for every good work (1 Cor. 12:7; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 4:10-11) and He will be with you in every circumstance of life (Ps. 23:1-6, 120:1-8; 2 Tim. 4:18; 1 Jn. 5:18).
God commands us to strive to change our attitude toward ourselves according to Biblical truth. Not egotism in all its various forms is pleasing to God, but self-denial, in order to become a blessing for others (Eccl. 7:20; Lk. 9:23-24; Rom. 1:20-21; 3:9-18; 12:1-12; 1 Cor. 2:14; 3:19-20; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:8-10; Phil. 3:8-9, 12-14; Heb. 13:20-21).
Question:
11. A faithful Christian is dying of brain cancer that is causing paranoia and manic-depression. How would you counsel him?
III. Your transformation
(Principle 39) You must change the focus on your own person in daily situations and relationships (Lk. 9:23-23; Jn. 3:30; 12:24-26; Рим 12:3; 14:7-8; 2 Кор 5:15), obeying God's commandments (Mat. 20:2б-28; Lk. 4:8; Jn. 13:3-17, especially v.14-15; Rom. 15:3; 1 Cor.9:19, 10:24, 32-33; Phil. 2:3-7; Col. 3:23-24; 1 Pet. 4:10).
(Principle 40) You must throw off sins that filled your life without Christ: envy, jealousy, lust and greed. Rejoice in the Lord, trust in Him, hope in Him (Ps. 37:1-9). You need to be filled not with jealousy and egotistical strivings, but with mercy and good fruits; be incorruptable, calm, gentle, thoughtful, unshakeable in your decisions and unhypocritical (Jam. 3:16-17).
(Principle 41) Being redeemed by the precious sacrifice of Jesus Christ, you no longer belong to yourself (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 1 Pet. 1:17-19). Your master is God, and you are a builder (a managing servant) of all that He has given you. As God's servant you have been given the honor and responsibility to be faithful in everything that He has entrusted you you personally (Mat. 25:14-19; Lk. 16:10-13; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Pet. 4:10). Being a servant of the Lord, do not seek servants for yourself (Мк. 10:42-45) or honor from people (Col. 3:23; 1 Thess. 2:4-6). In contrast, strive only to please the Lord (1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor.5:9; Heb. 13:20-21).
Question:
12. Biblical counseling is effective when the causes of psychological problems are:
(Select the best answer.)
Genetic or an accident during childbirth.
Demon possession or disobedience to God's Word.
Both of the above answers.
IV. Practical application
(Principle 42) Constantly test (evaluate) yourself from a Biblical point of view (Mat. 7:5; 1 Cor. 11:26-32) and do not compare yourself with others (2 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 6:3-4). Determine whose recognition you are seeking in the final analysis (2 Cor. 5:9; Gal. 1:10; Col. 3:23-24; 1 Thess. 2:4).
(Principle 43) Thank God for weaknesses that you yourself cannot correct (2 Cor. 12:7-10; Eph. 5:20; 1 Thess. 5:18) and correct your obvious shortcomings that hinder you from serving God and building up others (Mat. 22:37-39; Phil. 2:12-16; Col. 3:2-15; Heb. 12:2; Jam. 4:8).
(Principle 44) Your love must be without hypocrisy (not imitation) (Rom.12:9), and must display Christian fruit in thoughts, words and deeds (Mat. 5:16; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:1-2).
There is much more content in these 10 lessons than we can present in one lecture, but we hope that you now understand the essence of Biblical counseling.
Question:
13. What is your personal evaluation of Biblical counseling as a method of therapy?