Introduction to Biblical Counseling

Introduction to Biblical Counseling  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
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Lecture 1. The New Biblical Counselor

Principles and Goals of Biblical Counseling

The purpose of all ministry work, including Biblical counseling, is to introduce Christ to the individual(s) being helped. Ultimately, He is the remedy for ails us.

A. Jesus is the Counselor of counselors.

Mark 6:34 NKJV
34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.

B. The Care of Souls is the responsibility of the church of Christ.

Hebrews 10:24 NKJV
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
Romans 15:14 NKJV
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

C. Therefore, the church must be fully equipped to care for souls with spiritual, emotional, and possibly physical health problems.

2 Corinthians 1:3–6 NKJV
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

Biblical Foundations: Key scriptures and theological principles that underpin biblical counseling

A. Biblical counseling requires a counselor who knows the Bible.

2 Timothy 2:15
2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

B. The biblical view of mental illness.

a. Organic health problems.

i. An example may be thyroid deficiencies.

ii. Mental illness can be caused by physical illness—a chemical malfunction.

1. This explains schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and some other extreme psychiatric illnesses.

2. Abnormal psychiatric illness is not caused by demonic possession. It can be treated with medicine.

b. The Bible gives an explanation for non-organic based problems.

i. Apart from organic based difficulties, the “mentally ill” are individuals with unresolved personal problems.

ii. The DSM V—TR includes too many unresolved personal problems as though they are mental illnesses.

1. Anxiety is a learned behavior.

2. Depression is a condition that may be overcome with proper biblical therapy and the aid of Jesus Christ, Matthew 11:28—30

Matthew 11:28–30 NKJV
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

C. Colossians 3:16 admonishes all Christians. We usually address this verse to our worship practices. Contextually, it may refer to the reciprocal practice of teaching and admonishing one another. The other parts of the passage are the expedient to how to accomplish this command.

Biblical counseling is a teaching and admonishing practice.

C. Feeling and Behavior

a. Genesis 4:3—7. Cain’s depression was a consequence to his rejection by God. Father God showed favoritism to Abel’s righteous offering.

b. 1 Peter 3:16. Jay Adams adeptly writes, “A good conscience, according to Peter, depends upon good behavior. Good lives come from good deeds; good consciences come from good behavior. Conscience, which is man’s ability to evaluate his own actions, activates unpleasant visceral and other bodily warning devices when he sins.” (Adams, 1970)

c. Acts 3:19. When an individual repents, they correct their behavior, God brings refreshment to their soul. Thereby bringing peace to their mental wellbeing.

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