What Makes Biblical Counseling Biblical? The foundations of biblical counseling

Introduction:

Why is this topic needed?

Because not all counseling that proposes to be biblical is.

Because all of us need to be growing as biblical counselors.

Because all of us need caution in our “cutting and pasting”.

1) When it recognizes the bible as foundational

Practical Theology

Systematic Theology

Biblical Theology

Exegesis

Hermeneutics

Cannon

Level 6 without 1-5 is not biblical counseling

Levels 1-5 without level six is incomplete and ineffective.

Sanctification study

Ephesians 4

Galatians 5

Colossians 3

James 1&4

Romans 6, 7, & 8

How People Change Tim Lane and Paul Tripp

2) When it recognizes the bible as sufficient

a. Because of the noetic effect of sin.

i. The effects of sin on the mind not just our bodies

1. Our ability to reason are no longer pure

2. Does not mean they are never pure

b. Because of the effects of a persons presuppositions.

c. Therefore the Bible must be the controlling influence in our lives.

3) When it can be obtained and understood by any growing believer.

a. Instead of a “Gnostic flavor”.

b. Resulting in increased confidence.

4) Definition of biblical counseling

a. Discerning what thinking and behavior God wants to change.

b. Using God’s Word to change thinking and behavior

c. For the benefit of that person living a life to the glory of God.

Resources:

Competent to Counsel, Jay Adams

The Christian Counselor’s Manual, Jay Adams

The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment, Tim Challies

Idols of the Heart, Elyse Fitzpatrick

How People Change, Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, Paul David Tripp

Think Biblically, John MacArthur

Counseling: How to counsel biblically, John MacArthur

Seeing with New Eyes: Counseling and the human condition through the lens of Scripture, David Powlison

Blame It on the Brain?, Edward Welch

The Journal of Biblical Counseling